In my wildest desires I could not have imagined that I’d ever see a 125cc bike from China wearing Ducati-like underpinnings. I’m not kidding – a correct liquid-cooled V-twin, a metal trellis body, an aluminum single-sided swingarm … this may simply be the best entry-level moto ever!
Now, Morbidelli isn’t any stranger to the bike world. The once-Italian bike model, now underneath QJMotor’s Chinese language management, has been producing bikes for the reason that Nineteen Seventies. However this one’s actually particular.
For starters, there’s the 124.9cc V-twin engine powering the bike. A single overhead camshaft (SOHC) drives the three valves in every cylinder. The bore and stroke measure 42 by 45 mm, with a compression ratio of 11.3:1. All of that ends in exactly 13.8 hp of peak energy at 9,500 RPM and eight lb-ft (10.9 Nm) of peak torque at 6,500 RPM.
Morbidelli
Don’t ask me how the twin-cylinder motor feels – I haven’t ridden the bike but – however that configuration must be extra refined, with a smoother and extra constant energy output in comparison with different engines of its measurement. Even larger names just like the KTM 125 Duke, Yamaha MT-125, and Aprilia RS 125 are all single-cylinder choices. That makes the N125V an oddball of types.
However that twin-cylinder engine does come at a value. Weight. At 407.9 lb (185 kg), able to experience, the Morbidelli N125V weighs greater than BMW’s latest baby GS. In a market the place most 125cc single-cylinder bikes weigh between 286 and 330 lb (130 and 150 kg), that is quite a bit.
Coming to the underpinnings, the bike is constructed round a metal trellis body and a single-sided swingarm – one thing you gained’t discover within the 125cc class. It sits on an inverted telescopic fork with KYB 41-mm stanchion tubes up entrance and a single shock on the rear.
Morbidelli
You get a 300 mm single disc with a four-piston caliper on the entrance and a 240 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper to convey the bike to a halt. Twin-channel ABS is customary. Additionally customary are traction management (TCS), full-LED lighting, and an LCD show to maintain issues good and easy.
Now, styling is commonly a subjective matter. What Morbidelli has achieved right here is hardly subjective. There’s no denying it seems to be rather a lot like sure Italian superbikes – maybe the Ducati Monster most of all. A bike that Ducati itself discontinued in 2021. However is {that a} unhealthy factor? Not essentially.
Imitation, in any case, is the sincerest type of flattery. At the least it offers us a glimpse into what a 125cc Ducati may appear to be had the Italian model ever produced one.
Morbidelli
The Morbidelli N125V is anticipated to go on sale in Europe this (Northern Hemisphere] summer time, adopted by different areas. Stateside availability seems to be unlikely in the intervening time, though Morbidelli does have a good presence within the USA.
As for pricing, nothing’s official but. I reckon it might price underneath US$3,500. If that certainly seems to be the case, I may see consumers lining up – however that’s a really massive if.
Both method, I’d like to swing my leg over the Ducati Monster-esque machine and put it by means of its paces.
Morbidelli
Supply: Morbidelli
