Morbidelli expands its Malaysian motorcycle line-up with the new C252V, combining classic cruiser styling, a 249cc V-Twin engine, belt drive, low 690mm seat height and modern safety features including ABS and traction control.
The quarter-litre cruiser segment in Malaysia has another interesting contender. The Morbidelli C252V is now officially available in Malaysia, following its earlier launch on 29 May 2026 at MAEPS during the Mforce MotoXperience 2026, held in conjunction with the Malaysia Bike Show.
Priced at RM16,988, excluding road tax and insurance, the C252V takes a distinctly different approach from the typical 250cc naked or sport motorcycle. Instead, Morbidelli has gone for the classic cruiser formula: a low-slung stance, muscular proportions, wide tyres and, importantly, a V-Twin engine.
Malaysian buyers can choose from three colours: Bulk Black, Moss Green and Urban Silver, as shown in the press release’s model line-up on page one.
249cc V-Twin Gives the C252V Its Character
At the heart of the Morbidelli C252V is a 249cc V2-cylinder, four-stroke, eight-valve, liquid-cooled SOHC engine.
It produces 19kW (approximately 25.5hp) at 9,000rpm, together with 25Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. The engine has a bore and stroke of 53.5mm × 55.4mm and a relatively high 11.8:1 compression ratio.
Fuel is delivered through electronic fuel injection, while ignition is handled by a T.C.I system. Electric starting comes as standard.
Those figures are interesting because this motorcycle isn’t really about chasing outright top-end performance. The C252V’s appeal is more about delivering the look, feel and character of a traditional cruiser in a much more accessible displacement category.
Six-Speed Gearbox, Slipper Clutch and Belt Drive
Another interesting feature is the drivetrain.
Power is sent through a six-speed transmission, accompanied by a slipper clutch, before reaching the rear wheel through a belt final drive rather than the chain normally found on motorcycles in this capacity class.
Morbidelli also specifies a dual-cable throttle control system and gives the C252V a sizeable 15.5-litre fuel tank, which should make it more practical for riders planning longer journeys.
The belt drive in particular fits nicely with the C252V’s cruiser personality while giving it another point of differentiation in the Malaysian quarter-litre market.
USD Forks, ABS and Traction Control
Despite its traditional cruiser appearance, the C252V receives a reasonably modern chassis package.
Up front are upside-down telescopic forks offering 115mm of travel, while the rear uses twin shock absorbers with preload adjustment and 47mm of travel.
Braking comes from single discs at both ends with dual-channel ABS. Morbidelli has also included Traction Control System (TCS) to help manage rear-wheel traction during acceleration.
It rolls on chunky 130/90-16 front and 150/80-16 rear CST tyres, fitted to spoke wheels—a combination that plays an important role in giving the C252V its muscular cruiser appearance.
690mm Seat Height
One specification likely to attract newer riders—and riders who simply prefer being able to put both feet confidently on the ground—is the C252V’s very low 690mm seat height.
The motorcycle measures 2,225mm long, 853mm wide and 1,090mm tall, with a lengthy 1,575mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 173mm, while kerb weight is listed at 177kg.
That combination of a long wheelbase and low seat reinforces the C252V’s traditional cruiser proportions while keeping the overall package within the quarter-litre category.
Classic Appearance, Modern Equipment
Morbidelli hasn’t gone completely retro with the equipment either.
The C252V receives an LCD instrument display, USB Type-A charging port, mechanical key system and side-stand safety switch.
Lighting is full LED, covering the headlight, tail light, turn signals and hazard lights.
This mixture of classic styling and contemporary equipment appears to be central to what Morbidelli is trying to achieve with the C252V: give riders the visual presence of a traditional cruiser without forcing them to give up useful everyday technology.
Who Is the Morbidelli C252V For?
The C252V could appeal to several types of Malaysian riders.
Its 690mm seat height makes the motorcycle particularly approachable, while the 249cc capacity keeps it accessible to riders who may not want the size, weight or performance of a larger-capacity cruiser.
The 15.5-litre tank, relaxed cruiser format and belt final drive also make it an interesting proposition for riders who want to use their motorcycle for commuting during the week before heading out for longer weekend rides.
More experienced riders looking for an affordable second motorcycle with cruiser styling may also find the C252V interesting—especially considering the V-Twin configuration, belt drive, slipper clutch, ABS and TCS included at its RM16,988 asking price.
Warranty Coverage
Morbidelli Malaysia provides the C252V with a two-year warranty.
Comprehensive warranty coverage applies for two years or 20,000km, whichever comes first. If the motorcycle exceeds 20,000km during that two-year period, engine components continue to receive unlimited-mileage coverage for the remainder of the warranty period.
Owners also have access to Morbidelli Malaysia’s online original spare-parts purchasing service.
Morbidelli C252V Malaysia – Specifications
| Specification | Morbidelli C252V |
|---|---|
| Engine | 249cc V-Twin, SOHC, 8-valve |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Maximum Power | 19kW / approx. 25.5hp @ 9,000rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 25Nm @ 5,500rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Clutch | Slipper clutch |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| Front Suspension | USD telescopic fork, 115mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks, preload adjustable |
| Brakes | Front & rear single disc |
| ABS | Dual-channel |
| Traction Control | Yes |
| Front Tyre | 130/90-16 CST |
| Rear Tyre | 150/80-16 CST |
| Seat Height | 690mm |
| Ground Clearance | 173mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,575mm |
| Kerb Weight | 177kg |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.5 litres |
| Display | LCD |
| Lighting | Full LED |
| Price | RM16,988 excluding road tax & insurance |
| Colours | Bulk Black / Moss Green / Urban Silver |
