Italian adventure bike gets new name for the US market
Moto Morini has been around since the 1930s, but is not one of the big names in Italian motorcycle manufacturing. After several changes of ownership, the brand has been part of the Zhongneng Vehicle Group from China since 2018. The stated goal: to offer European design and technology at competitive prices. With the new adventure bike – now called Vettore – Moto Morini wants to win new customers in the US.
Technical data: engine, chassis, and equipment
The heart of the Moto Morini Vettore is a liquid-cooled 450 cc parallel twin. According to the manufacturer, the maximum power output is 44.8 hp (32.9 kW) at 8,500 rpm. The maximum torque is 42.0 Nm (31.0 lb-ft) at 6,500 rpm.
For the chassis, Moto Morini uses a 41 mm Kayaba upside-down fork with 210 mm of travel at the front. At the rear, there is a fully adjustable Kayaba monoshock with 190 mm of travel. The braking system consists of a 320 mm disc with a radially mounted four-piston caliper at the front and a 255 mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the rear. ABS is standard and can be switched off for off-road riding.
The adventure bike rolls on wire spoke wheels measuring 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. The manufacturer specifies the ground clearance as 216 mm (8.5 inches). The dry weight is 190 kg (419 lbs), and the seat height is 841 mm (33.1 inches).
Two equipment variants with extensive standard equipment
The Moto Morini Vettore is available in two versions. The basic version is available in black or green. A higher-quality version in white also features heated grips, a heated seat, hand guards, and upgraded tires.
Both versions offer a TFT display with integrated navigation, USB and USB-C ports, an adjustable windshield, and a center stand. This is intended to appeal to both beginners and experienced adventurers.
Target group: Focus on beginners and adventurers
With the Vettore, Moto Morini is primarily targeting riders who are looking for a lightweight, well-equipped adventure bike for everyday use and adventure. Compared to big brands such as Ducati or BMW, the model is positioned as an interesting alternative with attractive features. The final prices for the US market are still pending, but are likely to be competitive.
