1980 Ringhini 250 GP

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
cc: 250

Originally from Milan, Franco Ringhini began his motorcycling career as an engine designer for Guazzoni in the mid 1960s. Subsequently poached by Morbidelli, he gained vital experience as a test rider / racing engineer / team mate of future World Champion Eugenio Lazzarini before establishing himself as the competition department's guiding light. Responsible for creating Morbidelli's World Championship winning 50cc and 125cc two-stroke GP bikes, his refusal to abandon a later 350cc square-four (something of a pet project) put him on a collision course with the company's hierarchy. After a couple of particularly difficult seasons in the early / mid 1970s, his decision to resign was prompted by Morbidelli's recruitment of Jorg Moller. Resolving to stay in Pesaro (home to Benelli and MBA as well as Morbidelli) but establish his own engineering works, he soon managed to attract additional funding. Never one to surrender easily, his refusal to abandon the infamous 350 despite a mounting workload was duly rewarded when its GP debut resulted in a strong fourth place.
Built by the great man in 1980 as a one-off, this 250 GP racer was typically advanced. Although, outwardly a conventional parallel twin, its engine's use of a disc valve crankcase induction system (as opposed to the piston port cylinder one favoured by its peers) was ground-breaking stuff twenty-five years ago. Nowadays of course it is the accepted two-stroke racing norm. Making its first appearance at Mugello in the Italian Senior Championships, the new Ringhini was immediately on the pace running as high as third in practice before crashing out of the race. Subsequently campaigned by Arturo Venanzi (later a Honda Italy rider), its impressive specification included: Campagnolo wheels, Brembo brakes, Marzocchi forks, Mikuni carburettors and Krober ignition. Still wearing its period race livery, this unique machine would make a worthy addition to many a collection.