Four stroke, 87° V longitudinal twin,
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity
1187 cc / 72.5 cu-in
Bore x Stroke
107 x 66 mm
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Lubrication
Forced with trochoidal pump
Induction
Magneti Marelli fuel injection 54 mm throttle
body
Ignition
I.A.W. electronic
Starting
Electric
Max Power
86 kW / 117 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque
102 Nm / 10.4 kgf-m @ 6750 rpm
Clutch
Multiplate clutch in oil bath with antis kipping and
radial master cylinder.
Transmission
6 Speed
Final Drive
Chain
Frame
Verlicchi high strength steel tubular trellis frame
Front Suspension
Marzocchi upside down with 50mm stems,
152mm wheel travel.
Rear Suspension
Progressive linkage wit Sachs Adjustable in
rebound, compression spring loading, 150mm wheel travel
Front Brakes
2x 320mm discs 4 piston callipers
Rear Brakes
Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR 17
Rear Tyre
180/55 ZR 17
Dimensions
Length 2180 mm / 85.8 in
Width 865 mm / 34.1 in
Wheelbase
1,500 mm / 59.1 in
Seat Height
840 mm / 33.1 in
Ground Clearance
162 mm / 6.4 in
Dry Weight
198 kg / 436 lbs
Fuel Capacity
18 Litres / 4.7 US gal
Standing
¼ Mile
11.6 sec
Top Speed
229.2 km/h
The clean beauty of the naked bike and the classic style of 1970’s mechanics
coexist in a trailblazing project. So don’t let the vintage style deceive
you: under the fairing are advanced technological solutions, top-flight
components and an engine delivering exceptional performance.
1200 Sport bases itself technically upon the 9 ½ project, yet it presents
new features that make it quite different, not only aesthetically speaking,
but also in terms of the technical solutions and riding setup. It’s a
motorcycle with a personality cult, one with a sporty identity, certainly,
but without overwhelming the rider with extreme performance.
The aesthetic design is by Marabese Design, who have overseen every last
detail. Aesthetically speaking the main element is the spacious 21-litre
tank, designed with roomy indents for the legs that make it more streamlined
in the lower part. The front is strongly characterized by the small
headlight fairing placed over the round headlight that protects the
instrument panel and emphasizes its personality. The single seat forms a
seamless body with the lightweight tail with cover that, when lifted,
reveals a comfortable seat for the passenger.
The technical foundation is totally exposed: the trellis frame has a
reinforced rear to accommodate the lateral cantilever shock absorber,
directly united with the aluminium swingarm, which takes shape thanks to the
new technology of hydroforming resulting in two sizeably-sectioned arms in a
single, unwelded piece. At the rear, the left side features a double
silencer with tapered exhaust pipe, whereas the front has the 50 mm fork.
Special attention has been given to the ergonomics and the setup: the narrow
handlebar and the distance between the footpegs and seat invite a riding
position weighted on the front, where the rider’s upper body is projected
forward, as is the norm for a sporty motorcycle.
Components have been selected to create a blend of contrasts that add to
making the
1200 Sport a motorbike of exceptional character: the strength of the trellis
frame and the elegance of the two-toned tank; the refinement of the spoked
rims juxtaposed with the force of the Brembo 320 mm brake system to ensure
power and modulation; the muscular Marzocchi fork with 50 mm legs and the
use of the cantilever lateral suspension by Paioli with piggy back
reservoir; and the round front headlamp contrasting with a more hi-tech led
tail light.
1200 Sport comes with the Bialbero CorsaCorta
1187 cc twin cylinder designed by Franco Lambertini, a powerful engine with
an unmistakably sporty soul, which develops 86 kW and 117 hp at 8500 rpm,
with a high torque (102 Nm with 10.4 Kgm at 6700 rpm) well distributed over
the entire rpm range. The engine’s layout is compact, strongly characterized
by the 87° V layout of the cylinders and by the innovative solution of the
integral casing. Compared to traditional solutions, it offers diverse
advantages: the stiffness of the whole makes the engine a load-bearing
element, serving to simplify the layout of the frame; the ease in assembling
and disassembling means that work can be done on the engine both during
production and servicing (for example, the lower part of the engine can be
opened to gain access to the gearbox and crankshaft without the need to
disassemble heads from the casing); the pistons and cylinders can be
disassembled without opening the casing by using the lateral openings; and
there is no longer the need to join the two semi-casings, typical of
motorbike engines, which translates into huge benefits for production,
service and the cost of spare parts. The exhaust system is characterized by
double lateral silencer with tapered exhaust pipes. The vehicle complies
with Euro 3 emissions standards.
Chassis.
Core of the chassis is the trellis frame in high-strength
tubular steel by Verlicchi based on an exclusive design by Moto Morini. The
structure offers unparalleled solidity which has been additionally stiffened
in the rear part of the subframe, a stiffness required for adopting the
solution of the cantilever lateral suspension. Wheelbase, steering rake, and
trail measurements are compact, especially considering the fact that this
bike pumps its energy through a 1200 cc engine.
Swingarm and suspension.
The function of the chassis is aided by top-notch
suspensions. At front is a mighty Marzocchi Magnum with 50 mm diameter legs,
with exclusive lightweight plates designed in cast light alloy. The rear is
characterized by a weighty doublesided swingarm, a result of hydroforming, a
new technology based on the deforming capacity of water power and that
allows the production of unwelded pieces. The swingarm built with this
technology presents advantages in terms of weight and structural stiffness.
It is aided by a Paioli lateral suspension with piggy back reservoir fully
adjustable in rebound and compression.
Rims.
The Excel spoked rims with aluminium alloy channel permit
latest generation tubeless tyres or road tyres in compound for travel in
safety, assuring the best driver performance.
Braking system.
The Brembo systems deliver powerful yet progressive
deceleration, granting the rider the sensitivity needed for optimum handling
of this difficult aspect of the riding experience. The pair of semi-floating
discs measuring 320 mm at front is operated by axial callipers with four
pistons with differentiated diameter: it is a solution stemming from a
precise technical requirement — to provide safety through great modulating
capacity and sheer power. Too often racing systems that are transferred to
road bikes produce reactions that are abrupt and difficult to control,
especially on roads open to traffic and on surfaces offering poor grip.
Tank.
The two-toned fuel tank is in shock resistant nylon; it has
a 21-litre capacity and can be raised to access the large filter box
underneath.
Exhaust system.
The exhaust system with double lateral silencer gives the
bike an unquestionable identity, while not compromising the powerful sound
of the Bialbero CorsaCorta twin cylinder. Its environmental impact is low,
allowing emissions to fall under the limits laid down by the Euro 3
standards.
Accessories.
MOTO MORINI COMPETIZIONE, the Moto Morini catalogue of
accessories, devotes to the 1200 Sport a range of products to make the ride
more comfortable:
Windshield kit for better protection at all speeds without
compromising stability;
Expandable side panniers in tough fabric. Different sizes, the largest
expands enough to hold a full-face helmet and has a capacity of 25 Litres
;
the second of 15 Litres
.
Tank bag complete with handle for use as luggage and with straps to
turn it into a backpack, 26 litre capacity;
Rear case in expandable tough fabric; 15 litre capacity
Tank cover embroidered with the Moto Morini logo;
Passenger handles, a sure grip when travelling in two. COLOURS. Two
colour options are being planned, both with white frame: light blue/orange
and British racing green/yellow. The production start-up is expected on
March 2008.
The Sport was originally revealed in the option of British racing green/yellow -
like Lotus sports cars - or a pastel blue/orange scheme inspired by the Gulf Oil
sponsored race cars from the last 30 years.
But Gulf made a complaint about the colour, forcing Morini to drop the option,
so now the factory has introduced a blue/white version, another colour scheme
tipping a nod to the car world – this time American muscle cars.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.