Moto Morini Seiemmezzo Scrambler Road Test Review: Likes & Dislikes

A well-packaged mid-displacement scrambler for not too much money

If you are moving up from motorcycles like the KTM 390 Duke, there are a fair few middleweight motorcycles within that sub-Rs 10 lakh mark. Most people, and common sense, would point you in the direction of Japanese marques like Kawasaki and Honda, but there’s a new Italian in town, and it demands your attention. The Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6½ Scrambler will leave you pleasantly surprised and here’s a quick list of what we liked and disliked about the middleweight scrambler.

Likes:

Form/format:

The first thing I found attractive about the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 6½ is the format it represents, especially the Scrambler variant. A fun, capable, throw around middleweight scrambler is a rare find in this price range. There are middleweight ADVs, nakeds and sports tourers, but there’s no bike like it (scrambler) in its segment.

Premium Hardware:

The next thing that really caught our attention was the hardware used. We're talking Brembo brakes, adjustable suspension, tubeless wire-spoked rims and colour TFT screen. That's an impressive array considering that in this segment we have brands selling a fair amount of middleweights comfortably despite offering lower spec hardware. And after testing the Seiemmezzo 6½, we can happily report that all the hardware worked well and came together to offer a good riding experience.

• Front Brake: Twin disc 298mm

• Rear Brake: Twin disc 255mm

• Dual-channel ABS

Braking test: 

During our test we did catch a puncture and thanks to the tubeless wire-spoked rims the whole process of getting it fixed was fast and done at a local repair shop without any special tools.

Approachable and welcoming:

This bit covers a few aspects which make this bike very wholesome. From moving it around the parking lot to belting it on the highway, this bike isn't cumbersome or overly challenging in any way, it's super welcoming. The 215kg (wet) weight isn't a problem. The 785mm seat height is approachable. And the 170mm ground clearance never ground the belly anywhere. It's pretty fuss-free that way. 

For the intermediate rider:

Honestly, it felt like riding a smoother, more refined, but heavier KTM 390. The 649cc motor is making less power than the Kawasaki 650s with nearly 56PS and 54Nm on tap, but just as much more than the 390s. Hence making it a good in-between option. 

Acceleration test:

Roll-on acceleration test:

It was also surprisingly well-behaved. If you're an experienced rider, this bike will trot along through traffic like a happy dog and then break loose if you crack the whip without any surprises. Traffic can be handled easily between second and third gear, and on highways 110-120kmph can be had all day.

Good ergonomics:

For my height, which is five-feet nine-inches, I found the rider triangle very well spread out. The nice and wide handlebar offers a proper grip on the bike's handling and power. My legs aren't too cramped from the tuck, and I can even slide forward and throw my leg out supermoto style if in the mood. Moving around on that banana seat is pretty comfortable and easy.

Dislikes:

Tank shape:

It feels odd between the legs, it just does. It's a large 15.5-litre fuel tank and returns a more than reasonable 22kmpl in the city and 27kmpl on the highway. But, the shape of it is odd, and a slimmer and maybe even a smaller fuel tank would've done the job.  But that's us nitpicking.

Wiring on the handlebar:

The wiring on the handlebar covers parts of the TFT console and it makes it very difficult to properly read everything on the fly. It's a small problem to have and taller riders will surely not be bothered. But it's an observation. That said, if Morini had packaged those wires and cables nicely it would've been a nicer touch. 

Some simple electronics:

While the motorcycle hardly ever misbehaves, the safety net of traction control system and option of switchable ABS at the rear would've been appreciated. Those are good tools to have on your first middleweight motorcycle.

Price & Verdict: 

The price of Rs 6.99 lakh onwards (ex-showroom) doesn't feel outrageously expensive. That’s because you get all this premium hardware which is otherwise unseen within this price range. And moreover, the bike looks pretty premium and justifies its price tag. So, if you were looking to have a middleweight for the next four to five years, a bit of a do-it-all bike, the Seiemmezzo 6½ makes for a damn good proposition.  

Lastly, service & support, the one thing that haunts all the motorcycles sold under the Adishwar Auto Ride umbrella. Granted they have a decent network of service centres, but spare parts are usually short on supply. Hence post purchase experience could be challenging.