Moto Morini 350 Dart
Thu, June 3rd, 2010
NOTE: The Dart 350 was never officially imported to the United States.
An unknown number of new ‘graymarket’ bikes were offered for sale here at the time.
| 1987–89 Moto Morini Dart 350 | |
|---|---|
| Performance |   |
| As beloved as they are, the fact remains that there's precious little power inside a Morini 350cc V-twin engine, even for its displacement. Like all Morinis, the clutch is temperamental. | |
| Handling | |
| The 350 dart was basically a Cagiva 125 Freccia's two-stroke single with Moto Morini four-stroke twin. The result was more cohesive than anyone would have imagined. The Dart is one rear damper and some slight fork tweaking away from twisty-road heaven. | |
| Looks | |
| I would have given the Dart's Paso-esque bodywork a higher score, if not for the fact that I know what a pretty engine it's hiding. | |
| Reliability | |
| Modern electrics, controls and chassis parts are a big improvement over previous Moto Morinis, but even a Dart is going to need much more attention than a Japanese bike of the same era. | |
| Practicality | |
| If not for its questionable reliability, coarse clutch and the rarity of replacement parts, the 350 Dart would be a wonderful in-town bike. | |
| Desirability | |
| The Dart is a very cool bike, but I would probably only seriously consider one once I'd already added a 3-1/2 or 500 Sport in my collection. | |
| Overall |  |
|---|---|
| The Dart was an old-tech engine in a contemporary chassis covered with futuristic bodywork. ...but that's workin' for ya', babe. | |