1985 Moto Morini K2 (350cc V-twin)

[billie_morini]

In the late 1950's and 1960's, Aprilla (the Greyhound) dominated Moto Gran Prix. In the few occasions the factory Aprilla team did not win, Moto Morini usually won.

Morini was re-born in modern times, but well before this, I had the world's 4th largest supply of Morini parts. In addition, I had 6 complete Morini in 250, 350, & 500 cc V-twins. These are handsome and extremely well handling bikes. They were designed with racing maintenance in mind, so they are easy to service. Morini used Heron heads, which require unique pistons (photo). These bikes had electronic ignition with timing advance, long before most others.

The cherry among my cache was a 1985 K2 (photo). It was a dream to ride. You can easily see the influence of Cagiva on the styling.

In coordination with a move from California to Southern Germany, the entire cache was sold to one buyer. Sometimes, I wish I still had the lil' K2.

[billie_morini]

In the 1970's, Morini manufactured a 350 cc V-twin Adventure touring bike called the Kanguro (e.g., Kangaroo). The race version of it won an ISDE in the early 1980's.

A couple of years later, Morini manufactured the 500 cc V-twin Camel with an eye to compete in the Paris Dakar. I did not have one. But, the old North American Morini USA Race Director did. He lived about an hour north of me. So, it was possible for me to see the Camel I'm action. It had a monoshock. The Camel worked very, very well in its intended application.

[KDXGarage]

That is cool to hear that you were really into those. I never heard of them. What an odd piston compared to a KDX piston. That looks fast while sitting still.

[billie_morini]

KDX-G,
Morini bikes are very cool. The Italians thought the 4-stroke K2 was a contender against the Yammie RD 350. It wasn't quite that, but it was quicker than most little bikes. This performance is attributed to relatively high RPM recline and superb handling.

The piston top is typical when Heron heads are used. Other vehicles that used Heron heads, such as these, may be known to you.

Chevrolet 348-409 V8 engines, 1958-1965

Ford 383-410-430-462 "MEL" V-8 engines, 1958-1968

Ford 401-477-534 "Super Duty" V-8 engines, 1957-1982

Many Euro cars and even Moto Guzzi motorcycles used them.

Heron heads are milled flat and the valves are vertical (e.g., perpendicular to flat-milled head and parallel with cylinder). The design advantage is lots of torque. They're often good with fuel consumption. The 350 cc model preceding the K2 achieved 70 mpg for most street riders. This was appreciated by US riders during the 1973 - 1974 Oil Embargo.

Now KDX forum members have received a clue about the origin of my nickname (e.g., billie morini).

[billie_morini]

Cycle World magazine published an article about Moto Morini history, designers, and select models. Publishing year is 2020. Here's the link:

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/moto-morini/