The world is rapidly becoming a smaller place, not only in terms of our ability to explore it but also when it comes to manufacturing. Where European and Japanese brands used to dominate the two-wheeled world, now companies based in Asia are starting to step to the forefront, with the likes of CFMOTO , QJMotor , Voge , Zontes and more launching ranges of competitively priced models into the European market.
And some, as is the case with the Moto Morini Alltrhike, are doing so while using established brand names to front their models. Designed in Italy but built in China by the Zhongneng Vehicle Group, will this new A2-legal adventure bike prove yet another thorn in the side of the establishment?
Reasons to buy: + Smooth, frugal twin with 220+ mile range + Plush KYB suspension and comfy ride + Great value with loads of useful standard kit
Reasons to avoid: – Weak, muted front brake – 21in front wheel slightly dulls front-end confidence – Lacks standout character vs rivals
Moto Morini were formed in Italy in 1937 by Alfonso Morini, built their first motorcycle in 1946 and won a 125 GP in 1949. Rapid expansion in the 1950s saw them set up a production facility in Bologna, and in the 1960s the company exported to America as well as Europe. After success in the 1970s and 1980s, Morini went dormant in the early 1990s under Cagiva’s ownership.
Relaunched in 2005, Morini made a series of Corsaro 1187cc and 9 ½ 948cc V-twins before switching ownership in 2013. In 2018 Morini was purchased by the Zhongneng Vehicle Group, a Chinese firm based in Zhejiang; however, they retain an Italian-based design facility.
The A2-legal middleweight market plays to the strengths of Asian manufacturers, as low-cost parallel twins (and singles) are what they do best (they have been building them for ‘known brands’ for years). With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Morini’s 449cc parallel-twin is a delightful motor. Producing a fairly standard 44.8bhp with 31ftlb of torque, it won’t blow your socks off, but it is very smooth and vibe-free and will merrily sit at 70mph all day long, with higher speeds certainly achievable.
The initial throttle response is a touch jerky (something you notice more when off-road in low gears), but it isn’t hideous, and the gearbox is slick and the clutch action light. Recording an average of 56mpg, which gives it a tank range of over 220 miles, it is also pleasingly frugal and practical.
Morini’s decision to arm the Alltrhike with a 21in front wheel to give it adventuring credibility does bring with it some compromises. This large hoop, combined with chunky CST Enduro Ambro tyres and an 18in rear wheel, makes the Morini tend to flop into bends.
Exaggerated by a rear end that sits very low, the Alltrhike doesn’t deliver the same front-end confidence you get with a 19in wheel, but it isn’t terrible, and you soon get dialled into how it feels. You can enjoy it on a spirited blast, but it is at a slower pace when you just want to relax and let the miles slip past – that is where the Alltrhike excels.
Boasting KYB suspension at both ends, the ride quality of the Morini is set on the soft side, but this actually benefits the bike. Plush to ride and with good damping, the Morini feels like a Honda Transalp in its road manners with a delightfully refined ride quality and no unpleasant jarring.
With fully adjustable forks and a degree of adjustability on its shock, you can firm it up for touring with kit but on an A2-leg…