2022 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6.5 SCR & STR Review | First impressions ride

Due to land in a growing UK dealership network at the end of November 2022, the 2022 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 650 (or officially 6-and-a-half) is the newest on the competitive middleweight naked motorcycle market, and from first impressions is well worthy of a second look, whether dressed in either option of Scrambler or Street guises. 

This first ride launch took place out on well-trodden roads to the west of Peterborough, riding sections of tarmac that have featured in many a UK motorcycle review of the past. Latest to roam the area are two variants of the latest 650cc naked from Moto Morini, an Italian pair dressed smartly with Kayaba suspension, Brembo brakes, Bosch ABS, and Pirelli hoops.

You will no doubt recognise the Moto Morini brand name, a manufacturer that has been knocking about since 1937 with some popular models in their time - particularly the 3 1/2, to which this Seiemmezzo (literally 6-and-a-half in Italian) pays homage.

This most recent revival was kicked off with the adventure-tourer X-Cape 650, of which the Seiemmezzo 6 1/2 shares the same parallel-twin motor, to form a platform of three. This platform will prove important for Moto Morini, who hopes to continue expanding its business to offer an attractive motorcycle with a recognisable brand name, top-spec parts, and importantly in this day & age, all at a respectable price.

As with other resurgent motorcycle brands with old names and new ideas, (Royal Enfield, BSA, Triumph et al), manufacturing has moved overseas in the name of keeping that price low - in this case, to China. Moto Morini still hangs onto their Italian heritage with a design centre based out in the Milan area - it’s no wonder these are so trendy.

Future plans seem to revolve around new releases in platforms of three, with the next Morini trio due to be a 1200cc V-twin range, expected to be revealed this time next year… but on with what you’re here to read about.

2022 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6.5 Price and Availability

Depending on the variant you opt for, the new Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6.5 will be available from late November priced at £6,699 for the STR (Street) model, and £6,999 for the SCR (Scrambler) model. 

Colour options naturally depend on the variant, but as seen on the ride day we had the Scrambler in Green (also available in Blue, Grey), and the Sport in either red or white (also available in Grey). Style is spot on, and build quality is just as refined.

It’s a budget-friendly price, and what you get for your money feels like a very fair trade. Moto Morini was also keen to note its dealer network is rapidly expanding. There are plenty of competitors, perhaps the £7,200 Yamaha MT-07 is at the top of the list, but the Moto Morini slots in nicely here.

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo Scrambler and Street Model Variants

The variations in the pair are distinguished in the finer details, where both Seiemmezzo bikes share the same easygoing (yet engaging) engine, steel trellis frame with aluminium swingarm, Pirelli rubber, adjustable Kayaba suspension, and Brembo Brakes with Bosch ABS to set the platform. 

Where Scrambler has a raised front mudguard, mini flyscreen, semi-knobbly Pirelli MT60RS hoops with tubeless spoked rims, wide handlebar, stitched seat and gold forks. The Street model has a modern-classic Italian approach with a narrower handlebar, standard saddle, and cast rims with Pirelli Angel GT shoes, and is overall a touch more easygoing roadster. Naturally, with a few less sparkly parts in comparison, the Street is the cheaper of the two.

My personal preference would be the Scrambler, styling aside, it suited me that bit better as a taller 6’3” rider, mostly thanks to the wider bars - my knees fit nicely in the indents on the tank.

Stylistically, the exhaust is also nicely tucked away in plain sight for both models, the switchgear is intuitive and easy to use, plus well-positioned, and I don't hate the number plate holder being on the rear wheel - it keeps the tail looking tidy.

Engine

The liquid-cooled parallel-twin 649cc unit is easy to get along with, with smooth gradual power delivered through 6 gears to the tune of peak 61 bhp & 54 Nm figures. Revving out each gear to redline (around 8500 rpm) will see you reach just over 100 mph, and whilst not exactly earth-shatteringly quick, it’s not a bike that will ever claim to be prioritising performance over poise.

Cruising in high gear and ripping the throttle won’t quite coax much instant acceleration, so a downshift or two is needed to get the engine (quietly) purring and start the proverbial party. Particularly from closed, the throttle did tend to feel a tad snatchy when engaging power at lower speeds, though the caveat is that these test bikes were fresh from the crate, and still being broken in.

As for the ‘singing’ nature of the motor… No doubt thanks to Euro 5, the engine note was a tad muted, but there are always the aftermarket options to consider if you’re a firm believer in ‘loud pipes saving lives’.

All in, the engine suits sensible cruising in towns & cities and is more than happy to be opened up on the twistier roads we found ourselves on for the launch. It has been said once before, and will be said many times again - there is plenty of fun to be had pushing a middleweight bike as hard as you can.

Worth noting that the Seiemmezzo will also be available with an A2 restrictor (47 bhp), and would certainly make a great platform for newer riders to ply their trade thanks to the predictable delivery, plus no rider modes to worry about. Rev & rip!

I will sat that the gearbox on a couple of occasions somehow stuck me in neutral from 3rd, which was rather odd, but otherwise it was happily clicking up and down the gears. Working every gear to propel yourself down the road is just as fun here as on any other middleweight.

Brakes & Suspension

No expense is spared here, with upside-down 43mm adjustable (preload, rebound and compression) Kayaba forks & shock, giving 120mm of travel and feeling sure-footed on the UK roads. Though occasionally feeling a tad too rebound-y (though, no adjustments made) it’s a comfortable ride, ensuring corner entry is predictable.

The Brembo brakes here are just as predictably good. Twin 298mm discs up front and a rear 255mm disc perform really well, and the Bosch 9.1 ABS was certainly put to use on the increasingly damp tarmac when putting pressure on the rear brake - with the audible clack taking away the possibility of a dodgy lockup. 

On that, though the levers are adjustable, I found the indent on the brake lever not quite level with the grip, meaning your forefinger points outward if keeping your throttle hand resting on the inner bar-ends.

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo Ride

Both models have an 810mm saddle, and a brief perch on the pillion portion when stationary was fairly soft with well-placed grab rails. Neutral peg & bar positioning make this a comfortable place to be, even as a tall rider, and the indents in the tank allow you both control and comfort. Whilst the Scrambler has the little fly screen to deflect a touch of buffeting, the Street is truly naked and exposes you to the elements. A touring screen would be a worthy addition if sinking commuting miles regularly. 

A 16-litre tank is given an optimistic 190-mile range, and the smart 5” colour TFT dash (with individual styling for the SCR & STR) has smartphone integration to allow control of your music and calls, if you’re interested in still being connected mid-ride. I did notice that the wiring did obscure the corners of the dash somewhat, particularly on the Scrambler, but that’s easily sorted if it really winds you up. 

Dry weight is listed as around 200 kg, though the 1425mm wheelbase with 18” front and 17” rear wheels allows a nimble feel when riding. Shorter riders, aka Toad, will happily reach the floor and move the Seiemmezzo around in the garage or car park.

On the road, the Seiemmezzo handles itself well, is nice and compelling & fluid when cornering, and matches the build quality that feels just as top quality. Regardless of potential reservations of Chinese-built motorcycles, the more recent models tend to be addressing concerns and lead with their heads held high yet keeping prices low - such as Toad’s review of the CFMoto 800 CL-X (CFMoto also coincidentally produce these engine units), Toad noting an admirable build quality in his review.

As mentioned in the Engine segment, the road feel will appeal to riders old & new who are after an engaging and predictable ride.

2022 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 650 Verdict

After 70-or-so miles on the first ride, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6.5 SCR & STR impressed with their approachable nature, high spec, and an overall top finish. Style is the word of the day, here, and rocking up to a bike meet on one of these will certainly intrigue - particularly when looking at the recognisable name brands on the components. 

Out of the two, I’d absolutely opt for the Scrambler variant. With the wider bar, little screen, and overall look, it’s a winner. The Street felt fine, but when jumping between the two, the narrower roadster-esque bars were noticeable. 

With a growing dealer list for after-sales support, and a budget-friendly cost (though not too far off the Yamaha’s and Honda’s of the world), this Seiemmezzo could be well worth a look if wanting to scratch that middleweight itch with a unique approach. 

I’m still not certain about the name, though. Seiemmezzo 6 1/2 sounds like it’s giving itself a rating out of 10. I’d instead put it at a 7, the main point to improve would be livening the engine a little, and allowing the engine note to sing a bit more. Well worth a test.

Thanks to Moto Morini for having us on the launch, head to their website to find out more.

Watch: 2022 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo Review