1984 Moto Morini K2 350
Miles: 20,239
Clean Title
Buy It Now: $4,600
Auction ends: April 23rd, 2024
Starting Bid: $3,500
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Unless you’re a pretty die-hard Italian or classic bike fan, you’ve probably never heard of today’s Moto Morini K2 350. Like many other Italian brands, Moto Morini came into its own in the postwar period, building small-displacement motorcycles to help get the country back to work. But of course, like all Italian motorcycle manufacturers, they also had a passion for racing and found particular success in the 125cc and 250cc classes. In fact, the famed Giacomo Agostini got his start racing for Moto Morini. In the early 70s, the company introduced a line of 350cc [known as the “3½”] and 500cc bikes that featured some pretty innovative features, most notably including a six-speed gearbox and an electric starter. The K2 350 was a development of the 3½ and was largely unchanged mechanically, although with updated bodywork. Power was obviously limited by the 344cc displacement, but was helped by the light 330lb dry weight, and handling was superlative. The unusual 72º v-twin was air-cooled and used pushrods to actuate the valves, but the camshaft was driven by a toothed rubber belt that was extremely advanced for the time. The engine also featured “Heron” heads that helped the bike achieve excellent fuel economy and simplified manufacturing: Heron heads have a nearly flat surface, with small recesses for the valves and spark plugs. This moves the combustion chamber from the heads themselves to the dished top of the piston. The K2’s 35hp could push the bike to a top speed of more than 100mph, pretty staggering, considering the tiny engine. Unfortunately, the bike was also relatively expensive when new and, on paper, didn’t compare favorably with the larger displacement, much more powerful bikes from Japan…
This 1984 Moto Morini K2 350 is a top notch restoration of the “other Bologna” v-twin.
I first got this in 2000 from a collector in new York, where it had been sitting for 20 years. I took it down to the frame and powder coated and painted all frame pieces.The engine got a new cam belt and digital ignition from the Netherlands. Additionally it has a new clutch and cables. The fork was rebuilt and new Hagon shocks were added. Brake rotors were surfaced and new sintered pads front and rear. The rubber brake lines were replaced with stainless ones and the Grimeca front master cylinder was replaced with a 13mm Magura unit for far better brake performance and feel.
Wiring remained largely unchanged but was cleaned up and a relay system added for the front headlight from Japan which allows better current flow to the h4 bulb. Every part has been gone through and cleaned and greased. This is a phenomenal motorcycle that is ready to ride and add to your collection.
The bike had an electric starter but that was removed by a previous owner and is now kickstart only. Starts on the 1st or 2nd kick.
Has the original paint on the tank and body work to preserve the Morini heritage. However it does have a few scratches and blemishes. Additionally the seat lock does not engage with the newly covered seat but stays in place firmly regardless.
I have the OEM belly fairing and the square headlight fairing as well if you wanted to put those back too.
Local pick up or I’ll work with your shipper to get it delivered to you.
Lastly for now, I also have a box of spares and take offs that I’ll include in the sale.
As you can see from this post that shows a nice example of a completely stock machine, this particular bike has had a bit of cosmetic surgery to give it a more vintage look, deleting the angular half-fairing and swapping the rectangular headlight for a simple, round unit. The seller indicates that the original parts are available if you’d prefer to go full-80s. Aside from the reversible modifications and the removal of the somewhat problematic electric starter, this bike looks to be in excellent condition and ready to ride. These Morinis are simple, classic bikes with good looks and excellent handling. Power is obviously modest, to put it mildly, but not everyone wants to ride around at 100mph with their hair on fire… at least not all the time. For hair-not-on-fire days, the little Morini K2 350 would make an excellent partner.
-tad
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I’m sorry but the styling of this just doesn’t have the charm of the ’70’s models. IMHO.
No question. I agree with you: it’s not as classic or elegant as the 3 1/2. But what are those going for these days? This offers the same riding qualities for much less money. I do think this one [and the regular K2] look pretty good too.