2022 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Italian Style, Planted Confidence
The Seiemmezzo STR is Moto Morini's entry into the middleweight naked class. It's Italian-designed and built in China around a 649 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that makes 61 hp and 40 lb-ft, carried in a steel trellis frame. The engine isn't what makes it interesting. The equipment is. You get a fully adjustable upside-down fork and an adjustable shock, a 5-inch TFT dash with smartphone connectivity, tire pressure monitoring, an LED headlight and backlit switchgear. At this price point you usually find that the budget shows somewhere. On the STR it mostly doesn't, and that's the kind of delivery a brand still earning its name needs.
On the road the STR feels planted rather than flighty. At 481 lb (218 kg) wet it's no featherweight, and you feel that when you push it around the garage. Once it's rolling, the weight settles into composure, and the bike stays calm and stable at speed. The upright riding position makes it an easy everyday partner. It suits a rider who wants character, good components and a bit of Italian style more than peak numbers. Know what you're giving up, though. ABS is the only rider aid, with no traction control or ride modes. The engine also asks for patience at low speed until it's warm.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 61 hp (44 kW) @ 8,250 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 40 lb-ft (54 Nm) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 649 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-18 |
| Rear tire | 160/60-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.1 in (1425 mm) |
| Seat height | 32.0 in (813 mm) |
| Wet weight | 481 lb (218 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 gal (15.9 L) |
| Top speed | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Lighting
Safety
Minor gearbox issue (STR model)
During testing of the STR variant, a minor gearbox issue was noted that gradually faded with use. The cause is unclear, but the transmission felt notchy or hesitant initially.
Where this Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Seiemmezzo STR is actually built for.
It handles the weekday city run with ease and looks good parked at the ridge-road meet. The TFT, app link and Italian lines suit you. Just let it warm up before you take on stop-and-go traffic.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If you measure a canyon bike by raw punch, 61 hp won't satisfy you. If you want a stable, adjustable chassis you can set up properly and ride hard all day, it earns its place.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
You'll get real use out of the feedback and the adjustable suspension on repeat runs through tight mountain curves. The weight shows at low speed, so plan your entries and let the chassis settle.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Competitor · 2017–2019
Light, Honest, and Sorted
Competitor · 2014–2025
Cheap to Keep, Digitally Sharp
Roughly $3,100 cheaper used than this bike at 4 yr
Competitor · 2019–2024
Four Cylinders That Just Work
Roughly $1,400 pricier used than this bike at 4 yr
Same Platform · 2022
Italian Style, Honest Mileage
Roughly $1,100 pricier used than this bike at 4 yr