MORINI GRANPASSO 1200 (2008 - on) Review

The seat is all day comfortable and is also great for pillions, with plenty of space even with a top box on. The suspension is on the sporty side - the forks are not adjustable. I've used it on a track day, where it has enough performance to overtake sports bikes in the bends (definitely more the bike than me) and handles like a big supermoto. It can do anything, but is much better on twisty roads than going for flat out speed. The width and height of the bars makes filtering difficult.

Huge amounts of torque and a great engine note with the standard exhaust.nYou never need to worry about overtakes. I'm not a good enough rider to use all it's performance.

Ohlins rear suspension, Excel rims, Brembo brakes all come as standard. However, finding places to complete significant services has been a mixed bag as most mechanics are unfamiliar with the bike. Routine servicing has been fine, although I have needed to source some parts myself. The biggest issue was a poor stock engine map causing stalling and running too lean. A visit to BSD tuning in Peterborough resolved this. The wheels are not great with tubeless tyres, as they slowly leak air. This is easily fixed with inner tubes.

Typically 40-44 mpg on a variety of rides. The timing chain replacement services every 25000 miles are labour intensive and consequently expensive, but that is pretty decent interval. Given it's age, I also avoid using E10 fuel.

A huge 27L tank means 200 miles before you even start thinking about a petrol station. Brembos and an Ohlins rear as standard. Unadjustable Marzocchi forks. Mine came with the optional 180 section rear wheel. No USB charging point, and no fuel gauge, which should really be present on a bike as touring capable as this (although the warning light comes on with 1/3 of a tank left). It comes with switches for heated grips and auxilliary lights already incorporated into the switchgear and a display on the dash showing the heated grip setting. Multi-function display, operated from a button on the switchgear. No engine modes or ABS. The screen is manually adjustable whilst riding. Stock indicators are poor in daylight.

I don't know what MCN were riding to reflect the testers comments but it wasn't a Granpasso. Need to run Dunlop Roadsmart 3's front & rear & lift footrests as always on the deck. Braking is top notch, as you'd expect.

A monster that needs a Mark Bruin remap to realise true manageability & stop the random low rev stalling that earlier models suffered from. 54mm throttle bodies dictate you hold on proper.....or they may ingest YOU😳!!

Knocked 1 off for unsealable tubeless tyre/rim arrangement...definitely didn't think that one through!

Unquantifiable as this is a very different animal to an everyday ride. It can be used everyday if desired but the servicing tasks effectively fall on the owner as dealer network is non-existent but if it wasn't, the service costs would be stiff I feel. I've owned mine from new, it now has 55,000 miles on it and goes the same as Day 1. But...a twin timing chain replacement by any dealer would require you sell your granny!!

All you need standard as riding a GP just needs a proper wrist. No electronic BS fitted...none reqd!

Comfy, well set up and easy to improve if wanted to, can go everywhere road or off it with ease without using any electronic aids just your wrist. Done just over 2000 miles in 23 hours and my bum was still fresh and willing to do more

Effortless and easy to handle by the wrist which I like, don't need to be revved to go, but if revved then you get the push. Engine clime revs with ease and effortlessly which makes you feel good on tarmac and off road.

No corrosion, no failures, most parts can get from other brands

Bike makes you feel like it is built by enthusiasts not business people

Heated grips as standard, big tank 27 litres, comfy seat for 2, anti hopping, frame that will still be good decades later.

Brembo brakes ( non ABS on my 2013) and huge discs bring it to rest easily. Massively adjustable Ohlins shock is great.

The star of the show - torquey, revvy, its everything a GS isn't. Awesome. KTM comes closest but isn't as hairy-chested.

Dash unit can be a bit temperamental

Ohlins shock, excel rims, brembo...specced well. I have heated grips, a slipper clutch and two Givi hard luggage.