 | |
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing,Machine tool |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Giancarlo Morbidelli |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | , Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles,woodworking machine |
| Parent | SCM Group |
Morbidelli was an Italianmotorcycle manufacturer founded by Giancarlo Morbidelli inPesaro. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the company was particularly successful inGrand Prix motorcycle racing. The team won the 125 ccworld championship in1975,1976 and1977, and won the 250 cc championship in 1977.[1]
In April 2024, the rights of Morbidelli brand name (in the motorcycle industry) was acquired by MBP, a subsidiary of theKeeway Qianjiang Group.[2]
The firm, founded in 1959 as Morbidelli Woodworking Machines, began as a woodworking shop building furniture and wooden coach bodies for automobiles. After the second world war, Morbidelli evolved into a leading designer and manufacturer of precision woodworking machine tools. While Giancarlo Morbidelli's machine business grew to have 300+ employees, his personal passion lay in motorcycles and motorcycle racing. Morbidelli used woodworking machine tool business income to finance motorcycle design, development, and racing interests.[3]
In 1987 Morbidelli was acquired by italian SCM Group.[4]
In1969, he entered a team in theGrand Prix motorcycle racing Italian championships with a50 cc machine. In 1971, he also commissioned the construction of a water-cooled disc valve 125 cctwo-stroke of Ringhini design, inspired by the engine of an ex-works Suzuki 125cc.[5] The team won two 125 cc Grand Prix races with Italian riderGilberto Parlotti at the beginning of the1972 season but tragedy struck when Parlotti was killed during theIsle of Man TT race.
Despite Parlotti's death, Morbidelli persevered with his racing effort. Starting in 1974 Jörg Möller, previously the designer forVan Veen Kreidler, took over development.[5] In1975, he was rewarded with his firstWorld Championship whenPaolo Pileri won the 125 cc crown.[6] His Morbidelli teammate,Pier Paolo Bianchi finished in second. Bianchi won the 125 cc championshipa year later.[7] The1977 Grand Prix season would mark the height of Morbidelli's accomplishments when the team won both the 125 and 250 classes.Mario Lega won the 250 crown andPier Paolo Bianchi would take the 125 honors.[8]
Up until 1976 Morbidellis were not available for sale to private racers - only the team's own works riders could race on them. A new factory was built with help fromBenelli Armi in Pesaro, called theMBA factory (Morbidelli-Benelli-Armi), to produce Morbidelli motorcycles of 123 cc and 248 cc in quantity.[5] These were raced successfully for several more years.[3]
The MBA team won the 125 cc World Championship in year 1978 withEugenio Lazzarini and in 1980 withPier Paolo Bianchi. Morbidelli continued in Grand Prix competition until the1982 season.
Giancarlo Morbidelli's son,Gianni Morbidelli became a successfulracecar driver, reachingFormula One where he achieved a podium finish.
In 1994, Morbidelli constructed an innovative shaft-drive, five-speed, 32-valve, liquid-cooled, 847 cc, 90°V8,sport touring motorcycle, but its high price meant it would not be economically feasible to produce. TheGuinness Book of World Records listed it in 2001 as the world's most expensive motorcycle.[9] Because of the bike's exotic design, it was displayed inThe Art of the Motorcycle at the Guggenheim Museums inNew York,Bilbao andLas Vegas. An example can also be seen at theBarber Vintage Motorsports Museum inBirmingham, Alabama, United States. Another V8 is on display at the Morbidelli Museum inPesaro, Italy.
The story of the Morbidelli racing team is told in the documentary filmMorbidelli - a story of men and fast motorcycles (2014), by directors Jeffrey Zani and Matthew Gonzales.[10] The documentary features footage from the 1972 Tourist Trophy, the 1976 and 1977 racing seasons, races in the city of Pesaro in the 1950s, and more. It also features interviews with ridersEugenio Lazzarini, Alberto Ieva,Pier Paolo Bianchi,Mario Lega andGraziano Rossi.
Today the former Morbidelli factory in Pesaro houses a classic motorcycle museum that reminds visitors of the company's former glory. The complete world championship story is represented among the exhibits as well as many antique motorcycles.
