Moto Morini is back in the United States, even though there wasn’t an overwhelming initial demand for the revival of the iconic-yet-fringe Italian brand. Designed in Italy and built in China, employing the Moto Morini name certainly has a nostalgic appeal you won’t get from a new Chinese brand. In 2024, Moto Morini is a company reinvigorating its profile with an expansive lineup of 649cc parallel-twin powered motorcycles. We went into detail on the marque’s history, and how it got to where it is when we tested the 2024 Moto Morini Seiemmezzo STR Sport, so we won’t get into that again. Instead, we’re going riding, and this time on the scrambler-inspired 2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek.
- The 2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek is an accessorized version of the standard SCR. The Trek has an MSRP of $7599, which is $600 more than the standard SCR. For that, you get side bags, a top bag, and crash bars—not bad.
- Just as in the 1960s, the scrambler is very similar to the street bike from which it is derived. The primary differences between the STR and the SCR are the tires, handlebar, seat, front fender, and headlight. The SCR gets Pirelli MT 60 RS flat-track-style tires, compared to the sport-touring Pirelli Angel GT rubber on the STR. However, the 18-/17-inch wheel combo is unchanged, as are the tire sizes. The handlebar is taller and wider on the SCR, as expected on a scrambler. The brown ribbed seat on the SCR is more retro than the black seat on the STR. Finally, the SCR gets a number plate-style flyscreen you don’t get on the naked STR or the bikini-faired STR Sport we tested. The front half of the front fender is removed and a high-mounted half-fender replaces it.
- The SCR Trek’s motor is the same powerplant used by the STR Sport we tested. The motor is manufactured by CFMoto and is a licensed version of the Kawasaki 649cc DOHC parallel twin that powers the Ninja, Z650, Versys, and Vulcan S. Like the STR, the SCR’s motor is a bit balky until it is warmed up—yes, even with EFI. Also, the power is concentrated in the midrange, though we would prefer more low-end muscle, even if we had to trade some top-end power to get it. Experienced riders will find the engine easier to use than rank beginners, which is unfortunate, as the 2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek is an attractive mount for budget-conscious newer riders.
- The scrambler-style ergonomics enable all-day rides. The seat is comfortable for long hauls, and smaller riders will especially like the compact seat-to-peg measurement. Taller riders will likely feel a bit cramped initially, but eventually settle into the ergonomics. It’s easy to transition between sitting and standing, which you are wont to do when scrambling.
- We tested the 2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek’s scrambler mettle on a 400-mile ride over Sherman Pass in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. The roads linking Ridgecrest and Kernville include roughed-up pavement and altitudes above 9000 feet. The engine ran fine, and the MT 60 RS rubber was great on the dirty, potholed, and disintegrating paved roads. The ride included a few hours on the freeway at speeds around 90 mph, and the wind blast wasn’t unbearable. The ergos were perfect for rugged Sherman Pass Road and sporting 9 Mile Canyon Road. The leverage afforded by the wide handlebar made it possible to confidently touch the pegs down in the corners, even with the flat-track-inspired Pirelli tires. The firm KYB suspension is balanced and compliant.
- Although the Brembo brakes are ready to slow you down, the ABS lets you know it’s there. The 298mm front discs get traditionally mounted Brembo four-piston calipers, and the rear brake is a massive 255mm disc. Together, you have a robust braking system matched with not-quite street tires. However, when you’re on less-than-perfect pavement or pushing it in the canyons, the Bosch 9.1 MB has its say, kicking in earlier than we’d like due to lack of tire traction. Casual riders won’t notice the ABS and will simply think the Moto Morini SCR Trek has good braking. The more aggressive you ride, the more you wish you had some control over the ABS.
- The clutch and hand levers can be adjusted for distance. The clutch lever pull is moderate—a minor strike against the SCR Trek in urban areas. On the upside, we abused it off-road without issues. The mirrors are easily adjustable, though a dated design—perhaps part of the scrambler styling exercise.
- The user experience is enhanced by a beautiful, configurable TFT dash and the organic switchgear. The dash has plenty of clearly displayed information, and you can run it in daytime or nighttime mode. The switchgear feels good on the fingers and is comfortable to use. Running through the menus has an easy learning curve and doesn’t necessarily require instruction—perfect for a newer rider. No surprise these days, your smartphone can be wirelessly connected to the dash for additional functionality, including listening to music and dealing with phone calls.
- Side bags and a tail bag are convenient, but Moto Morini makes it difficult to quickly access their contents. Many brands have what look like traditional belt-style buckles, but actually use modern plastic clasps for closure. While we sometimes squawk about them being phony, they are convenient. Moto Morini didn’t go that route, and instead went with pairs of plastic J-hooks through loops. On paper, that seems like a good solution. However, in reality, they’re difficult to manipulate. They aren’t impossible to deal with but are tricky enough to open that you get discouraged before you even start. Closing the bags is easier, though it still requires more effort than it should. Inside, the bags are great, though not huge. The stitched MM/eagle logo is very cool and adds a premium touch.
- The paint job on the tank is impressive. Moto Morini does not skimp on the finish, so you get a good-looking motorcycle at a wallet-friendly price. Add in the unambiguously Italian name, and the social credits pile up quickly. Be prepared to answer questions about the bike wherever you go, as people are intrigued by the name, even if they don’t ride motorcycles.
- As is scrambler tradition, the 2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek does everything without being a master at anything. Except for the weak low-rpm power, the SCR Trek is a fantastic urban motorcycle. The seat isn’t too high, the suspension works well, it’s not too heavy at 445 pounds (with the bags and crash bars removed), and it looks cool. You can have plenty of fun in the canyons, primarily limited by the block-pattern tires and 18-inch front wheel. You can’t really scramble it, but less-than-perfect paved roads and good-condition dirt roads are fine. We even successfully handled water crossings on the SCR Trek. High-speed riding is not an issue, so it removes weekend ride restrictions. If you’re looking for a versatile mount, you’ll find the 2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek impressively satisfying. At $7599, you’re getting quite a bit of motorcycle.
Photography by Nic de Sena
Additional photography by Kelly Callan and Don Williams
RIDING STYLE
2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Parallel twin
- Displacement: 649cc
- Bore x stroke: 83 x 60mm
- Maximum power: 61 horsepower @ 8250 rpm
- Maximum torque: 40 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm
- Maximum speed: 106 mph
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc
- Compression ratio: 11.3:1
- Fueling: Bosch EFI w/ 28mm throttle body
- Cooling: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Steel trellis w/ aluminum swingarm
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB inverted 43mm fork; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension: Cantilevered fully adjustable KYB shock; 4.7 inches
- Wheels: Aluminum
- Tires: Pirelli MT 60 RS
- Front tire: 120/70 x 18
- Rear tire: 160/60 x 17
- Front brakes: 289mm discs w/ Brembo 4-piston caliper and hydraulics
- Rear brakes: 255mm disc w/ Brembo caliper and hydraulics
- ABS: Bosch 9.1 MB
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 56 inches
- Seat height: 31.8 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.2 gallons
- Curb weight: 445 pounds (sans bags and crash bars)
- Colors: Metallic Red; Vivid White; Anthracite Smoke
2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek Price: $7599 MSRP
2024 Moto Morini SCR Trek Review Photo Gallery
