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Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 (2009) - Matt Dunlop raves about an "Italian Enduro Veloce"... whatever that is ...

2009 Moto Morini Granpasso - an 'Italian Enduro Veloce' - or 'sports-touring-sort-of-big trailbike' to you If I say "Moto Morini" to you, one of two things will most likely happen. Either the image of the sexy naked Corsaro 1200 will pop into your head, or you'll say "a what?"

Unleashed upon NZ a couple of years ago, the 140hp Corsaro caused more than a few puddles of drool on the floor as a grunty new machine made its mark in a segment growing more popular by the day. Since this model was released however there's been a bit of a lull in exciting models from the Italian marque, with the 9 1/2 and the 1200 sport sneaking in under the radar being in my opinion a little underwhelming and unrefined.

This all changed at the end of 2008 with the release of the Granpasso 1200. An "Italian Enduro Veloce" according to the marketing spam - designed to compete in a class that includes the likes of the BMW R1200GS, Buell Ulysses and more recently the Moto Guzzi Stelvio. Large capacity adventure tourers with road manners, top quality components and loyal (read: stubborn) followers!

Powered by Moto Morini's own 1200cc V-twin shared with the complete range of bikes (tuned to 118hp and 104NM), suspended at the rear by a top notch Ohlins shock, and arrested by a pair of 4 pot Brembos (with a radial master cylinder) on large 298mm rotors, this blinged out beauty stands out in a crowd with its unusual nose, twin projector headlamps and trellis frame.

Seat height is listed as an unbelievable 875mm, and they're not lying. This is the tallest bike I have ever perched on. I am approximately 5'9" to 5'10" tall and for me it is absolute tiptoes. A lower seat is available, and upon custom order, the bike can be built with a lower sub-frame for those not too confident with tall bikes. While initially nervous about the height, it only took a moment to notice that the big twin carries its weight very low indeed, subsequently making me more comfortable with walking it around, and stopping on slopes.

Brief instruction was required on starting the bike, involving a nifty feature not often seen - a one touch starter button. Turn the key, press the button once, and let go. The computer does the work for you, cranking the bike until it fires into a lovely rumble. Possibly one of the most fantastic stock engine notes I have heard (and perhaps the loudest), this beautiful Italian barks! If it is not the fantastic looks drawing the attention, it is the wonderful tune from the 2 into 1 exhaust system getting the pulse racing.

2009 Moto Morini Granpasso - true offroad ability for a big bike After grabbing the heavy but smooth clutch and putting the bike in gear, taking off only requires a whiff of the super-light action throttle. This line of engines can be a bit snotty while cold, but once up to temperature this particular unit behaves impeccably with smooth, linear torque right off the bottom of the tacho, which is a product of the much improved fuelling compared to previous editions.

The rider ergonomics are surprisingly sporty for this type of machine. Quite a solid seat with tucked up foot pegs and a forward reach the wide bars give the rider great control over what is a very well balanced, positive handling motorcycle. This is a real corner carving weapon, almost a mega motard. I'm sure this would give a few sports bikes a fright in the twisties, despite its non-adjustable USD front forks - mated with a fully adjustable Ohlins rear unit. The latter providing a firm but compliant ride, even drawing unsolicited compliments from my pillion - who couldn't believe the difference a quality shock makes.

Hiding behind the adjustable screen, the blue backlit, all digital dash provides more detail than you will ever need. With a switch on the left bar to scroll through the screens of information relating to distance, time, battery voltage and fuel usage. A 27 Litre (!!!) fuel tank ensures a very long range with an average fuel consumption of 5.5 Litres/100km.

So how does she go? Fantastic torque from what is a revvy engine propels you to the horizon at great speed. Drop a couple of gears and you will leave most behind, alternatively just chuck it into 6th gear and waffle along enjoying the experience.

Verdict: Do I want one? Absolutely. This bike is fantastic and should be on your 'must try' list if you are looking for a high-end sports tourer.

I have the Moto Morini Madness. I want!

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