QUICK SPIN: Moto Morini Seiemmezzo

Moto Morini’s correctly again in enterprise, with a pair of recent machines which hark again to some of the iconic bikes in its historical past. 

WORDS: Dave Manning PHOTOS: Potski Media

The brand new Moto Morini Seiemmezzo (which is Italian for ‘six-and-a-half’) is a swift look within the rear-view mirror for Morini; named just about the long-lasting 350cc air-cooled vee twin that was referred to as the three ½. And this new parallel twin is of 650cc capability. So 6 ½. Easy.

There are two variations to select from: the STR (Avenue) and SCR (Scrambler), with the latter having wire wheels; the next entrance mudguard; an extended rear muddie; completely different tyres; and a fly-screen above the headlight, in addition to various completely different color schemes. Except for that, they’re similar.

Naturally, with the few variations that the 2 fashions have – together with tweaks to the ergonomics within the type of completely different handlebars – they do really feel barely completely different to journey, however earlier than we take a look at how that comes throughout on the street, let’s take a look at the bits which can be the identical, particularly that 650cc engine.

With the way in which that the motorcycling world is in 2023, it’ll come as no shock to listen to that the engine is a parallel twin. Though, to be frank, the Morini’s powerplant is slightly older than most, what with it being a CF Moto model of the venerable Kawasaki ER6 motor, as launched again in 2006. Very like the Moto Morini X-Cape, with which it shares its engine, the 6 ½ doesn’t fairly have the identical instantaneous urge or free-spinning rev-ability that newer parallel twins have developed – partially due to the present pattern of 270° crankshaft layouts, whereas the Morini retains a extra conventional 180° association – however that doesn’t make it boring or outdated.

In isolation it’s a advantageous engine, being clean, environment friendly and able to out-accelerating just about something with greater than two wheels that you just’re prone to meet on the roads on an on a regular basis foundation. Making 61bhp and 49lb-ft of torque, it’s admittedly no fire-breathing monster however it’s a pleasing, environment friendly and competent powerplant.

The tubular metal body is similar for each fashions, as is the swinging arm, rear shock and forks. Nevertheless, the wheels are completely different – spoked for the SCR, solid aluminium for the STR – and though the wheels are the identical measurement, as are the tyres, the rubber is completely different with semi-knobbly Pirelli MT60s for the SCR and road-biased Pirelli Angle GTs for the STR. All moderately logical actually.

Whereas the engine could possibly be seen as being a lower-spec various to equal powerplants available on the market, Morini clearly has had no qualms in making certain that different parts aren’t fairly so lowly. Whereas not radially-mounted, the four-piston Brembo calipers and 298mm discs on the entrance (and 255mm disc, twin pot on the rear) are prime grade, and matched to fully-adjustable Kayaba suspension entrance and rear, with an identical 120mm journey at each ends for each fashions.

With an preliminary journey on the street-focused STR, and an overriding impression of simply how welcoming the driving place and ease of use are, I then slipped over on to the taller-looking (and feeling) SCR with its knobbly tyres and scrambler vibe. “Ooh, this feels extra like my sort of bike!” I stated out loud inside my full-facer, with these taller (by 35mm) and wider (70mm) bars instilling a way of faster steering and higher manoeuvrability, most likely on the expense of lane-splitting slimness. And whereas these ft/arms/arse dimensions are undoubtedly completely different, the dealing with felt similar (as you’d count on) and equally as confidence-inspiring, a lot in order that I’d kissed peg to Tarmac inside a few passes for the cameras, on a chilly street and with out attempting particularly arduous to take action. And whereas this does mirror on how assuring the Morini’s dealing with is, one does marvel if floor clearance could change into a difficulty on scorching, grippy roads by the summer time.

Leaping again on to the STR, I used to be really actually stunned to be considering, “Ah, really I like this one higher!”, due to the marginally extra compact driving place and fewer of a sense of being open to the weather. Though, studying this again to myself and contemplating it as soon as extra, I’m now considering that each kinds of the 6 ½ have ergonomics which can be to my liking, and that the one method I may select one over the opposite could be dependant on the form of driving I is likely to be doing. The SCR and it’s extra open driving place could be best for exploring and pottering alongside again roads and lanes (and blasting by mountain passes and gorges), however could be problematic in tight metropolis visitors and may show slightly tiring on sooner driving on motorways and the like, due to the extensive bars and extra upright stance turning the rider into extra of a wind sail than an aerodynamic bullet…

It’s all too straightforward to imagine that the people who’ll select a motorbike just like the Seiemmezzo are those that select kind over operate – that they deal with design and elegance moderately than precise driving practicalities. And that’s unfair, as nearly each motorcyclist needs their bike to look nearly as good because it performs, and the Morini isn’t only a styling train. It’s a motorbike that’s very easy to get on with – not one thing that may be stated of different bikes which have model as their prime issue, and a big quantity spring to thoughts – for each skilled and new riders, and the driving place and seating association will make for lengthy days within the saddle with out requirement for an osteopath appointment the next day.

The Morini may be very a lot within the ball park for present mid-range bare bikes, being priced barely under it’s essential rivals; though the truth that it’s working a much less highly effective and barely extra dated engine, alongside the next weight, implies that it’s maybe not as aggressive as is likely to be thought. Whereas the SCR is a quid wanting seven grand, at £300 much less the STR is extra competitively priced in opposition to different producers’ merchandise, which embrace such spectacular bikes as the brand new Honda Hornet 750, the Yamaha MT-07 and the brand-new Suzuki GSX-S8, all of which have the aforementioned 270° crank format, greater capability and, unsurprisingly, extra energy. However have they acquired the model of the Morini? And what if you would like one thing slightly completely different to name your personal?

Morini salesmen could have a tough time promoting their wares in 2023, however I’ve a sneaky suspicion that there are a good few potential patrons on the market who’ll have their heads turned by the Seiemmezzo’s styling – and the dearth of technological ‘gimmickry’ will certainly attraction to a sure section of the market. And, whereas some could level out that the CF Moto engine is ‘outdated’, keep in mind that it does have 8000-mile service intervals (for instance, the MT-07 has 6000 service intervals).