Moto Morini's 350cc V-Twin Arrives In New Zealand | Meet the 3 1/2 Sport

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Moto Morini has a new bike arriving in New Zealand, with the new 3 1/2 Sport landing in local dealers as the only V-twin offering in the firm's lineup - so far.

White motorcycle parked before orange striped wall with yellow m, while a red bike blurs in the foreground on sunlit pavement

Italian brand Moto Morini has a long history with the v-twin, but up until now the reborn brand (which is designed in Italy and manufactured in China) has kept costs down by using existing parallel-twin engines in the bikes that made their way to New Zealand.

That all changes with the arrival of the 3 1/2 Sport, which not only enters as the brand's most affordable model at $7,790, but also sees the brand return to its v-twin roots while also offering an incredibly appealing package to the sub-500cc class. At its heart is a liquid-cooled, 350cc, 60-degree V-twin engine — an uncommon and appealing configuration in the lightweight motorcycle category. Producing a claimed 24kW (approximately 32hp) at 8,500rpm and 30Nm at 5,500rpm, it is designed to deliver an engaging ride on city streets, winding back roads and everyday commutes.

Red motorcycle parked in front of orange MSC shipping containers at a port, sunlit industrial scene.

Stylistically, the 3 1/2 Sport draws inspiration from one of Moto Morini’s best-loved models. Its compact proportions, classic roadster silhouette and evocative detailing pay tribute to the original, while the engineering and equipment are thoroughly contemporary.

The approachable package extends beyond the engine. A claimed 154kg dry weight and 795mm seat height should make it a doddle for riders of all sizes to easily manage. Suspension comes in the form of a 37mm upside-down front fork and preload-adjustable rear monoshock at the rear, while a 300mm front disc with a four-piston caliper, 255mm rear disc and dual-channel ABS take care of braking.

Close-up of a red motorcycle cockpit with digital speedometer at 0, black handlebars, mirrors, and gray studio background.

Keeping things polished and modern as Morini likes, the 3 1/2 Sport features a tidy looking TFT instrument display, full LED lighting and 17-inch alloy wheels. A 15.5-litre fuel tank rounds out the bike which should also offer plenty of range when matched to that fuel sipping little v-twin.

The 3 1/2 Sport is now arriving in local dealers, but rumour has it they're already hot property so if you're keen on one of the first in the country get in touch with your nearest Moto Morini dealer to express your interest.

Two helmeted motorcyclists ride side by side on a bridge road under a large steel span on a sunny day.