More Afternoon Moto News - Granpasso 1200 & MV Agusta

The 2010 Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 is a lovely motorcycle no matter which way you look at it, but is it a good ride? Well, even though the company is struggling - and many rumors continue to say that they have stopped production - it seems that the Italian marque can make some very good bikes. It is unfortunate that the buying public does not see that as the Granpasso 1200 would be a worthy competitor to almost any sport-tourer or adventure motorcycle. If only I could get my hands on one...

http://tinyurl.com/y8skph6

In United Kngdom, MV Agusta is holding "The MV Agusta Experience" at the Rockingham national circuit, Corby, Northants. They will have the lusty F4, Brutale 990R and Brutale 1090RR motorcycles on hand for demo rides at the track, and all participants will be entered to win a autographed Giacomo Agostini MV Agusta helmet and shirt. The events take place on three days - 25, 26 & 28 February 2010 (not the best timing given the weather) - so you have three chances at some serious fun!

http://tinyurl.com/yjwb6bp

Moto Morini Shuts Down Production - Rumors Greatly Exaggerated

This is sad news yet again. Moto Morini has had no success at getting itself out of the receivership it had to enter earlier this year, so they have had no choice but to shut down. It will remain this way until someone can purchase the company or provide good enough investment to get things rolling again. If anyone is interested, I would be more than willing to help!

http://tinyurl.com/ygtckd7

It turns out that these early reports are inaccurate - Moto Morini has only reduced production to keep costs down while they claw themselves out of receivership. Please help them out and purchase yourself a Moto Morini - you will not be disappointed.

http://tinyurl.com/yj5w2pe

Even more information; Moto Morini is now just making bikes to order, reducing inventory.

http://tinyurl.com/yd7pzzg

First Look: 2010 Moto Morini Granferro 1200

It is a different type of supermoto machine - more similar to the Hypermotard than to a DR-Z400SM. It has a large 1187c.c. V-twin engine, like most of the Moto Morini motorcycles of the here and now. It is also one fun ride! Morini designer Rodolfo Frascoli is responsible for the look of the machine and he did an excellent job on the nice lines and very aggressive stance of the Granferro. Since Morini is in trouble, this is a machine which you should buy - at least, that's how you can justify purchasing such a lustful Italian steed to your friends and family...

http://tinyurl.com/yf3h4nd

First Look: 2010 Moto Morini Grand Motard (V12M01)

These are the first pictures and a bit of information about the new model from Moto Morini - there actually is no confirmation of what model year or what exactly it will be called. So, for now we only know that it is a supermoto-like version of the Granpasso which will also have a much upgraded version of their 1187c.c. 87° V-twin engine. It is said to make 127 HP! It will be at EICMA in Milan.

http://tinyurl.com/yhke664

2010 Moto Morini Granpasso 1200 - Protected from Creditors

In Italy, bankruptcy is like when a large corporation enters it here in the US - they are actually protected from their creditors and stockholders and they get to work their way back to profitability. I wish it were that way for regular people...Anyway, they do make lovely machines and the 2010 Granpasso 1200 is now arriving at dealerships. Take a look at the bike and read the exclusive MCN (UK) piece on their status. And, if y0u want to help them, please buy me a Moto Morini!

http://tinyurl.com/ylnakx5

MCN (UK): http://tinyurl.com/yzzp3no

MCN (UK) Update: http://tinyurl.com/yk3actd

UPDATE: Moto Morini Not Going Away!

Well, they will not be disappearing from the motorcycle industry. They do, in fact, have enough money to pay their employees and they are also in bankruptcy - during which they plan to re-structure. However, the only people that need worry at this time is their suppliers...

http://tinyurl.com/ybh8ggr

Moto Morini Files for Bankruptcy and Liquidation - Very Sad News

Moto Morini, the Italian marque which makes such standouts as the 120 Scrambler, 1200 Sport, 9 1/2, and Granpasso has announced that they are unable to pay their employees this month. They did manage to sell many more motorcycles in the first eight months of this year versus 2008, but it was just not enough. I truly hope that someone - maybe the Piaggio group - will step in and buy the manufacturer so that they may continue...

http://tinyurl.com/yaocmde

Moto Morini Granpasso - An Adventure on Two Wheels

So, it appears that Moto Morini will also be challenging the supremacy of the all-powerful BMW GS line of motorcycles. They have shoehorned their 1200 c.c. engine into a frame strong enough to handle some rough going.

http://tinyurl.com/ryolrp