Few engines inspire loyalty quite like the Moto Morini V-twin, and Ollie Hulme is the first to admit his long-standing affection for the marque. In this instalment of Ollie’s Oddjobs, he encounters fellow Morini enthusiast Moto Morini devotee Ian Wagstaff — a rider whose appetite for speed has resulted in a striking and technically ambitious Morini-based special.
Ollie’s appreciation of the Morini V-twin stems from its compact design, light weight and beautifully thought-out engineering. The original Morini 350 may have suffered from quirky electrics, but its core mechanical package — especially the engine — earned a reputation for simplicity and durability. Over the years, many Morinis have been modified, but Ian’s build pushes that tradition further than most.
First spotted at the Morini Club AGM on Exmoor, Ian’s machine began life with a clear vision: to create a modern-handling, classic-looking Morini inspired by the 3½, but using contemporary suspension, brakes, wheels and electrics. To achieve this, Ian sourced a Morini New York cruiser as a donor, supplying the engine and electrics for the project.
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Suspension and wheels were taken from a KTM Duke 125, with similarities to the KTM 390 making the setup strong enough for the job. The KTM wheels were particularly useful given Morini’s unusual sprocket placement on the “wrong” side. Custom yokes were required to mate the KTM forks to the Morini steering stem, and Maxton fully adjustable fork internals were fitted alongside a floating brake disc.
Rear suspension duties are handled by longer Triumph Street Twin shocks, helping to correct geometry issues caused by the steeper KTM steering angles. Chain tension was addressed with a chain roller after the rear ride height increase altered alignment. During careful measurement, frame and swingarm discrepancies were discovered, leading Ian to source a straighter Morini frame and a better-braced swingarm.
Further engineering challenges included converting the New York engine’s left-side gearshift to suit the earlier right-side layout. This was achieved using a Honda CBR crossover shaft, allowing for a race-style one-up, five-down shift pattern. A BMW S1000RR master cylinder was also fitted.
Engine installation demanded extensive thought. The starter motor — a Kokusan unit — was repositioned, engine mounts modified and clearances carefully managed. Wiring and electrics came from the Morini New York, supplemented by a lithium battery, K&N filters and a bespoke two-into-one exhaust system with separate stub pipes. The bike runs Morini Dart gearing paired with a 125 final drive ratio.
Finishing touches include a 3½ Strada fuel tank, LED lighting, a shortened 3½ Sport seat, a Guzzi Le Mans nose fairing, a standard Morini tacho and a GPS electronic speedometer. Track time at Cadwell Park has proven the concept, with Ian reporting confident handling, strong brakes and around 10bhp on tap — all wrapped in a deep, eye-catching blue.
Ollie closes by thanking Ian Wagstaff for sharing the build, along with David Marlow, editor of A Tutto Gas, and race photographer Paul Denton of TrackSnapz.
The original article by Ollie Hulme appeared in RealClassic Magazine. You can subscribe, here https://www.classicmagazines.co.uk/real-classic
