Prueba de la Moto Morini Calibro: the cruiser that impresses!
Have you heard of the Moto Morini Calibro? If you enjoy motorcycle trips, you’ll surely want to know more. Imagine cruising down the road with the wind in your hair and the sun shining (or maybe not, considering our test was done in mid-December in the Netherlands, at freezing temperatures). But how good is this machine really? Does it awaken the passionate motorcyclist within you? Let’s find out.
A finish that leaves you speechless
From the moment I laid my eyes on the Moto Morini Calibro, I couldn’t help but say “wow.” The finish is simply perfect. We’re talking about flawless paint on the fenders, the tank, the headlight fairing… Everything is impeccable, including details like the minimalist dashboard, the footpegs, and even the cooling fins. Everything is carefully crafted, nothing to criticize. At the front, the LED lights add a modern touch to the vintage look, with a DRL ring that is rather stylish. The bike has a “classic yet updated” vibe, you know what I mean?
An engine that takes you to another dimension
So, what’s under the hood? We find a parallel twin of less than 700 cc that definitely has character. If you know the engines of the X-Cape 650 or the Seiemmezzo SCR and STR, you’ll notice a familiar similarity, but with some modifications. The engine goes from 649 to 693 cc, providing a nice increase in power (69 horses and 68 Nm of torque) that makes a difference.
But be careful; at first, before you rev it up, you’ll feel some slight vibrations at low speed. It’s a bit unsettling when you’re riding smoothly below 3,000 rpm. Nothing serious, it all disappears when you twist the throttle and feel the bike start to respond. From 3,500 rpm onwards, you feel the power, with a more responsive engine and an exhaust that produces a pleasing growl. All of this combines well with the six-speed gearbox which, although a bit slow, is precise and pleasant to use. And honestly, the belt drive is super smooth, it’s a real pleasure.
Comfort and ergonomics: an accessible bike
As for comfort, the Calibro doesn’t disappoint. The seat is at a height of 725 mm, making it accessible for almost everyone. For me, at 1.70 m, it’s perfect. The padding is excellent and the backrest very sturdy. You can ride for hours without too much discomfort. The footpegs are well positioned, neither too low nor too high, allowing you to maintain optimal control. As for the riding position, it’s slightly sporty thanks to a wide, curved handlebars. You’re not fully reclined as in a traditional cruiser, but it has that relaxed touch that we love.
The Calibro on the road: performance and sensations
On the road, the Moto Morini Calibro exceeds expectations. The 41 mm front fork and the rear shock absorbers do their job flawlessly. Even with Timsun tires, which are not the most renowned, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. There are no slips or surprises; the bike remains stable, even on slippery pavement. In addition, the steering is very smooth, even with the unusual combination of tires of 18/16 inches. On winding roads, the Calibro follows the trajectory perfectly without hesitation.
The braking system, courtesy of J.Juan, also does its job well. As for the front, although the setup is simple, you have everything you need in terms of braking power. The rear is a bit softer but remains effective for slow maneuvers. And even on slippery surfaces, the ABS only kicks in when it’s truly necessary.
