Morbidelli C252V Cruiser Arrives in Malaysia Priced at RM16,988

The 2026 Morbidelli C252V has been officially launched in Malaysia with a retail price of RM16,988, excluding road tax, insurance, and registration fees.

The cruiser made its initial local appearance during the MForce MotoXperience event held at MAEPS, Serdang, back in May 2026. According to the original publisher, the motorcycle is currently available in three distinct colour schemes: Bulk Black, Moss Green, and Urban Silver.

At the heart of the C252V is a 249 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine. This SOHC, eight-valve unit is equipped with electronic fuel injection, delivering 25.8 PS at 9,000 rpm and 25 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Power is managed by a six-speed gearbox paired with a slipper clutch, with the final drive utilising a belt system rather than a traditional chain.

For riders, the bike features a 15.5-litre fuel tank, which suggests a focus on touring convenience. Its handling is supported by upside-down front forks with 115 mm of travel and preload-adjustable twin rear shocks providing 47 mm of travel. Braking is handled by single hydraulic discs on both ends, bolstered by two-channel ABS and standard traction control.

For Malaysian consumers, the arrival of the C252V provides a new entry point into the cruiser segment at a time when budget management remains a key consideration for households. With Malaysia’s headline inflation currently steady at 1.9% as of August 2026, the sub-RM17,000 price tag positions the C252V as an accessible lifestyle choice for younger professionals or those looking to commute without the heavy financial burden of high-end touring machines.

The inclusion of modern convenience features, such as a USB Type-A charging port and LED lighting, indicates that manufacturers are increasingly catering to the "connected" commuter. While the motorcycle is an internal combustion engine (ICE) model, its efficient 249 cc displacement offers a balance between performance and fuel consumption—a relevant factor given the current fuel price environment where unsubsidised RON95 currently sits at RM4.37.

The motorcycle market in Malaysia continues to show resilience, mirroring the broader economic health seen in the latest 6.0% real GDP growth figures. As unemployment remains low at 3.0%, consumer confidence in discretionary spending on vehicles like the C252V remains higher than in more volatile economic periods. This launch aligns with the ongoing trend of manufacturers bringing global cruiser styling to the local market to capture a wider share of the mid-capacity segment.

Looking ahead, the bike’s 177 kg weight and 690 mm seat height make it an approachable option for smaller-statured riders, which may help it gain traction against established competitors. Morbidelli Malaysia is also backing the purchase with a two-year or 20,000 km warranty, and an additional unlimited-mileage engine warranty for the remainder of that period should the bike pass the 20,000 km mark early.

What remains unconfirmed is the long-term cost of maintenance and the speed of genuine spare parts availability once the bike enters high-volume usage. While the manufacturer has confirmed that parts can be purchased online, potential buyers will be watching to see how the service network expands to support this model in the coming months.