This Sweet New Entry-Level Street Bike Delivers Dazzling Ducati Vibes at a Costco Price

The approachable, Italian-designed new moto’s silhouette tips its fedora to Borgo Panigale’s legendary brand.

Black textured motorcycle seat with a raised passenger section and "V125V" decal on the side.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published April 29, 2026

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Updated April 29, 2026

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L’imitazione è la forma più sincera di adulazione.

Wow, everything really does sound better in Italian, even a cliché like “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

Two modern motorcycles, one with a turquoise fuel tank and the other with a dark gray fuel tank, both with black frames and red-rimmed wheels, parked on a concrete surface near a building with a textured wall. — For better or worse, Morbidelli has chosen to emphasize the very non-Ducati-toned light blue treatment of the bike in most of its product imagery.

You don’t have to look long at Morbidelli’s new N125V for that phrase to jump to mind, as the resemblance to Ducati’s longest-running moto is hard to miss.

This bite of small-displacement forbidden fruit, however, is much more approachable and affordable.

Little Monster

When it comes to motorcycle brands that beautifully blend form and function, Ducati sits pretty dang high on the list, if not at the very top.

Of course, all that style and performance comes at a price; even one of the brand’s most affordable bikes, the iconic Ducati Monster the N125V so clearly nods to, starts at $12,995.

- Red and black motorcycle with a compact frame and exposed engine, featuring a red fuel tank and black seat. - Red Ducati motorcycle with a muscular frame, exposed engine, and black and red detailing. — Comparing the N125V to Ducati’s new Monster +, we can see a number of similarities… and differences.

The N125V, meanwhile, should come in at roughly a quarter of that figure.

On looks alone, that makes it a pretty tempting proposition. Everything from the front fender to the athletic tank to the single-side dual exhaust pipes mirrors the modern Monster.

Meanwhile, the trellis frame and single-sided swingarm, as RideApart’s Janaki Jitchotvisut points out, recall earlier versions of the legendary street bike.

Rear wheel and exhaust pipes of a black motorcycle with red rim accents parked on pavement near water. — These days, that sweet single-sided swingarm can only be found on Morbidelli’s bike, not Ducati’s.

Granted, the pedigree is a bit different; Morbidelli’s history dates back 67 years, not a century, and the brand is now owned by MBP Moto, a subsidiary of Chinese auto behemoth Keeway Qianjiang Group.

That means the design still emerges from Italy, while the manufacturing takes place in China.

Power dynamic

The engine size is a bit different, too, which is why I imagine Ducati would be more flattered than flustered by this nameplate.

The latest Monster boasts a 890cc V2 engine making 110.7 horsepower and 67 lb-ft of torque.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine and front wheel with a blue fork and black tire on a tiled surface. — The looks may be similar, but the engine size and output are much, much different.

The N125V, meanwhile, sports a 124.9cc V-twin making 13.8 horsepower and 8.04 ft-lbs of torque.

While the output is relatively trifling, that makes the bike a beginner’s dream that can still be plenty of fun for more experienced riders bopping around town or rural roads.

Two motorcyclists wearing black gear and helmets leaning into a curve on a mountain road, one bike with blue accents and the other with red wheels. — The N125V’s power and size should be super fun and unintimidating for newer and smaller riders.

After all, that engine’s numbers aren’t much different from those of the utterly charming Honda Monkey.

Adding to the approachability are a seat height of 31.3 inches, capable suspension and rider-friendly tech, such as dual-channel ABS, integrated traction control, an LCD dash with a clear gear indicator and full LED lighting.

Close-up of a motorcycle's black handlebars with a digital speedometer and a blue fuel tank. — The gauge’s round shape is rather retro, while its clear, essential data-packed display is quite modern.

Interestingly enough, the N125V’s curb weight tips the scales at 407 pounds versus a wet weight (no fuel) of 386 pounds for Ducati’s beloved street bike.

So if you can tame Morbidelli’s beast, you just might be ready to take on the Monster (if not its price tag).

Availability and pricing

The just-unveiled Morbidelli N125V will presumably hit the European market this summer.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but given the similarly sized F125 starts at £2,499 (~3,371 USD), I’d predict a figure in that ballpark.

While stateside availability is not likely anytime soon, Morbidelli has recently begun making inroads into the US market, so there’s always hope down the road.

Black motorcycle with bright red wheels and a matte finish fuel tank.

Morbidelli N125V

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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