Moto Morini Granpasso First Impressions

Moto Morini may be a small manufacturer of motorcycles (they'll produce just 1500 machines this year) but I was lucky enough to take a first ride on their new Granpasso 1200 adventure sport model on a sunny September day.

Styled by Marabese Design this is a distinctive looking motorcycle, with dual 'bug eye' headlamps and imposing 27-litre Acerbis fuel tank. It is loaded with quality components - upside down Marzocchi forks, Excel spoked rims, hydro-formed swing arm, Ohlins rear shock and Brembo brakes with radial master cylinder. Powered by the Franco Lambertini designed 1187cc 87° V-twin, this is possibly the most powerful adventure sport bike on the market, producing 118hp at 8500 rpm and 103.6 Nm of torque @ 7000 rpm. When you hear the exhaust note you know it means business! In the saddle it is easy to control at low speed but open the throttle and the engine roars into live - the fueling is spot on. At 210kg the Granpasso is average weight for a big trailie but feels light and sporty.

At 870mm the seat is tall, like the KTM Adventure, and a lower alternative will be available for late 2008. The fly screen is adjustable via a lever below the dash and offers a surprising level of protection from wind blast. The backlit LCD instrument panel is compact but easy to read and its trip computer is operated via a MODE switch by the indicators. When tested by Motorrad magazine in Germany the Granpasso delivered over 48 mpg which, combined with the 27-litre tank, means a potential range of nearly 300 miles! Accessories: Alumix aluminium luggage is available for the Granpasso; Switches for heated grips and fog lights are pre-fitted. Moto Morini will build 1500 bikes this year and this enables them to control quality closely, so they offer a 3-year warranty. Service intervals are at 7000 miles.

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