Post Sale Update: This 3 1/2 sold for $6,500 after 9 bids on eBay.
In one of their reviews of the Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport, Cycle World said, “For the lucky few, the Morini is worth what it costs.” Considering the fact that this bike (with a 39 horsepower, 344cc engine) cost as much as a Honda CB750, it should tell you how much Cycle World enjoyed the Morini. Few were sold in the US and fewer still remain today, but the original US importer is still in business if you need spare parts.
The Sport was never more popular than a cult classic, but those devoted fans rave about the handling that was possible due to the 320 pound curb weight. For more on what make this bike interesting (and why straight-line speed isn’t as crucial if you can make up ground in the corners), check out this profile on Motorcycle Classics. There’s just something about that giant “Sport” emblem on the triple tree that makes me happy – seems like the kind of thing that would make you want to go even faster with your head tucked in and the “Sport” taking up a large part of your peripheral vision, constantly reminding you of what the bike is.
This example (VIN: A310098) is claimed to be “cosmetically and mechanically like new” by the seller, who also notes that there’s something odd about the odometer. It currently shows 50,024 kilometers, but the condition of the bike makes that number implausible. The seller believes that the odometer broke at some point in the past and was replaced because the registration shows 5,001 miles and there’s it’s unlikely the bike has over 30,000 miles unless it has been restored. In the last year, this bike has received a new timing belt, rebuilt carbs, a new master cylinder, and a rebuilt speedo.
Here’s a startup and takeoff video:
Find this 3 and a half for sale in Riegelsville, Pennsylvania with bidding up to $5,000 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $8,500