In the mid-range Cruiser segment, the Vulcan S has had the field to itself for years, but that is changing rapidly. Moto Morini has expanded its range with the Calibro, which is also being marketed in two different versions: Standard and Bagger.
According to Morini, the Calibro is a motorcycle with two faces. On the one hand, the Italians wanted to return to the American Cruiser style with the Calibro, which is characterized by long rides on American highways with endless views. On the other hand, the Calibro is provided with a pinch of Italian pepperoni via a sporty and dynamic chassis. According to Morini.
Morini says that the Calibro should be ideal for riders looking for a characterful bike, without compromises. And that it fits in with Morini’s tradition of elegant motorcycles that bask in the passion for riding. Which of course also includes attention to performance on the road, after all, they are Italians. The name Calibro was not chosen for nothing: ‘Calibrated’, or accurately and precisely measured, just like the engine performance it delivers. According to Morini.
“The launch of the Calibro is an opportunity for us to reconnect with riders in the custom segment. We have created a product that has many unmistakable Italian characteristics, but that also recalls the origins of the customs in the United States. The strong points of the Calibro are its distinctive design, its reliability and the balance between riding and enjoying its mechanical beauty.”
The Moto Morini Calibro was designed at the Italian Style Center in Trivolzio. The bike will be available in two versions, Standard and Bagger, the latter additionally equipped with 19-liter hard side bags and a “batwing” windshield. The metal 15-liter fuel tank and full LED headlight immediately stand out as design features of Moto Morini.
At the Calibro’s beating heart is a new 693cc parallel-twin engine, which gets its displacement from a bore and stroke of 83 x 64mm. That’s 54cc more than Kawasaki’s Vulcan S and Morini’s own X-Cape 650 and Seiemmezzo, thanks to a 4mm longer stroke. Morini claims peak power of 69bhp at 8,500rpm and peak torque of 68Nm at 6,500rpm, which is considerably up on the 61bhp and 63Nm of the Vulcan S.
In contrast to Kawasaki, Morini has also equipped the Calibro with a belt drive, which is not only much more user-friendly in terms of maintenance, but also reduces mechanical noise and provides extra flexibility while riding. And it fits the look of a Cruiser much better than a chain drive.
In terms of brakes, Morini has equipped the front with a single 320 mm disc with a two-piston brake caliper, while the rear wheel is braked by a 255 mm disc with a single-piston brake caliper. The BOSCH ABS ensures confidence and optimum safety during braking. Wide tyres should ensure the typical custom look and optimum grip in all conditions.
Moto Morini’s main feature is the tight and precise chassis. The double cradle frame not only protects the parallel twin, but must also have ensured excellent steering characteristics. Furthermore, the Calibro is equipped with light alloy tubeless wheels in the sizes 18” front and 16” rear. The suspension is provided by a classic front fork and stereo shock absorbers at the rear.
The low seat height is also one of the Calibro’s plus points. With a seat height of 725 mm, the bike is accessible to riders of all sizes, while the pillion seat also hides a classy extra. You can easily remove it, and there is also an optional cover available that further accentuates the line of the rear mudguard.
Finally, there is a digital display that is nicely integrated into the analogue dashboard. This not only shows the fuel level and trip meters, but also a handy gear indicator. There is also a USB connection with which you can charge other digital devices.
The Calibro is available in two colours, Fire Red and Shark Grey, the Calibro Bagger only in the colour Quartz Black. In addition to full power, the Calibro is also available in 35 kW trim for the A2 driving licence. Available from the end of August, with prices starting at €8,699 for the Calibro and €9,699 for the Calibro Bagger.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.