Moto Morini Granpasso

Moto Morini is set to challenge the leaders in the adventure-sport bike market with its growling Granpasso.
With fierce competition from BMW's R1200GS and KTM's 990 Adventure, and with competitively priced bikes like Triumph's Tiger in the frame, the Granpasso slots neatly into the nine-grand price bracket.

It's an odd-looking beast, a beady-eyed cross between a long distance adventure bike and an aggressive athletic one. There's a quirky mix of the angular bodywork, stylish trellis frame, twin spotlights and a rough-road-ready bash plate. Morini designers have clearly set out to produce an ugly bug - it's definitely the weirdest-looking bike in this class.

It's also seriously tall - and that's from someone who's forced to trawl the internet for jeans that'll fit a 36in inside-leg. There are moments when I'm grateful for my elongated limbs and climbing onto the Granpasso was one of them. Reaching the floor from the 870mm seat is hardly a stretch for me, but even I'd have to invest a bit of forethought before stopping on uneven ground. But this bike is designed by Italians; a nation (at the risk of severe racial stereotyping) that's not renowned for its skyscrapers, so if you'd struggle to reach six foot on tip toes, you'll be glad to know there is a lower seat available.

The height of the bike gives it a commanding stance, not unlike BMW's successful R1200GS. But where the BMW would view circumnavigating the globe as a walk in the park, the Granpasso is less comfortable, albeit in the same way that an armchair might be less comfy than a sofa.

Germany's autobahns are the only place to ride at double the normal limit without fear of having to book a tattoo artist and plan a prison break. With immediate acceleration on tap, high-speed blasts are exhilarating and the bike handles the pressure well, with very little movement from the front end in straight-line blasts.

The riding position is relaxed and uncomplicated, with ample protection from the small but practical windscreen. It's an upright poise that extends the view ahead while you mile-munch your way forwards, gradually draining the sizeable 27-litre tank. Of course, the bike's thirst will depend on the activity of your right hand, and I'll wager that after 10 minutes on a twisty back road, the throttle will have seen more action than Sylvio Berlusconi's bedroom.

Containing a grin as 107bhp of motorcycle pierces the horizon is like trying to hold water in a sieve. The determined punch is enforced with an angry dark growl from Morini's familiar 1187cc V-twin engine. It may be a detuned version of the Corsair's 124bhp lump, but there's nothing flat or casual about it and the engine has character without excessive vibrations. If the GS is a long-distance athlete, built for comfort and stamina, the Granpasso is a middle-distance runner with enough reserves to attack at a moment's notice, and hold the pace.

Its playful nature means it is not always easy to keep both wheels on the ground. With a maximum 74lb.ft of torque at 9,600rpm, a quick flick of the clutch in first has the front wheel rising towards the sky with a balance that seems overly gentle for such a big bike.

It's livelier and sportier than the BMW, and the suspension reflects that. The Marzocchi upside down forks and adjustable Ohlins rear monoshock are on the firm side as standard, and together with the pendulous handling, my initial impressions of the bike's cornering ability were confused. Tipping into bends, there's an almost top-heavy-topple as the bike's height falls to its side.

It took a bit of getting used to, but once sussed, the bike's agility becomes startlingly obvious. At a respectable 210kg dry, the Granpasso is light and easy to manoeuvre in all situations. And once the road starts to resemble a ball of wool your kitten's just got hold of, it will challenge not only the adventure bikes but the Fireblade riders too. In fact, it's like a super-tall sports bike.

The brakes are merely adequate - nothing more, nothing less - which is odd in comparison to the bike's many other impressive attributes. The Granpasso is supposed to be an exciting rival for BMW's plush R1200GS and in many ways it is. The Morini has a less cushioned ride, but it feels stronger and more involving.

The adventure sports market has been growing strongly in the past few years and almost every manufacturer from Honda to Moto Guzzi has been trying to grab a piece of it. Morini is late to the party and, quite frankly, if I was planning a trip across Africa I wouldn't take one of these. On the road it presents an interesting ride, a little more sporty than most, and it does look, how shall I say - distinctive!

More images of the Moto Morini Granpasso from Bing