In the mid 1980s Moto Morini brought out a trail version, the
125 KJ.
Styled very much as the Kanguro v-twin, this was virtually a new
bike, except for the engine. For a start, the frame had a
single, rather than twin front down-tube.
There was monoshock rear suspension. In fact, as regards its
chassis components, the KJ was far more akin to the Kanguro vee
than its other single-cylinders. The styling is best described
as 'Dakar Rally'.
It was in many ways the best of all Morini's modern singles.
Whereas the roadsters had conservative styling, the trail bike
125 KJ was very up-to-date in its appearance, matching anything
at that time available from competitors - even from Japan.
Never as popular as its v-twins, the 250 and 125 singles
nonetheless have their place in the history of the Bologna
marque during the 1970s and 1980s. Probably it was only the
company's use of the modular production system which allowed
their existence. Designed as entirely new models they would have
simply been too expensive to justify.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.