Moto Morini expands at EICMA By Ben Purvis
Moto Morini's bikes might be made in China rather than Italy these days, but the company still identifies as Italian and the success of its 650 cc parallel twin models means it's expanding - launching a new range of 750 cc V-twins and bringing back the 87-degree, 1,187 cc 'Bialbero CorsaCorta' twin, seen in newly Euro 5-approved form at its EICMA launch.
Starting with the biggest engine, the 1,200 cc V-twin is claimed to make 125 hp in emissions-compliant state, and packs new electronics including a six-axis IMU to enable the latest generation of rider-assist technology. Two models will initially use it, with the headliner being the new X-Cape 1200 adventure bike.
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| X-Cape 1200 |
Styled with a family resemblance to the 650 cc parallel twin version that's already available, the X-Cape 1200 is a much more serious machine. Tech includes traction control, cruise control, a quickshifter and even a blind spot radar at the back, all controlled via a huge 7-inch TFT dashboard.
Despite the adventure bike style, the bike leans more towards on-road use, with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, while the frame is a combination of aluminium and steel elements, and the brakes are Brembo.
'750 cc and returning 1,200 cc V-twin'
The second model to get the returning 1,187 cc V-twin is the Milano, a name that's been used in the past but is now attached to a completely different bike. The new Milano, like the X-Cape 1200, gets a part alloy, part steel tube frame and a retro-inspired, unfaired look that's similar to its predecessor without actually sharing any parts.
More intriguing still are Morini's two new 750 cc V-twin models, both bearing the Corsaro name - another one that's been used in the company's recent past. The standard Corsaro 750 is a naked roadster that proudly displays the new 90-degree, 750 cc V-twin, making a claimed 96 hp. Again, the frame is made partially of an aluminium casting, bolted to a steel tube trellis section at the back, with an alloy swingarm and modern-looking styling instead of the Milano's retro look.
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| Corsaro Sport |
The same components get wrapped in a full fairing to create the Corsaro Sport, an attractive race-rep with low, clip-on bars and higher pegs. It's not just a case of adding front bodywork, either - the tank and tail of the Corsaro Sport are unique, too, and it gets a different exhaust system to add more ground clearance.
Details of the new 750s are thin at the moment, suggesting there's likely to be a wait before they're ready to reach showrooms, but by 2025, Morini's range could be looking more tempting than it's been for decades.
