For the best part of 20 years Chinese built and branded bikes have been the ‘coming thing’. Originally low cost, dubious quality replicas of defunct Japanese air-cooled 125s and the like they were derided for their low tech, poor quality yet often compensated for all this with astonishing value.
Over those 20 years or so they have also rapidly improved with the result that, last year, Voge’s BMW F800-powered DSX900 and CFMoto’s similar but KTM-powered 800 adventure were among the most impressive, popular – and still affordable – bikes in the middleweight adventure class.
Now, with the Morbidelli T1002V, the Chinese industry has arguably stepped up another level again, combining now 1000cc performance with spec, style and even a heritage brand name that underlines that Chinese bikes have finally arrived.
The T1002V is a full litre-class adventure bike that uses a unique, home-grown 997cc V-twin engine, bristles with equipment, has European styling and even a classic historic brand name, all for virtually half the price of its Japanese equivalent.
We attended its UK press launch at importers MotoGB in Lancashire, before spending a whole day riding the newcomer throughout spectacular rural Lancashire to see if the experience lived up to the promise… 
2025 Morbidelli T1002V | What is it?
If you think you’ve heard of the Morbidelli name before, think again.
Formerly called MBP, this is an entirely new brand as set up in 2021 by Keeway, which is the export arm of Qianjiang Motorcycle Group, one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers (which has also owned the historic Italian Benelli since 2005). The T1002V, along with its sister bike, the similarly powered C1002V cruiser (which uses belt final drive while the T1002V has a chain) were first teased a couple of years ago under the MBP brand. Then, after the death of Giancarlo Morbidelli, MBP last year bought the rights to Morbidelli and has rebranded both accordingly.
The original Morbidelli, incidentally, became most famous in motorcycle GP racing in the 1970s winning the 125cc world crown in 1975, 1976 and 1977 and also the 250 version in 1977. That latter accomplishment also saw its 250cc machine campaigned by Graziano Rossi (Valentino’s dad) who notched three class wins.
The first new Morbidelli-badged bike to arrive was last year’s C1002V 1000cc V-twin cruiser. This new adventure machine is based on a modified version of that in-house engine, was designed at Keeway’s design centre in Benelli/Morbidelli’s historic hometown of Pesaro, Italy, developed in Germany and Spain and, like all Keeway’s products, built in China.
The result is stylish (with hints of both BMW GS, particularly its ‘X’ headlight, and KTM Adventure) and is superbly equipped (its 7in TFT dash, heated seat and grips, cruise control, TPMS and adjustable screen, for example, are all standard). There is also an upspecced 2VX version with cross-spoke wire wheel in place of alloys, and, starting at just £7999 (+ £300 OTR costs), when most 1000cc adventures are at least £5K more, is incredible value. Two colourways, black or white, with bespoke graphics, are offered for each version.
Price and Availability | Morbidelli T1002V 2025
Both models – the T1002V and wire wheeled, different graphics T1002VX – are available now through importer MotoGB’s network of dealers.
At launch the T1002V was priced at an astonishingly low £7999 (+£300 OTR costs) with the wire-wheeled T1002VX just £200 more at £8199 (again +£300 OTR). The only additional accessory available at launch for either was a full aluminium three-box luggage set (including mounting rails) which was on offer for an also very affordable £499. Although not huge, the top box was big enough to take a full-face helmet.
At the time of writing no PCP deal was yet available (although is likely expected shortly as its ‘sister bike’, the C1002V, is already available on PCP), however both are also available on Hire Purchase (HP) for 24 monthly payments of £359 after an initial deposit of £299. A similar deal on the VX version would cost £368 per month.
Whichever way you look at it, those prices are incredibly cheap. Even the preceding, cut-price Voge DSX900 is significantly more while the closest Japanese offerings are the aging 105bhp Suzuki V-Strom 1050 from £13,499 or Honda’s 100bhp Africa Twin from £13,399
But there is also more to it than that. The T1002V also comes under the umbrella of a historic brand – Morbidelli – so has more cachet than a CFMoto or Voge, is a full litre-class machine and looks a good-looking, well-equipped adventure bike for budget bike money – but is it?
Engine | Morbidelli T1002V 2025
As already mentioned, the T1002V uses a variation of Morbidelli/Keeway’s own, all-new 997cc V-twin as introduced on the 2024 C1002V cruiser. It’s a slightly unusual design due to its 80-degree included cylinder angle (most similar types have a 90-degree angle, such as Ducati or Suzuki, while Harley’s PanAm is 60 degrees), single overhead cam and, on face value, with claimed peak power of only 88.5hp at 7750rpm, sounds a little underpowered compared to the competition – even Suzuki’s aging V-Strom 1050 V-twin produces 105hp. There are four riding modes (Street, Sport, Rain and Off-road), although, annoyingly, you can only change at standstill, and, sadly, no quickshifter.
But as we start our test ride, departing MotoGB’s HQ in Chorley before first heading up the M6 in search of rural Lancashire, everything seems impressive enough.
The saddle may be fairly tall at 820mm but it’s not a problem for my 6’3” frame and the longitudinal V-twin is fairly narrow. The riding position is neutral and familiar with decent mirrors, intuitive switchgear and natural adventure bike upright gait and the dash, although a little dull (there’s no brightness control), is fairly well laid out in the main and easy to understand.
I start in Street mode and the Morbidelli’s power delivery, without seeming ultra-refined or potent, is sufficiently smooth, characterful and with enough easy grunt to make good progress. It may lack a quickshifter but the gearchange is smooth enough, and although the motor lacks the ‘urge’, excitement (and even some of the refinement) of some of its bigger, more powerful rivals, it’s still entertaining and pleasing, lugs its bulk around quite happily and will easily cruise two-up, fully laden at 85. It’s not up there with the best, but it’s not embarrassingly bad, either.
It's also worth pointing out here that, being a brand-new engine, means the T1002V comes with recommended service intervals of only 3000 miles, which is significantly lower than most rivals. That said, it’s recommended at 3000 miles or annually, which is the industry norm so, unless you do particularly high mileages it may not be a worry.
The screen, being manually adjustable, is a bonus, especially at motorway cruising speed, although I quickly find out that, with a locking ‘tab’ each side needing to be released then the screen itself yanked up or down, it’s certainly not the easiest to operate on the move. Although, once I manage it, the higher position certainly takes away the bulk of the windblast.
The mirrors, though fairly standard fare, also prove good enough (I’m already finding I’m having to repeatedly remind myself that this is a bike which costs just £7999, its equipment in general is so good), so although not exceptional, they’re more than up to the job all things considered.
But I’ve already found one slightly annoying trait. The indicators aren’t self-cancelling and this, combined with dull, small warning lights on the dash, means it’s incredibly easy to leave them on. I do it repeatedly throughout the day…
Handling | Winding through the country side
265 kg | 820mm seat | 1,581mm wheelbase | 190mm ground clearance | USD telescopic forks & Monoshock rear
We turn off the M6 and head inland and, beyond the plush, taut comfort offered on the motorway, it’s the first chance to assess the new Morbidelli’s handling along more challenging and curvy roads.
The T1002V’s suspension is by KYB who are a well-known and respected brand that supplies many of the established, leading motorcycle manufacturers. Up front there are beefy 43mm inverted forks with, at the rear, a conventional monoshock. Impressively, both are fully adjustable – although there’s no remote rear preload adjuster, which would be handy considering its likely use lugging pillion, luggage or both. Instead, you’ll have to dig out a C-spanner and risk skinning your knuckles…
On the whole the suspension is adequately set up. Cornering isn’t quite as instant or precise as I’d like, but this is a big bike and is likely partly due to knobbly Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres and 19-inch front wheel. But the T1002V can still be hustled and enjoyed happily enough if not being quite as sporty and secure as some more established, refined and expensive rivals. For the sort of riding most people do most of the time it’s more than adequate.
Braking is sufficient rather than exceptional, too – as you’d expect considering its price. There are twin front discs grasped by J-Juan four-piston radial calipers and there’s more than enough power and feel even if it is lacking the classy finesse of some systems. 
Features | Morbidelli T1002V 2025
Dash: 7” TFT dash | Four modes | 20 L tank | Traction Control | Heated grips and seat | Adjustable screen
It’s virtually impossible to criticize the new Morbidelli T1002V is this area. Few bikes are so well equipped in standard form, whatever their price. Simply: it has got it all. There is: an adjustable screen, pegs, bars and span-adjustable levers; a large full colour 7in TFT dash; LED lights all round; heated grips and seat (but not pillion); four riding modes, Bluetooth connectivity; two USB charging points; crash bars and centre stand; backlit left hand switchgear (but not right); cruise control, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the list goes on – and, remember, all for just £7999.
In addition, for just £200 more, you can have the T1002VX version with tasty, black-rimmed cross spoke wire wheels and different graphics. And, if all that isn’t enough, decent, three-box aluminium luggage (not the biggest, but OK) is also available for just £499 extra. 
Travelling or corner carving | Which one?
Big adventure bikes, due to their versatility, usually make practical, versatile all-rounders, if sometimes compromised by their bulk – it’s a large part of the popularity, after all. The new T1002V is essentially the same – some may find it a bit tall and awkward for town use – but that’s more than compensated for by its long list of equipment (as mentioned above) and price.
There are also two useful USB charging points, the aforementioned adjustable screen, a standard mainstand (useful for lubing the chain), standard crash bars (should you tipple over) and more besides. If you can manage the size, there are few more practical bikes at the price…
Dynamically, it’s slightly less impressive, but that’s no real criticism, especially, as I said, considering the price. It’s comfortable, classy looking, has a premium feel and would make a brilliant all-rounder and two-up touring machine.
Morbidelli T1002V Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Phenomenal Value
- Luxury Spec
- Decent ability
Cons:
- Under par performance
- Lacking refinement
- Short service intervals
Verdict | Morbidelli T1002V 2025
It’d be easy to say the main reason for buying the Morbidelli is price – at just £7999 you simply can’t get more bike for your money. Even the cut-price Voge DSX900 is significantly more.
But there’s also more to it than that. The T1002V also comes under the umbrella of an historic brand – Morbidelli – so has a prestige and brand envy other Chinese bikes can’t match. It’s also a more than competent all-round performer; is a full-sized, do it all adventure bike to rival the likes of Suzuki’s V-Strom 1050 AND is an attractive bike in its own right.
It’s not perfect (the non-cancelling indicators annoy, it’s slightly down on power and it’s also a little unrefined), but the T1002V is also a more than competent, good looking, superbly equipped adventure bike for budget bike money.
Chinese bikes have often been derided in the past for poor performance, quality, lack of tech or style, copycat engines or even unconvincing brands, but with the Morbidelli T1002V they’ve finally come of age and are a force to be reckoned with. It does that by moving up another level by re-introducing a classic Italian brand, using its own V-twin 1000 motor, adding a hugely impressive level of spec and delivering the ability and equipment of a £14K adventure bike for virtually half the price.
It might not tempt away high-end BMW, KTM or Ducati buyers, but I can’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to save £5000 on this in preference to a V-Strom.
Thanks to MotoGB for having us on the UK launch, check the full specs and information at https://www.motogb.co.uk
By Phil West
