Moto Morini step into the mid-size cruiser arena with new Calibro twin

Moto Morini are the latest firm to wade into the bustling mid-size cruiser class, revealing a new 649cc Calibro sharing the same engine as the Seiemmezzo roadster range.

Although UK pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, with more details expected at next month’s Eicma trade show in Milan, the Calibro is set to produce around 60bhp, and can be restricted to meet A2 licence requirements.

With a gentle seat height of 720mm, the friendly parallel twin motor is held in place via a double steel cradle frame – with conventional 41mm forks upfront and preload-adjustable twin shocks at the rear. These lead down to a pair of tubeless cast rims, wearing budget friendly Timsun tyres that could struggle on drizzly English roads.  

Up front, you’ll find an 18in wheel, with a 16 at the back to assist with the cruiser stance. These are then paired with disc brakes and Bosch ABS – with a single 320mm rotor and two-piston caliper found up front for the lion’s share of the stopping power.

Away from the brakes, the Morini lines up alongside a long list of established rivals including the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, Honda CMX500 Rebel, Kawasaki Vulcan 650, and incoming Kawasaki Eliminator 500 range. Although taking the top spot will be hard, it looks set to be one of the most powerful machines in its class, with a price likely to undercut the competition.

With styling clearly influenced by the aforementioned £6399 Rebel, the Morini Calibro gets a rounded LED headlight, small circular indicators, and a side-mounted ignition below the 15-litre metal fuel tank just like the Honda.

What’s more, the 8v DOHC motor is said to be good for just under 106mph, with data provided to the rider via a part-digital-part-analogue dash including your fuel level, gear position, speed, and more.

Tipping the scales at 200kg dry, the Morini can be further tweaked to your own personal preference. The rear seat can be removed altogether for instance, and the foot peg position can be altered for either an active or more relaxed riding stance.

There will also be a full range of accessories, said to: “make it suitable for long rides with maximum comfort, without compromising its attractive looks.”

Although Moto Morini are yet to list any official detail, this is likely to include luggage sets, pillion back rests, padded seating, and more.