This Moto Morini Corsaro 125 'prototype' with aluminum tank did not achieve production.
Before the arrival of its well-known family of 72-degree v-twin roadsters in 1973, Moto Morini's reputation had rested mainly on its highly successful double-overhead-cam single-cylinder racers that came within a whisker of snatching the 1963 250cc World Championship from Honda. Moto Morini, founded in 1937 by Alphonso Morini - he had previously been in partnership with Mario Mazzetti under the MM motorcycle brand which established an excellent reputation for its quality product - built 2-stroke lightweights at first before developing a range of fast, overhead-camshaft roadsters during the 1950s.
By the decade's end, they had been replaced by a range of small capacity overhead-valve models and a 48cc two-stroke which kept the firm afloat until the arrival of the Heron-head v-twins, best known as a 350cc sport bike in the 1970s.
Built in various versions, Morini's offering in the 125cc class was the traditionally but exquisitely styled Corsaro (or Pirate) air-cooled, four-stroke, overhead valve single, which was first introduced towards the end of 1958. Morini was controlled by Cagiva in 1987, then Texas Pacific Group who also bought Ducati and finally all rights to the brand name were sold to Morini's nephew in April 1999, trading as Morini Franco Motori SpA.
Specifications
Engine: Single cylinder four-stroke OHV
Bore & stroke: 56 x 50 mm
Compression ratio: 7.6:1
Valves per cylinder: 2
Engine Capacity: 123.08cc
Maximum power: 9 h.p.
Carburettor: Dell'Orto
Cooling system: Air cooled
Ignition type: With alternator
Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump
Transmission: Gear primary, chain final
Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disc in oil bath
Gearbox: 5-speed foot-change
Starter: Kick-starter
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Open cradle tubular and pressed steel
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork and shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tyre: 2.75 x18 in.
Rear Tyre: 2.75 x18 in.
Seat: Duck tail race seat
Fuel tank capacity: 14 litres
Top speed: 108 km/h (67.1 mph)
Weight: 90 kg
Source: Hessink's NL
