1985 Moto Morini 501 Camel for Sale

Hey, neat: a Moto Morini 501 Camel XE dual-sport!  I’ve never actually seen one of these for sale before.  Wait, what do you mean this isn’t a sportbike?!  It’s right there in the name: dual-sport!  And Moto Morini is certainly a manufacturer of sporting motorcycles.  Anyway, I want one.

Originally released in 1981, this likely would have competed with the small-bore Moto Guzzi dual sports of the time.  Obviously, these sorts of machines are compromised by weight, compared to a thumper, but twins offer a smoothness that a single can’t match, making them better on-road partners.

The dual-sport Morini used the familiar 72° 500cc twin with a belt-driven single cam operating pushrods in the front and rear “Heron” style heads that are actually interchangeable!  Power was transmitted through a six speed transmission and a dry clutch.

From the original eBay listing: 1985 Moto Morini 501 Camel for Sale

1985 MOTO MORINI 501 CAMEL XE V TWIN DUAL SPORT CLASSIC

REBUILT CARBURATORS  (EURO SPECS)

NEW  TIRES

NEW ELETRONIC IGNITION  PICK UP & ROTOR SET

NOS REAR WHEEL   

LOW MILES

OEM TOOL POUCH & KIT

STOCK MACHINE

EVERYTHING WORKS 

FLAWS

SEAT HAS A TEAR

CLUTCH PERCH L/H MIRROR MOUNT  IS  BROKEN 

Video of the bike helpfully included!

The ad is very spare, but this was just too cool not to post.  We’ll return to our regularly scheduled, spoked-wheel and tube-tired programming tomorrow.

I’d love to get a dirtbike: I keep hearing about how it’s a great way to learn about control while you’re out of control.  Although I’d expect one of these isn’t exactly what they mean, since it’s probably a bit on the heavy side compared to a little 250 single.  But the same principles still apply: it’s easy to get loose at lower speeds, and dirt is softer than asphalt when you crash.

I’ve no idea what one of these is worth, but with a Buy It Now of about $2,400 I’m betting it’ll go for a relative song and make for some good times, wherever you ride it.

-tad