Moto Morini Seiemmezzo - I am convinced

I am convinced the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo is one of the best bikes in its class.

I joined a few of the local Wellington Riders crew for a Sunday afternoon jaunt over the Rimutakas and around Lake Ferry. There was a good mix of bikes, from a chrome-clad Harley, to a Kawasaki ZX10 and everything in between.

We saddled up around 3:30pm, and headed for the hills. This was the first time riding the wee Moto Morini Seiemmezzo on open road. Up till now all I had done was commuting miles. As soon as we hit the first corners of the Rimutakas, I felt confident and at home. The bike was leaning beautifully into corners, and gracefully wafting around them. Using a mixture of 3rd and 4th, I was able to easily leave the other bikes behind as i got stuck into some awesome riding.

There are times when man and machine just sync up and you feel really good. and this was one of those times. It didn't matter then I had one of the smallest engine'd in the pack, I was just feeling the road, and loving every second of it.

The shifter felt exact and precise as I approached the top of the hill, and coming into the tighter bends as we made our descent into Wairarapa, engine braking was all that was required to control my speed.

I am convinced that this Moto Morini Seiemmezzo is one of the best LAMS motorcycles on the market at the moment. Sure, a case can be made for the likes of the Yamaha MT07, as the CP2 engine is awesome, but the over-all package lets it down, with average suspension and no tech to speak of. The suspension on the Seiemmezzo (once tuned) is better than average, able to soak up most of the bumps, while keeping you properly connected tot he road and providing great feedback.

The wheel combo of 18" front and 17" rear, with what is comparatively wide tyres actually feels really good, with a nice linear lean into corners. It's able to hold a stable line and track well in the twisties. When you need to slow down, simply hooking a single finger over the front brake lever and applying a little pressure engages the twin front Brembos and hauls you up really well. The amount of pressure required to brake the bike with either the front or rear is incredibly satisfying, and easily one of the best things about the bike.

Up till now, I would have said to anyone looking at a LAMS bike, that the MT07 is the way to go easily and hands down, but my time riding the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo has really made me question that. The Seiemmezzo is a brilliant bike, with superior suspension, Bluetooth, a colour TFT display, and looks to boot. Taking one for a test ride is not a suggestion, it's a recommendation. Hell, it's almost mandatory. A simple, small bike that has the power to get up and move, and will put a smile on your face. Plus it has that "look-back" factory we often talk about.