Moto Morini Camel: new adventure bike with 250 mm of suspension travel

Don't worry, this isn't about Camel cigarettes. This camel comes on two wheels instead of in a pack, and it craves gravel rather than a lighter. Moto Morini is bringing back the Camel name, recalling the twin-cylinder enduro of the 1980s that even made it onto the Paris-Dakar route. The new adventure bike joins the X-Cape, with which the brand has been represented in the mid-size adventure class with a 19-inch front wheel since 2021. The Camel now takes on the more off-road-focused role with a 21-inch front wheel.

At its heart is a liquid-cooled 670cc parallel twin. Moto Morini quotes 82 hp, or 60 kW, at 10,000 rpm and 70 Nm at 7,000 rpm. Two overhead camshafts actuate the valves via finger followers, while two side-mounted radiators handle heat dissipation. Bore and stroke are listed as 81 x 65 mm, and the compression ratio is 13.5:1. The engine meets Euro 5+, and the manufacturer quotes a top speed of 195 km/h.

According to Moto Morini, the setup is intended to combine character, performance and everyday usability, making the engine easy to use in a wide range of riding conditions. Riders with an A2 licence haven't been forgotten either: a restricted version has been announced. Access to the new Camel is therefore not reserved exclusively for holders of a full motorcycle licence.

The chassis is where the bike's focus becomes clearer. Up front is a 48 mm upside-down fork, while at the rear a progressively linked Pro-Link-type monoshock does the work. Both offer 250 mm of suspension travel and are adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping. Add to that 280 mm of ground clearance. The main frame and subframe are made of chrome-molybdenum steel in a trellis design, and the main frame does without lower frame rails. The one-piece aluminium swingarm is gravity cast.

The spoked wheels carry tubeless tyres in 90/90-21 front and 150/70-18 rear. Braking is handled by Brembo components: up front are two 300 mm discs with floating calipers, at the rear a 255 mm disc with an opposed-piston caliper. Moto Morini combines the large wheels and long suspension travel with a 20-litre tank. The stated goal is extended tours that also take in unpaved roads.

And how high do you sit on the returning camel? Moto Morini quotes a seat height of 850 mm. The wheelbase is 1,502 mm, and the overall dimensions are 2,330 mm in length, 940 mm in width and 1,485 mm in height. As for weight, the manufacturer quotes 200 kg dry. This figure explicitly refers to the dry weight. Together with the chassis data, this forms the technical framework of the new adventure bike, without mixing the weight figure up with a wet weight.

Ride-by-wire forms the basis for selectable riding modes and traction control with multiple intervention levels. The ABS intervention threshold can also be adjusted, and in off-road mode the system can be deactivated. Cruise control is provided for longer transfer stages. Bluetooth connectivity is also part of the features, and the navigation integrated into the Moto Morini app can be used as well. The Camel thus combines its off-road ambitions with functions for getting there and finding your way en route.

Visually, Moto Morini relies on sand-coloured surfaces contrasting with black fairing and technical components. Sculpted tank flanks, taut lines and graphics on the sides and front mudguard define the look. Up front, a geometrically styled LED headlight and a tall windscreen take centre stage. The two-level seat leads to a tail with an exposed subframe and a minimalist luggage rack. The name looks back, while the design translates it into a contemporary adventure form. Moto Morini quotes availability as the end of 2027.

How much power does the Moto Morini Camel have? According to the manufacturer, the 670cc parallel twin produces 82 hp, or 60 kW, at 10,000 rpm and delivers 70 Nm at 7,000 rpm. A restricted A2 version is also planned.

What wheels and suspension travel does the Camel offer? The spoked wheels measure 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear and carry tubeless tyres. Both fully adjustable suspension units offer 250 mm of travel, and ground clearance is 280 mm.

How heavy is the new Camel and when is it coming? Moto Morini quotes a dry weight of 200 kg, a seat height of 850 mm and a tank capacity of 20 litres. The new Camel is set to be available at the end of 2027.