The 6½ moniker is a throwback to the old 3½ Moto Morinis of the 1970s, and the new models follow on the back of the 650 X Cape adventure bike. Two models of the Seimmezzo are available, the street focussed STR and the scrambler styled SCR. No prices have been announced yet, but we expect them to undercut the Japanese 650s like the Kawasaki Z650 and Suzuki SV650.

They’re smart looking machines, with some good quality components like Brembo brakes, fully-adjustable Kayaba suspension and Pirelli tyres. The SCR has wire wheels with dual sport rubber and a more retro feel to it, while the STR has alloy wheels and is more modern in its lines and ergonomics – in the style of the Z650 and Yamaha MT-07.

Both bikes have a 5” TFT colour dashboard, something of a luxury for a 650cc middleweight, and there’s also smartphone connectivity to allow riders to take calls and connect headsets remotely.

The 61bhp parallel twin engine may not be the most powerful in the class, but it should have more than enough go for its intended purpose, with Moto Morini claiming a 105mph top speed. There will also be a restricted A2 version available for newly qualified riders.

Moto Morini is also busy building its dealer network and promises that the new Seiemmezzo will be competitively priced against the competition.