Moto Morini: Interview with CEO Monni on future ambitions

Poky, 1000PS: Alberto, in one sentence what should riders associate with Moto Morini in 2026?

Alberto Monni, CEO Moto Morini: The DNA of Moto Morini is first of all Italian. We try to put that into every design, every detail of ergonomics and handling. That's what makes the difference between Moto Morini and other Chinese manufacturers. As you know, Moto Morini is a big Italian brand, but since 2018 we've been owned by a Chinese company. That has been a big step forward for us because now we have the resources to develop the bikes we imagine without major cost limits. We can position them correctly in price, quality and market segment.

So, Italian spirit comes first. But we also want to broaden our range because our goal is to compete with the big brands in all major segments. Over the last five years we've grown a lot from our large-engine heritage around 1200 cc, we moved into mid-displacement with the 6.5, which became our bestseller X-Cape. Then came the 500 and Sei-Mezzo SCR, and now we're back up with a new 1200 X-Cape arriving in Italy and soon in other markets. We want every Moto Morini to be recognizable in design, rideability and image. When a customer buys a Moto Morini, they should instantly know where that bike sits within its segment.

Poky, 1000PS: How does the balance between Italian R&D and globalized manufacturing shape your bikes?

Monni: Italian R&D and design are 90 percent of the project. The other 10 percent the final engineering and mass production happens in China. But being able to develop the bikes internally here in Italy makes a big difference. We're riders ourselves. When we test other bikes, we feel something that immediate connection when you sit down. On a Moto Morini it feels Italian. That's what we want to keep for the future.

We're also investing in engines especially the V-twin. It might have seemed outdated for the past decade, but now even Suzuki is back with it. For us it's history: Moto Morini started in the 1970s with V-twin engines, and we want to continue that line. Our V-twins are built with our own engines, our own character.

Poky, 1000PS: Your X-Cape 700 it went from 650 cc to 693 cc. What was the reason?

Monni: There were two reasons. First, the 650 X-Cape had been on the market for about three years normally that's the right moment for a restyle. Second, the Euro-5+ regulation came at the same time, so we had the chance to switch to the new engine platform. Customers told us they loved the X-Cape the suspension, the frame, the brakes but they wanted more power. Now, with the 700, they have it.

Poky, 1000PS: The 1200 X-Cape looks impressive around 130 horsepower, but also 269 kilos dry. That's heavier than some competitors. Why?

Monni: Yes, the V-twin is a big engine, not a light one. On paper you could say we could lose maybe ten or fifteen kilos, but the real surprise comes when you ride it. We already did the press launch in Italy, and every tester came back saying, "It doesn't feel heavy."

We worked a lot on weight distribution. The fuel tank isn't high up it's low on the sides, similar to KTM's solution and the chassis balance is really good. So even if the numbers look heavy, the feeling is agile and natural.

Poky, 1000PS: You also have a 700 bagger version of the Calibro now is that meant to reach the U.S. market?

Monni: Yes. Moto Morini opened its own company in California three years ago. This bike will definitely appeal to the U.S., but we face challenges due to Trump-era import taxes. Still, I pushed for this bike because there was no mid-displacement, reasonably priced bagger in Europe. No direct competitor. And the results proved it our Calibro Standard and Calibro Bagger surprised even our own sales team. We also presented an optional Batwing fairing at EICMA customers love that style.

Poky, 1000PS: You've got the new 750 V-twin alongside the 700 parallel-twin. Will one replace the other?

Monni: No, both will stay. The V-twin is part of our DNA, but the parallel-twin allows us to compete in price-sensitive segments. The V-twin will power higher-end models, while the 700 platform covers the middle range.

Poky, 1000PS: So, what should riders expect from Moto Morini in the coming years?

Monni: More variety, but always the same soul. Whether it's a 500, 700 or 1200, each Moto Morini must feel Italian in its design, handling and emotion.

Poky, 1000PS: Thank you, Alberto.

Monni: Thank you. See you on the road.