Founded in 1937 by Alfonso Morini in Bologna, Italy, Moto Morini began a Byzantine ownership journey in the 1980s when it was bought by Cagiva. Since then, the brand has changed hands several times. In 2018, Zhongneng Vehicle Group, based in Zhejiang, China, became the owner of the Moto Morini marque. Although the motorcycles are manufactured in China, Moto Morini’s headquarters is in Trivolzio, Italy, about 20 miles southwest of Milan. That brings us to the subject of this First Look and Fast Facts story—the 2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport.
- Seiemmezzo is Italian for “six-and-a-half.” That tips you off to the 649cc displacement of the 2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport, and there’s a “6 1/2” graphic on the side panels. The parallel-twin engine is an oversquare, liquid-cooled, DOHC design that uses a Bosch fuel-injection system. The mill pumps out 61 horsepower at 8250 rpm and 40 ft-lbs of torque at 7000 rpm, with a top speed north of 100 mph.
- The chassis uses a trellis frame, aluminum swingarm, and fully adjustable KYB suspension. The fork has an inverted design, and the shock cantilevered forward rather than using a linkage system. Wheel travel is 4.7 inches at each end.
- Moto Morini classified the Seiemmezzo STR Sport as a roadster. Although Sport is in the name, the bike’s design has a strong styling component, as you would expect from a roadster. The front wheel is an 18-incher, rather than the standard 17-inch wheel used on pure sport bikes. Pirelli Angel GT sport-touring tires are used, so long tire life is part of the feature package. Unexpectedly, a tire pressure monitoring system is standard. Also, the bikini fairing, chin fairing, and passenger seat cover are standard.
- Brembo is part of the list of name-brand suppliers. Brembo hydraulics and calipers are used for braking. The front four-piston calipers aren’t radially mounted, but there are two 289mm discs in the front and a large 255mm rear disc to slow the 2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport down. Bosch 9.1 MB ABS is standard.
- The five-inch TFT dash pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth. We’re not sure what the interactive functions are, as we couldn’t find a Moto Morini app on Apple’s App Store.
- The 2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport has a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Buyers who are hesitant to buy a Chinese-made motorcycle may be swayed by this coverage. Also, Moto Morini handles the distribution in the United States under Moto Morini USA, which is based in Irvine, California.
- The MSRP for the 2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport is $6899. That’s the same price as the 2024 Honda CB500F, which was refreshed this year. It’s also $1750 less expensive than the 2024 Kawasaki Z 650 ABS. We expect to be testing this Italian/Chinese roadster soon.
2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel twin
- Displacement: 649cc
- Bore x stroke: 83 x 60mm
- Maximum power: 61 horsepower @ 8250 rpm
- Maximum torque: 40 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm
- Maximum speed: 106 mph
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc
- Compression ratio: 11.3:1
- Fueling: Bosch EFI
- Cooling: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Steel trellis w/ aluminum swingarm
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB inverted 43mm fork; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension: Cantilevered fully adjustable KYB shock; 4.7 inches
- Wheels: Aluminum
- Tires: Pirelli Angel GT
- Front tire: 120/70 x 18
- Rear tire: 160/60 x 17
- Front brakes: 289mm discs w/ Brembo 4-piston caliper and hydraulics
- Rear brakes: 255mm disc w/ Brembo caliper and hydraulics
- ABS: Bosch 9.1 MB
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 56 inches
- Seat height: 31.8 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.2 gallons
- Curb weight: N/A
- Colors: Metallic Red; Vivid White; Anthracite Smoke
2024 Moto Morini STR Sport Price: $6899 MSRP
