QJ North America Inc. has obtained EPA certification for the Morbidelli T1002V and T1002VX adventure bikes, paving the way for their potential entry into the US market as 2026 models. These Italian-branded, Chinese-manufactured motorcycles feature a 997cc V-twin engine and modern tech at an affordable price point in Europe. Details on US pricing and distribution plans remain unavailable.
The Morbidelli brand, known for a late-1990s 850cc V8-powered sport-touring prototype that never reached production, has been revived under the ownership of China's QJMotor group, or Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd., founded in 1985 and owned by Geely. This group also owns the Italian brand Benelli. Morbidelli first re-emerged in 2022 as MBP, a subsidiary of Keeway, which is part of QJMotor. That year, it unveiled the C1002V, a 997cc V-twin cruiser, at EICMA, followed by the announcement of the T1002V adventure bike. The company rebranded to Morbidelli in 2024, and by last year, the T1002V and its wire-wheeled variant, the T1002VX, were available at hundreds of dealerships across Europe.
Although branded as Morbidelli and owned by Keeway, these motorcycles are manufactured by Gaokin, a Chinese company also responsible for the Brixton line of retro-modern bikes, which are not sold in the US. A report from Cycle World indicates that QJ North America Inc. has acquired EPA certification for the T1002V and T1002VX, listed as 2026 model year machines with specifications matching those sold in Europe.
Both models are powered by a 997cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled V-twin engine producing 88.5 horsepower and 65.6 lb.-ft. of torque. Power reaches the rear wheel through a slipper clutch, six-speed transmission, and chain final drive. They feature 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, with the VX equipped with off-road-oriented wire wheels and tubed tires. Shared specs include a 32.3-inch seat height, 584-pound curb weight, KYB suspension with adjustable 43mm forks and a rear mono shock, a 7-inch TFT display, heated seat and grips, LED lighting, cornering ABS, and traction control.
In Europe, Morbidelli prices these bikes comparably to 650cc adventure motorcycles, rather than premium 1000cc models. US pricing is uncertain, influenced by tariffs and import taxes, and no specific market plans have been announced.
