Striking Morbidelli C1002V cruiser twin rolls onto British roads for less than £10k

Remember Morbidelli? No, not Pramac MotoGP star Franco Morbidelli, instead the Italian motorcycle brand founded 1969 that won the 125cc Grand Prix world championship three times between 1975 and 1977, the 250 title in 1977, then morphed into MBA before fleetingly resurfacing with the bonkers but still-born 1994 Morbidelli V8.

Well, now they’re back with this 997cc US-style cruiser, with more set to come to the UK in the future. If you think you’ve seen it before that’s entirely possible. The cruiser was first unveiled as the MBP C1002V at the Eicma trade show in November 2022 before going on sale late last year. They’ve since appeared for sale more frequently in 2024.

MBP, which stands for ‘Moto Bologna Passione’ was founded in 2021 by Keeway Motor, the overseas arm of the vast Chinese QJ Motor group. Keeway is best known for its purchase of Benelli in 2005 and, like the latter, MBP’s design and administration base is in Bologna, Italy, with its UK distribution by MotoGB.

MBP’s offerings so far have comprised a retro-inspired 125 scooter, the SC125RE and this, the C1002V V-twin cruiser.

Now, following MBP’s acquisition of the Morbidelli brand in April, the two machines are being sold under the ‘Morbidelli MBP’ banner by MotoGB with the promise of a range of new models to come including a maxi 300 scooter and a Benelli-based 500 twin roadster already on sale elsewhere.

Dante Bustos, CMO of Keeway Group, said at the time: “This acquisition is a testament to MBP Moto’s aspiration for excellence in the motorcycle industry. We are thrilled to welcome a historic premium brand like Morbidelli into our family.

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“It will allow us to blend the legacy of racing and made in Italy craftsmanship with our vision of the future of motorcycling. Our passion for innovation, combined with Morbidelli’s rich heritage, will lead to the creation of motorcycles with an unrivalled blend of performance, design and history.”

The C1002V, although currently still badged MBP, shows promise. Its all-new 80-degree V-twin produces a claimed 93.9bhp, there’s a 5in TFT dash with mobile connectivity and modes, and the suspension is by KYB.

It’s currently priced £9499 plus OTR fees, with more information available at the MotoGB website now.

Morbidelli C1002V cruiser explored

• Punchy V-twin The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 997cc twin has cylinders positioned at 80°, two riding modes and produces a claimed 75.3lb.ft @ 6500rpm
• Chassis low down A long and low tubular steel frame braces KYB inverted forks with 120mm of travel at the front and a KYB link-type single rear unit offering 90mm of travel
• Going around The C1002V’s hot rod stance is emphasised by fat tyres, with a 130/70×18 front and wide 240/40×18 rear, stopped by big 320mm twin discs and J-Juan calipers
• Slick tech A five inch full colour TFT dash reminds of Ducati Diavel and features connectivity via an app. Lights are LED all round
• Straight backed style An upright ‘hot rod’ riding position features pull-back bars, a low 680mm seat (with small pillion pad) and semi-forward pegs