Video: Italjet are back with the Grifon 650

Updated: 19 November 2014

Italjet is one of Italy’s most famous bike makers.

They went out of business in 2003, but now they’re back making scooters, quads and pit bikes – but the Grifon 650 could be their first step back onto the big-bike ladder.

It’s a collaboration between Hyosung and Italjet; the 650cc V-twin engine and chassis comes from the Korean firm, while things like the suspension, spoked wheels, suspension, tank are bolted on in the Italian factory.

Check out our video of the first Grifon 650 below, as MCN’s Senior Road Tester Michale Neeves rides it on the roads around the factory near Bologna.

Read more about the technical specifications in this week’s MCN, available from Wednesday, September 26, 2007.

By Michael Neeves

MCN Chief Road Tester - Neevesy’s been an MCN Road Tester since 2002. He’s reviewed everything from mopeds to Rossi’s Yamaha M1, and plenty in between He covers tens of thousands of miles a year on the world’s roads and racetracks in his role with MCN, and when he’s not working he’s still on two wheels, racing both modern and classic superbikes for a variety of teams. To cement his position as one of the most influential motorcycling journalists on the planet, Neevesy spent many years as an Elite Instructor at the Ron Haslam Race School, based at the famous Donington Park race circuit. He regularly presents videos on riding tips and road safety, working alongside the likes of Highways England to deliver a strong and consistent message.