Moto Morini 175 Settebello - The Seven of Diamonds

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Moto Morini offered a new series of OHV 175 sports racers for 1954, the Settebello was based on a road bike, complete with lights.

Bike Exif from 2012 "In Italian, “Settebello” is idiom for “seven of diamonds”. And this little 175cc Moto Morini is a real diamond, packing a surprising punch from its four-stroke single motor. This was during happier days for Moto Morini, when it enjoyed huge competition success after WWII.

Built for privateer racers as well as fast road riders, the Settebello could keep up with most of the 250s of the day. Engine output peaked at 16.5 hp—at a heady 8,500rpm— but with only around 100 kilos to propel, the bike could hit a remarkable 88 mph (141 kph). Trading on the glamour of Morini’s even smaller 125cc factory racer, and ridden by Agostini in the early 60s, the Settebello was a sales hit for the Bologna company.

This terrific 1954 Moto Morini Settebello is from the MC Collection entered at Mecum in 2019. Its is a first-year model for this famous machine, built just before Morini took on the world with its wickedly fast Grand Prix racers
A lovely and very early 1954 175 Settabello road machine
1958 Morini 175 Settebello road bike.
On display at Moto Talbott Museum Morini 175 Settebello customer race bike.

From the UK based Morini Riders ClubMorini Riders Club (of which I am a member and is the definitive Morini hub)

"Throughout its production from 1953 to 1963, the Settebello benefited from a continuous development programme. For example, the first Settebellos were equipped with helical valve springs, but hairpin springs were being used by 1955. Morini also made race kit parts available for sale, in theory allowing any 175 to be brought up to Settebello spec.

The 1956 version of the Settebello was a 172.4cc (61 x 60 mm) push rod single, with alloy cylinder and head and a cast iron barrel. A 9.5:1 compression ratio and 22.5 mm carburettor (as demanded by race regulations) gave 15 hp @ 8,550 rpm, transmitted through a 4-speed gearbox. Cycle parts were a single cradle steel frame, hydraulic forks and swingarm suspension, and 160mm drum brakes front and rear. With a dry weight of 101kg in road trim, it had a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).

By 1962, the Settebello had developed into the ultimate Aste Corte version; 'Aste Corte' meaning 'short rod' after the shorter push rods (not shorter con-rod). These were only for track use and had lower frames and a host of other small differences too. Like the Rebello only a handful of these were made but Morini sold all the bits separately so many older Settebellos were uprated to this spec. Also like the Rebello they were the thing to have in Italian 175 proddy racing (called MSDS, than Formula III)

Giacamo Agostini made his debut on a Settebello at the tender age of 19, finishing 2nd in the 1961 Trento-Bordone hillclimb, beaten only by Morini's works rider, Attilio Damiani. Agostini had purchased his Settebello on monthly instalments from Bergamo dealer Rovaris, but he was soon taken on by Morini as an official rider. Agostini repaid Morini by winning the 175 (F2) class of the 1963 Italian Mountain Championship, taking 8 race wins and 2 second places, as well as the circuit-based Italian Junior (175cc) Championship"

1963, the great Giacamo Agostini on a Morini Settebello "Aste Corte" short rod factory race bike. Ago dominated the Italian Hill and Road Race Championships riding the Settebello having raced the year before on a privately entered Morini.









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