Kiwi Rider Podcast 2022 | E28
In this week's show, Ray talked us through his insurance win, we have
When it comes to motorcycles, small details can make a big difference. Sometimes, it's the subtle aspects of design and feel that elevate a machine from "pretty good" to exceptional. And with the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR, this is precisely where the bike shines.
Let’s start with something seemingly minor but surprisingly important—the indicator switch. This is something a lot of motorcycle manufacturers get wrong. It’s surprising, given how much you interact with it. There's nothing worse than the feeling of a vague, flimsy switch on an otherwise well-made bike. With the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR, though, you get a switch that’s satisfyingly tactile. It delivers a solid, audible click that confirms you’ve made the selection, and that’s a big deal because it’s about trust and feedback. The last thing you want is to second-guess whether you’ve triggered it properly. On a bike like this, where the premium feel is in every detail, the quality of the indicator switch’s action is refreshingly direct. It may sound trivial, but that click reassures you every time you need it.
Then, there’s the rear brake. Moto Morini has absolutely nailed it with the Seiemmezzo SCR’s rear brake lever. Placement is crucial, and here it feels natural and intuitive—right where you want it without needing to hunt for it. More than that, though, it doesn’t have any annoying flex. Tap it, and it feels rock-solid underfoot. The pedal itself has a wide contact patch, so your boot stays secure on it. But what really sets this brake apart is the feel: there's an immediate connection that provides excellent modulation and control, without ever feeling overly sensitive or mushy. It’s rare to find a rear brake that hits the sweet spot quite like this.
As for the engine, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR’s heart is a 649cc parallel-twin that produces 61 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and around 54 Nm of torque. It’s not all about top-end power with this bike, though; it’s the character and responsiveness that define the ride. Many modern bikes either deliver an aggressive, jerky throttle at low revs or lack the pull to feel engaging. Not the Seiemmezzo. The first third of the rev range might not pack a knockout punch, but there's a steady, satisfying pull from around 3,000 rpm. It’s smooth, consistent, and adds to the bike’s relaxed but capable nature. You can feel the power building as you open the throttle, but it’s delivered in such a predictable way that it’s confidence-inspiring. It won’t startle newer riders, but it also has enough character to keep experienced riders entertained.
While the bike doesn’t possess towering bottom-end torque, this isn’t necessarily a drawback. It’s all about having the right amount of power exactly when you need it. Cruising through a city or winding through mountain passes, the Seiemmezzo keeps things smooth and predictable. This isn’t a bike that’s going to scare you with sudden power surges; instead, it’s the kind of machine that encourages you to lean in a little harder and explore those mid-range revs. For many riders, this gentle but persistent pull is exactly what they’re looking for in a daily rider or weekend explorer.
There’s also the look of the Seiemmezzo SCR, which plays a big part in the appeal of this bike. Moto Morini has gone for a scrambler-inspired design that feels both rugged and refined. With wire-spoke wheels, a high-mounted exhaust, and a minimalist, stripped-back look, this bike has a timeless quality that suits just about any setting, whether it’s parked outside a café or tearing down a dirt track. The saddle is comfortable, and the upright seating position adds to the bike's versatility, making it equally at home in the city or out on the open road.
Beyond the basics, the Seiemmezzo SCR also has a few nice touches that reinforce its premium feel, like its LCD display that is bright, clear, and easy to read in different lighting conditions. The bike weighs in at around 200kg, which feels well balanced—never too heavy, and easy to manage at lower speeds.
All in all, the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR is a bike that shines through the details. It’s got a distinct character that comes from careful attention to the things that really matter to riders. Whether it’s the tactile feel of the indicator switch, the solid rear brake feedback, or the rewarding low-end pull of the engine, Moto Morini has crafted a motorcycle that speaks to riders who appreciate both style and substance.