Moto Morini · 1953–approx. 1965
Moto Morini 175 Settebello and Tresette: history and buying advice
Overhead-valve 175s from Bologna: from the frugal Turismo to the fast Settebello.
History
In 1953 Morini brought out a 172 cc overhead-valve bike designed by Alfonso Morini himself. The versions were named after Italian card games: Turismo, Briscola (the cheapest, 8 hp), Tresette (12 hp) and the fast Settebello with 16.5 hp and aluminium fork and rims. A young Giacomo Agostini began his career on a Settebello.
In 1958 came the Tresette Sprint with higher compression, a bigger carburettor, a new tank and two silencers. The same engine lasted more than ten years. Riders praise the handling and the pulling power, but the front brake is weak and the gearbox can be awkward.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder, four-stroke, overhead valves |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 172 cc |
| Power | Briscola 8 hp; Tresette 12 hp; Sprint 13.5 hp; Settebello 16.5 hp |
| Top speed | Settebello approx. 135 km/h |
| Weight | Settebello approx. 101 kg |
| Gearbox | 4 gears |
What to check when buying
- A genuine Settebello is worth a lot; check the numbers and the aluminium parts.
- Test the gearbox: false neutrals and difficulty shifting into top gear occur.
- The clutch can drag when the engine is warm.
- The single-leading-shoe front drum brake is weak; check it carefully.
- Check that tank, seat and exhausts belong to the model.
SourcesHagerty: Morini Tresette Sprint (English)Wikipedia: Moto Morini (English)