Moto Morini: owner, models, markets and what the name means
Facts checked United States status as of 4 September 2026
- Private
Moto Morini was founded in Bologna in 1937 by Alfonso Morini and became one of the classic Italian names, best known for its 350cc V-twins. Its later history is a chain of owners: Cagiva in 1987, Texas Pacific Group in 1996, Morini Franco Motori in 1999 and Eagle Bike, which bought it out of bankruptcy for EUR1.96 million in 2011.
The Chinese scooter maker Zhongneng Vehicle Group bought 100% of the company with effect from 12 October 2018, paying EUR10 million to the previous owner Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli and promising to keep production and plants in Italy. Assembly has stayed there, with the operation now based at Trivolzio in the province of Pavia after a 2014 move from Casalecchio di Reno.
The current range is broader than at any time in the marque's recent history: the X-Cape adventure family in 650 and 1200 forms, the Seiemmezzo, the Calibro naked models, the Corsaro line, the 3 1/2 Sport that revives an old name, and the Vettore 450. The brand entered the United States in January 2023 and reported retail sales up 82% year to date in August 2025.
Italian marque owned 100% since 12 October 2018 by Zhongneng Vehicle Group of Taizhou, Zhejiang, which paid EUR10 million and undertook to keep production and plants in Italy.
Key facts
| Chinese name | 莫里尼 “maw-lee-NEE” no literal meaning; a Chinese transliteration of the Italian family name Morini |
|---|---|
| Also written | Morini |
| Owner | Zhongneng Vehicle Group |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Headquarters | Trivolzio, Italy |
| Origin | Italy |
| Vehicles | Motorcycles |
| Segment | Motorcycle |
| United States | Sold in the United States — Entered the United States in January 2023 and reported retail sales up 82% year to date in August 2025; the 2027 X-Cape 1200 was launched at US$12,999. |
| Founded | 1937 in Bologna by Alfonso Morini |
| Chinese purchase | 100% acquired by Zhongneng Vehicle Group for EUR10 million with effect from 12 October 2018 |
| Where the bikes are assembled | Italy, at Trivolzio in the province of Pavia |
| US entry | Entered the US market in January 2023; retail sales up 82% year to date as at August 2025 |
| US pricing example | 2027 X-Cape 1200 launched at US$12,999 |
Who owns Moto Morini?
Chen Huaneng controls Zhongneng Vehicle Group since 1988.
Chen Huaneng founded Zhongneng Vehicle Group in 1988 and is described as its owner in coverage of the Moto Morini purchase. No percentage was published in the sources we read.
Zhongneng Vehicle Group owns Moto Morini at 100% since 12 October 2018.
Zhongneng Vehicle Group took 100% of Moto Morini from Ruggeromassimo Jannuzzelli for EUR10 million with effect from 12 October 2018, undertaking to keep production and plants in Italy.
| Holder | What it is | Share | Since | What the source says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhongneng Vehicle Group | controls | controls | 2018 | Ownership of Moto Morini passed to the Zhejiang scooter maker Zhongneng Vehicle Group (Znen) in the autumn of 2018. The size of the holding was not published. |
The full ownership page for Moto Morini · Is Moto Morini Chinese?
Where Moto Morini is sold
Recorded in 3 market s: Italy, United States and CN. Where a company publishes only its principal markets, that is a floor and not a complete list.
| Country | Code | Market page |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | IT | Chinese cars in Italy |
| United States | US | Chinese cars in the United States |
| China | CN | no page yet |
Moto Morini: questions people ask
- Who owns Moto Morini?
- Zhongneng Vehicle Group of Taizhou, Zhejiang, which bought 100% of the company for EUR10 million with effect from 12 October 2018.
- Are Moto Morini motorcycles made in China?
- Assembly has remained in Italy, at Trivolzio near Pavia, under an undertaking the Chinese buyer gave at the time of the purchase. Many components are Chinese.
- Is Moto Morini sold in the United States?
- Yes. The brand entered the US market in January 2023 and has been expanding its dealer network since.
- How old is Moto Morini?
- It was founded in 1937 in Bologna, and is one of the oldest Italian motorcycle names still trading.
Related
Sources for Moto Morini
- Wikipedia, Moto Morini. Read .
- MSL Magazine, How I sold Moto Morini to China's Zhongneng - Q&A with Jannuzzelli. Read .
- Powersports Business, Moto Morini U.S. sales surge 82% as 2026 models hit showrooms. Read .
- Powersports Business, Moto Morini launches 2027 X-Cape 1200 adventure motorcycle, priced at US$12,999. Read .