Can an Affordable New Bike Revive a Brand in Motorcycling's Hottest Segment?
A New Contender in the Adventure Bike Market
Moto Morini, a name that might not immediately come to mind when thinking of Italian motorcycle brands, has been making waves with its latest offering. Since its revival by Zhejiang-based Zhongneng Vehicle Group, the 88-year-old brand has been focusing on creating unique and innovative motorcycles. One such model is the Alltrhike, a small-displacement adventure bike that is generating a lot of interest.
The Alltrhike: A Unique Name with Big Ambitions
The name "Alltrhike" may be a bit challenging to pronounce, but it's a clever play on "all-terrain" and "hike." This moniker reflects the bike's intended purpose: to tackle various terrains and provide an adventurous experience. The Alltrhike is positioned as a competitor to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, a popular choice among adventure bike enthusiasts.
Design and Features
One of the standout features of the Alltrhike is its design. It comes in several color options, including a standard black and a striking green that resembles a more expensive BMW ADV model. There's also a white-hued upgrade called High Equipped, which includes handguards, heated handgrips, and a heated seat—features that the stock Himalayan lacks.
The bike is built on a steel frame and is equipped with a 450cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine that produces 44 horsepower and 32 pound-feet of torque. It can reach a top speed of around 90 mph, matching the performance of the Himalayan. The Alltrhike is fitted with 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in dual-sport tires, ensuring it can handle rough terrain.
Suspension and Braking Systems
For comfort and control, the Alltrhike features a 41mm Kayaba fork with 208mm (over 8 inches) of suspension travel and an adjustable rear monoshock. Disc brakes, ABS, and traction control are all standard, providing riders with confidence on any road.
Weight and Dimensions
The Alltrhike weighs between 404 and 419 pounds, making it lighter than the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which weighs 432 pounds. However, the Alltrhike is taller, with an 840mm (~33-inch) seat height. This could be a drawback for shorter or newer riders compared to the Himalayan's 31.5-inch saddle.
Technology and Convenience
Despite being a smaller-displacement bike, the Alltrhike offers a range of convenient features. It includes a built-in display, navigation system, USB charging ports, and an adjustable windscreen. These elements ensure that riders can enjoy their journey without unnecessary complications.
Availability and Pricing
While the exact pricing of the Alltrhike has not been announced, it is expected to be around the € equivalent of $6,000, putting it in line with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, which starts at $5,799. Although there is no official word on a US release, the Alltrhike is anticipated to be available in European dealerships starting in September.
Conclusion
The Alltrhike represents a new entry in the adventure bike market, offering a blend of style, performance, and practicality. With its unique design and competitive features, it has the potential to challenge established models like the Himalayan 450. Whether it will succeed in capturing the attention of adventure bike enthusiasts remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Alltrhike is making a bold statement in the world of small-displacement motorcycles.