Is This Simply the Perfect Entry-Level Street Motorcycle?

At least a couple of interesting trends have emerged in the motorcycle world lately.

One is the revival of various Italian brand names, such as Benelli and Moto Morini, by larger companies based in Asia.

Morbidelli

Another is the increasing popularity of more approachable, affordable motorcycles, spearheaded by Royal Enfield, which has been making an absolute killing with smaller-displacement bikes.

While these two movements are not necessarily connected, they do overlap, with one bike sitting squarely at the nexus of the Venn diagram.

I’m talking about the Morbidelli F125, which has all the makings of a first-time rider’s street-fightin’ dream while packing some goodies for two-wheeled vets too.

Quick history

Founded by Giancarlo Morbidelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1959, Morbidelli grew into a small-displacement racing powerhouse, winning the 125cc Grand Prix world championship three years in a row in the mid-1970s.

The company also made an absolutely insane, totally doomed V8 motorcycle several years later. 

Morbidelli

That sort of decision-making may have led to last year’s acquisition of the Morbidelli name by Chinese giant QJ Motor, which also owns Keeway, Qianjiang and, yes, Benelli. 

The revival is taking place under Keeway’s MBP Moto division, but the design and research and development still takes place in Italy.

That lends just a bit of Italian flair to a small stable of well-built, wallet-friendly bikes that seem to punch above their weight.

Ticket to ride

Considering Morbidelli’s early small-bore racing success, it’s perhaps fitting that the most compelling model might be the new F125.

As the name suggests, it boasts a liquid-cooled, DOHC 125cc single-cylinder engine making 14.48 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 8.51 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm.

Morbidelli

Those numbers are hardly huge, but they should translate to plenty of pep on a bike with a nimble curb weight of 315 pounds. The seat height of 31.3 inches, which is not low but together with a weight that is one-foot friendly should be manageable for many beginners. 

Adding to the approachability is a slipper clutch, which would have been unheard of on 125cc bike back when I started riding in the mid-2010s. 

Morbidelli

This feature essentially smooths out the effects of engine braking during deceleration, essentially “slipping” to match the engine speed and bike speed during sudden braking. In other words, the bike won’t jerk or jump around during rapid downshifts.

Also helping beginners maintain control and confidence is a 33mm upside-down fork with 130mm (5.1 inches) of travel, an adjustable multilink rear shock and dual discs with ABS.

Bonus points

While you certainly aren’t going to knock anyone’s socks off at 125cc, the F125 tries its damnedest. 

The streetfighter vibes are strong with this one, courtesy of the stripped-down bodywork, aggressive riding position and LED lighting. 

Morbidelli

The bike also boasts a digital LCD dash and multiple USB ports, pretty impressive for a bike with this one’s price tag.

Which does bring me to the one major hangup with the F125 — the one unchecked box, if you will. Right now, it’s only available overseas, primarily in Europe. 

But considering the fact that you now buy Keeway has made it possible for Americans to saddle up Chinese-made bikes like Benda’s Chinchilla 500 and Napoleonbob 500, perhaps it’s only a matter of time till this one makes it to our shores. 

Availability and pricing

The Morbidelli F125 is currently available in South America and Europe, among other places, with a UK starting price of £2,499, or roughly $3,339 USD.

Morbidelli

Morbidelli F125

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