You could have forgotten that the as soon as Italian bike model Morbidelli was nonetheless round. Effectively, it’s, and underneath QJMotor’s Chinese language management, it has been on an upswing of types – particularly in European, South American, and Asian markets. Now, it appears like the corporate is headed to America … with two thrilling journey choices.
How do two brand-new 1-liter V-twin journey bikes sound? Each with options like adjustable suspension, a number of using modes, heated grips and seats, and Pirelli tires.
QJ North America Inc. has acquired EPA validation to promote the T1002V and T1002VX within the US. Each these bikes will likely be 2026 mannequin yr bikes – which implies People will likely be getting the identical models with similar specs to the European fashions, technically.
Morbidelli
That begins with the engine, a 997cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 80-degree V-twin that places out a claimed 88.5 horsepower at 7,750 RPM and 65.6 lb.ft (89 Nm) of torque at 5,250 RPM. It comes mated to a standard six-speed transmission and a sequence closing drive with a slipper clutch.
While you pit it towards extra established liter-class journey bikes, these numbers seem fairly tame. For comparability, the likes of Honda’s Africa Twin and Ducati’s Desert X provide each extra energy and torque – 100.5 hp and 82.6 lb.ft (112 Nm), and 110 hp and 68 lb.ft (98 Nm), respectively.
However then once more, you’d be paying a fraction of what you’d usually pay for premium journey bikes just like the Africa Twin and the Desert X. So I don’t assume most patrons will likely be complaining a few lack of efficiency.
Different bits, too, look good up to now. You get a 19/17-inch wheel setup (solid alloy with tubeless rubber on the V and spoke-type with tube rubber on the VX). Suspension comes from KYB – 43-mm upside-down adjustable forks and an adjustable rear monoshock.
Morbidelli
The 32.3-in (820-mm) seat top and 584-lb (265-kg) curb weight is similar on each fashions, which solely differ in styling. The T1002VX is extra off-road targeted in comparison with the usual trim, but it surely’s barely restricted to the wheel and tire upgrades.
And as you’d count on from Chinese language bikes, the T1002V and T1002VX additionally come filled with loads of facilities. There’s a giant 7-inch TFT instrument cluster that comes with telephone connectivity, which will be managed by backlit toggles on the handlebars. You additionally get heated seats and grips, an adjustable windshield, a tire stress monitoring system, cornering ABS, traction management, and all-LED lighting.
As for pricing, the T1002V and T1002VX begin at £8,299 within the UK. That’s US$11,284 per direct conversion. And that features a full package of aluminum baggage – one thing you’d be anticipated to shell out round $1,500 over and above.
Morbidelli
That pricing alone is on par with most middleweight journey bikes. That’s unimaginable worth. To place it in perspective, the Ducati Desert X will be had for $18,995, whereas the Honda Africa Twin, though extra inexpensive at $14,799, continues to be a complete lot pricier than the T1002V.
In fact, as CycleWorld factors out, tariffs will undoubtedly have a big affect on the bikes’ value and attraction, and though the EPA approval signifies that they are often offered within the US in 2026, we’re nonetheless awaiting an official phrase from Morbidelli.
And in case you’re searching for one thing distinctive, you will not discover it right here. It appears like a number of journey bikes on the market. For starters, that aspect profile jogs my memory a number of the Triumph Tiger and the Ducati Multistrada. There’s even a touch of the Suzuki V-Strom, and its Chinese language sibling, the Benelli TRK 902, for that matter.
Supply: Morbidelli through CycleWorld
