Moto Morini STR Roadster (2023 - ) review

With its round headlight and retro graphics the STR has an appealingly old-school vibe, the stumpy tail with hugger numberplate/indicators and underslung exhaust gifting it a pleasingly muscular stance for a middleweight. Look closer and you’ll clock the upside-down forks, twin discs and fact the tubular steel front frame carries an aluminium swingarm, the latter a cut above what you’d expect of bikes at this price and using an offset monoshock visible through the frame. This blend of retro and modern design really works and, at a glance and thanks to the exotic sounding name, you could kid people it cost a lot more than it actually does. Like the SCR scrambler version the STR has a bigger 18-inch front wheel, with a 17 on the back and a relatively upright riding position. So, if perhaps not quite as racy as a Triumph 660 Trident it is decisively more focused than retro alternatives like the Enfield or Guzzi, both of which speak to a more sedate riding experience with their single front discs, conventional forks and twin-shock rear ends.

The combination of the naked configuration and relatively upright riding position means the STR won’t be a bike for racking up big motorway miles given there’s nowhere to hide from the wind or rain. And while the 811mm seat height is a little taller than sportier nakeds the pegs felt a little high for your six-foot tester, leaving our legs feeling a little scrunched up. Other than that it’s pretty comfortable and wieldy given it weighs a little more than most of its rivals, the tall bars meaning you have a good view ahead on the backroads and in urban riding alike. A theory we tested with an extended run across North Wales and rural Shropshire and then some commuting on a mix of rural and city roads. There are pegs and a perch for a pillion but no grab handles as standard – these are available as an accessory if you need them, though.

As you’d expect of a sportily inclined naked the Seiemmezzo STR isn’t exactly practical, and lacks even stash space under the seat for emergency rations or a disc lock. For a weekend blast and a brew stop with your mates that’s just fine but if you are going to commute on it you’ll need to take a bag or find some manner of other carrying solution for your kit.

The parallel twin at the heart of the Seiemmezzo is seemingly a Chinese-built version of the 649cc Kawasaki motor used on the equivalent Z650 and Z650RS, supplied by CF Moto. Also available in A2-licence trim, the full power version has a relatively modest-sounding 61 horsepower that has it on the back foot compared with the much more powerful (and expensive) Triumph 660 Trident. The fact the heat shield hides a modest looking pea shooter of an exhaust also hints at more mouth than trousers, ditto the thrummy sound that comes out of it at tickover. It's not the most refined of engines either, but the clunky gearbox and sharp clutch suggest a level of no-nonsense mechanical toughness. It pulls well, too, and if you commit to some revs there’s top end to enjoy beyond the mild-mannered low speed behaviour. It won’t blow your socks off. But it’s got enough to entertain, and would be a friendly first bike for someone with a fresh full licence. As you’d expect, the twin rotor Brembo front brakes have a confident bite and solid feel to the lever, the rear brake similarly responsive.

Chunky 43mm Kayaba upside down forks with adjustment for preload, compression and rebound and a monoshock rear with preload and rebound are a cut above the average for a bike of this price, and offer more experienced riders something to tweak as the mood takes. With that taller front end and larger front wheel the Seiemmezzo didn’t feel quite as pointy as the Honda Hornet we’ve also been riding recently, meaning you don’t feel like you’re loading up the front tyre as much. But for a rookie feeling their way into riding it’s all very confidence inspiring, on the basis you’ll probably be taking things relatively easily and not carrying huge speed into the corners. With an 80kg rider aboard we didn’t feel moved to fiddle with the settings the bike came with, though a couple of top-out clunks from the fork over sharp moorland crests suggested a little more rebound might be in order. Generally, though, the Seiemmezzo seems to strike a good balance between sportiness and comfort.

With a starting price well under £7,000 the Seiemmezzo gets off to a strong start in cost terms. Fuel consumption wasn’t bad, with even an enthusiastic run across North Wales scoring just over 50mpg by a ‘true’ brim-to-brim measurement. You can probably bank on a bit better when taking a more relaxed pace, so as an affordable but stylishly minimalist urban commuter the Morini has some appeal.

While the brand has history these new Moto Morinis are a relatively unknown quantity, given they are still new to the market and relatively untested. The sense of stripped-back simplicity offers some reassurance to counterbalance any sniffiness about the ‘made in China’ origins of the engine, its proven Kawasaki roots and fact it’s relatively understressed also helping. The fact the rest of the parts from known suppliers like Brembo, Kayaba will also inspire confidence, while neat welds on the steel frame suggest a level of quality in the way it’s put together.

Although the brand’s rebirth is still in its infancy there’s a decent dealer network around the UK so you shouldn’t have to go too far to get your Moto Morini serviced by an official agent. Given the relatively modest power output we wouldn’t expect wear and tear to be too hard, either.

As a naked the Seiemmezzo STR doesn’t come with a whole lot of bells and whistles, but there’s a straightforward honesty that rather fits the ethos of the bike. So, although it has a modern TFT screen with a simple display and Bluetooth connectivity to your phone there are no rider modes or any of the other modern tech the bigger brands are now offering. The only options available are the aforementioned rear grab handles and side crashbars/bumpers, the latter perhaps offering reassurance to new riders afraid of dropping their new pride and joy.

In a nutshell because you like the Italian style and traditions, but not the premium pricing of the more established brands like Ducati and the rest. And if Moto Morini perhaps doesn’t have the recognition you at least get to stand out from the crowd. So, swot up on the brand history on the Moto Morini homepage before stopping for a brew at the local bikers’ café, because other riders are going to be asking you all about it! Meanwhile as a product the Seiemmezzo STR impresses with its looks, the quality of its finishing kit and the no frills vibe. It’s also fun and easy to ride, though the engine’s power perhaps doesn’t quite live up to the promise of the sportier trimmings. And when compared against the Kawasaki Z650RS it most closely resembles in spirit, performance and style you’ll need to counterbalance the fact you’re getting a Chinese-built version of the same engine against the fact the Morini is cheaper, has much better parts and a whiff of the exotic that will appeal to cost- and style-conscious riders alike.