Motori Franco Morini
Motori Franco Morini (also called Morini Franco Motori) is an Italian company specializing in engine manufacture for scooters, mopeds and motorcycles. Founded in 1954 by Franco Morini, the company is closely associated with the Moto Morini brand of motorcycle. Moto Morini was founded in 1937 by Franco’s uncle Alfonso.
In 1999 the Moto Morini name was purchased by MFM, which then took charge of the company’s motorcycle production.
Moto Morini began with a bright start, as its first bike, the M610, entered the market with high praise for its light weight and fuel efficiency. But like many Italian businesses, the company could not escape the ravages of World War II. The Moto Morini factory was bombed in 1943, but by that time the company’s workforce had already been converted into a production team for military aeronautical components.
It would be several years before the motorcycle brand would return.
The company’s rebuilt factory in Bologna produced its next bike in 1946, and Moto Morini bikes won several Italian championships between 1948 and 1952. The success demanded a large facility, and after a move to Via Bergami in 1956 Moto Moroni continued to grow its product line through the 1960’s.
Alfonso Moroni died in 1969, and the business was passed on to his daughter Gabriella. Although new bikes were released throughout the next decade, by the 80’s the company was suffering from decreased sales. After being sold to Caviga with the assurance that the brand would continue, Moto Moroni began a steep descent into obsolescence.
The company was resold in 1996 to the Texas Pacific Group, with no plans to continue the product line.
It was then that Motori Franco Morini stepped in to bring the brand back to the Morini family. Their successful line of motorcycle engines had thrived on the European market, with vendors in Italy, France and Greece. With this new influx of capital the Moto Morini brand finally enjoyed its resurgence.
The 2004 Cosaro 1200 was the company’s first release in over a decade. A small but impressive collection of motorcycles have followed. From the 9 1/2 cruising bike to the sporty Scrambler, these new bikes have received accolades in the motorcycle enthusiast community as well as the racing world.
In 2008 and 2009, Moto Moroni found itself once again in the winner’s circle at the Italian Roadster Cup. Racer Frank Zenatello drove his Cosaro Veloce to two consecutive wins, powered by Motori Frano Morini’s Corsacorta Bialborto twin cylinder engine.
Related Information:
- Collectable: Moto Morini 500-News & Reviews-Motorcycle Trader
- 2010 Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 performance picture comparison news
- 2014 Moto Morini Rebello 1200 motorcycle review @ Top Speed
- The Moto Morini Story RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring & Travel Magazine
- Ship of the Desert: the Moto Morini Camel
