This Recently Resurrected Entry-Level Motorcycle Is One Super-Affordable Retro-Styled Stunner

If you dig the red brand’s 350s but seek something with a bit more oomph (and availability), get a load of this snazzy redux.

Close-up of a black leather motorcycle seat with white stitching on a red and black bike.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published November 10, 2025

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Updated November 19, 2025

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As we’ve noted time and again in our motorcycle coverage, you don’t need a huge engine to have a ton of fun ripping around on a bike.

That’s especially true in urban areas, where a smaller bike is often a better bet for dipping through traffic and parking in tight spots — not to mention being easier to ride and more affordable.

Red and black Morini V2 sport motorcycle with round headlight and black alloy wheels on a dark background. — The new 3 1/2 Sport nods to its ’70s heritage while embracing some modern touches and features.

Those factors, plus immaculate classical styling, help make motos like Honda’s GB350 and CB350C so dang compelling — if depressingly unavailable stateside.

They’re also why I’m stoked about the latest bike from an Italy-based, Chinese-owned legacy brand that might actually make it to our shores. Meet the 2026 Moto Morini 3 ½ Sport.

Throwback thrills

As you might imagine, the 3 ½ (the brand’s cheeky way of saying “350”) dates back to an earlier era, the early 1970s.

In other words, long before the company’s liquidation and subsequent acquisition by Zhongneng Vehicle Group in the 2010s.

Matte gray and white Moto Morini motorcycle with yellow stripe and black seat on a dark background. — In addition to Legacy Red, the bike also comes in Pure White, which is perhaps not the most accurate nomenclature.

Back then, hotshot young engineer Franco Lambertini ditched Ferrari for the two-wheeled world and designed the Moto Morini’s first 72-degree V-twins, the 350 Sport and Strada, and later the 3 ½.

Though the motorcycle was a bit small for bigger riders and required high revs (above 6,000 rpm) to max out performance, it gained a rep for nimble handling and the ability to hang with larger-displacement bikes in the twisties.

White and black Moto Morini motorcycle fuel tank with a yellow stripe and silver fuel cap. — The bike’s 15-liter (4-gallon) tank should easily carry you through a week or two of city commuting.

The earlier 3 ½ editions also had pretty impressive fuel efficiency, nearing 60 miles per gallon with aggressive riding.

The new edition of the bike brings back some of the classic aesthetics, along with performance improvements that beat the Honda bikes — and a bit of contemporary tech, of course.

Current capability

For its part, Moto Morini says the 3 ½ Sport “blends the tradition that made it famous with modern innovation tailored to today’s riders,” oriented around four core values: lightness, reliability, ease of maintenance and riding pleasure.

Toward that end, it carries its fair share of retro styling, including round mirrors, headlight and gauge, updated logos reminiscent of those early editions and, of course, a V-twin engine.

Close-up of a black and silver V2 engine on a red motorcycle with "SPORT" decal on the fuel tank. — The new V-twin engine takes a narrower angle, 60 degrees rather than the original’s 72.

Pushing forward, the silhouette is decidedly more angular and sporty (just look at that exhaust pipe), with accordant performance features.

Up front, you’ll find a 37mm upside-down fork, while the rear features a cantilever monoshock with adjustable spring pre-load, for instance.

Close-up of a round motorcycle headlight with a bright beam and orange turn signals on black front forks. — Full LED lighting ensures you can see and be seen on late-night and early-morning rides.

Meanwhile, the 350.3cc liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin makes 32 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 22 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm.

The bike also boasts full LED lighting and a TFT display with “integrated navigation,” which, if I had to guess, works by pairing with your phone.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 Moto Morini 3 ½ Sport is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026. Considering the brand recently lost its distributor for much of Europe, it might actually make it to US dealers first.

No pricing has been announced, but given last year’s much bigger STR Sport (649cc) started at $6,899, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 3 ½ Sport flirt with $5,000.

Gray and black sport motorcycle with yellow stripe and black exhaust pipe on white background.

2026 Moto Morini 3 ½ Sport

Shop Now at Moto Morini

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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