Morbidelli
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| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing, Machine tool |
|---|---|
| Founder | Giancarlo Morbidelli |
| Headquarters | Pesaro, Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles, woodworking machine |
| Parent | SCM Group |
| Website | www |
Morbidelli was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded by Giancarlo Morbidelli in Pesaro. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the company was particularly successful in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. The team won the 125 cc world championship in 1975, 1976 and 1977, and won the 250 cc championship in 1977.
The firm began as a woodworking shop building furniture and wooden coach bodies for automobiles. Morbidelli's business grew to have 300 employees, however his greater passion lay in motorcycles and motorcycle racing. He used the woodworking business to finance his racing interests.
In 1969, he entered a team in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing Italian championships with a 50 cc machine. In 1971, he also commissioned the construction of a water-cooled disc valve 125 cc two-stroke of Ringhini design, inspired by the engine of an ex-works Suzuki 125cc. The team won two 125 cc Grand Prix races with Italian rider Gilberto Parlotti at the beginning of the 1972 season but tragedy struck when Parlotti was killed during the Isle of Man TT race.
Despite Parlotti's death, Morbidelli persevered with his racing effort. Starting in 1974 Jorg Muller, previously the designer for Van Veen Kreidler, took over development. In 1975, he was rewarded with his first World Championship when Paolo Pileri won the 125 cc crown. His Morbidelli team-mate, Pier Paolo Bianchi finished in second. Bianchi won the 125 cc championship a year later. The 1977 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 and Pier Paolo Bianchi would take the 125 honors.
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Wikipedia