REVEALED! Moto Morini’s two 650 roadster twins

The Italian firm is continuing its recent resurgence with the unveiling of two all-new 650 twins. Here’s what you need to know.

Moto Morini’s upping the ante following the release of its X-Cape 650 adventure.

The Italian firm might have endured multiple changes of ownership and brief periods of inactivity in its recent past, but since being bought out by Chinese automotive giant Zongshen in 2018 things have been a bit more steady. Lately it’s been knocking out a small range of unique models that include the naked Corsaro, the retro-styled Milano and the V-twin-powered Super Scrambler. But it decided to shake things up for 2022 with the introduction of a new middleweight adventure bike: the X-Cape 650.

But that’s only the start – all told it’s got plans for 11 new models over the next two years. And here’s two of them. Called the Seiemmezzo (after their 650cc engines), the two bikes take inspiration from Morini’s iconic 3½ 350s of the 1970s.

They’re powered by the same CFMoto-derived 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine as the X Cape (which offers a claimed 61bhp, 40lb-ft of torque and a top speed in excess of a ton), and they are also built around the same tubular steel frame. But that’s where the similarities with the adventure bike end.

The Scrambler-esque 6½ SCR comes kitted out with black wire-spoked wheels (18-inch up front and 17-inch at the rear); semi-knobbly Pirelli MT60s; an off-road style mudguard; number boards; higher, wider handlebars; and a small flyscreen.

The more road-focused 6½ STR has cast alloy wheels (of the same size as the SCR); Pirelli Angel GT tyres; lower bars; and a slightly sportier riding position. Suspension-wise, the SCR and STR come with adjustable Kayaba USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is looked after by twin discs gripped by twin piston Brembos up front, and there’s also a Bosch fuel injection unit and ABS and a 5-inch colour TFT display (with Bluetooth Smartphone).

At this stage there’s been no official word on how much they’ll cost or when we’ll be able to get our hands on one, but with the X Cape 650 coming in at around the seven grand mark, it’s fair to assume the two Seiemmezzos will be similarly priced.

We can’t wait to see what the Italian-cum-Chinese factory reveals next.

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