Motorcycle specifications Morini1200 Milano 2024 Robust elegance

Moto-Morini sold its soul to the Asian ogre, and its catalog was radically transformed. It's true that the small Italian manufacturer couldn't get its head above water, and its future was no longer in its hands. The 1200 Corsaro, Scrambler, Rebello, Gran Passo... are but a memory. The Sino-Lombard offer now comes in more modest, mass-market displacements.

But the heart has not disappeared. There, emerging from memories and emotions, the big Italian roadster is preparing to return, and it's under the identity of the Milano that this reincarnation is being prepared. The previous version had defended the Morini essence to the end of its possibilities and 2022.

The return of the 1200 Milano is scheduled for the second half of 2024, with a new design and still a strong personality. The suave transalpine strength is there, with its big V2 exuding mechanical passion. Muscular, verging on snarling, accomplished in silhouette and subdued with pride, the Milano is without question a beautiful motorcycle. A touch retro, subtly more plush, and fundamentally elegant. It really is the legitimate descendant of the previous generation, and not an ersatz that has cheaply taken over its name.

While the entire exterior has been revised without betraying the character, the machine's backbone has been extensively rethought. A new, simplified frame encloses the engine in a tubular steel trellis, complemented by aluminum dropouts. True to Italian tradition, the front end is sporty, with a multi-adjustable inverted fork, 320 mm brake discs and sturdy radial-mounted Brembo Stylema 4-piston calipers. Controlled by a monoshock, the new all-aluminum swingarm is 4 kilos lighter than the steel trellis element of the old Milano. Overall, the new Milano weighs in at under 210 kilos (excluding fuel).

Enough to do justice to the majestic twin-cylinder Bialbero Corsa Corta. And let's not forget its EVO badge, signifying that it has received its share of modifications (including new electronic management) to meet Euro5+ standards. MM doesn't dwell on figures, but announces 125 horsepower, 9 more than before. Admittedly, this is a far cry from the 140 horsepower and colossal 13.8 mkg torque of the Corsa Veloce of its heyday. But if the 1187 cm3 has succeeded in retranscribing its character, the Milano's driving experience promises to be intense.

modernity is perceptible in the visual lines, but more assertive in the technology. The Milano retains a round headlamp for style, while its interior features LEDs and a perimeter daytime running light signature. The instrumentation is still based on a 5-inch TFT color display, with a completely revised interface controlled from the handlebars. Convenient controls are backlit. Bluetooth connectivity enables control of a smartphone and two headsets. Morini has integrated traction control and 4 riding modes, but did not elaborate on the riding aids.

This 1200 Milano is a fine nose-thumbing at the onslaught of Chinese motorcycles brandishing the standards of fine brands of yesteryear (we still haven't digested Benelli's industrial turn) without the consistency. A beautiful engine(even if it will henceforth be made in China), good looks, fever at the end of the connecting rods. Let's hope that its presence on the roads will match its presence.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos