Motorcycle specifications Morini1200 SCRAMBLER 2018 Between the park and the castle

Morini's Scrambler gets a makeover. Launched in 2009, the Scrambler made its mark right from the start with its big 1200 engine. Now it has taken on a whole new dimension, more in keeping with the status Morini aims to achieve. Far from being a victim of fashion, the Italian scrambler is a lady of fashion.

The genre now comes in multiple layers. For a simple, affordable model, look no further than Mash or Benelli. For something a little more stylish, look no further than Triumph. Premium? Don't worry, BMW and Ducati have them in stock. With Moto-Morini, we're talking top-of-the-range. In fact, it's hard to imagine this machine wallowing in the mud. The Italian 1200 Scrambler is more interested in showing off its fine parts, aluminum and plastic than in covering them with clods of dirt.

Forget the old Scrambler! This one shares very little with the old one. The bodywork, the silhouette, the stance - everything has changed and clearly marks a break... as well as a clear genetic transfer from the 1200 Milano sibling. In line with this new trend from the Italian manufacturer, the pencil lengthens the line, spreads it out without compressing it, then takes it into the mechanical ode. Morinis want to be beautiful with a touch of pride, and values, the fragrance of nobility and craftsmanship. In short, they want to be beautiful.
The engine is an excellent illustration of this. It's one of the few elements salvaged from the old Scrambler. Except that the in-house twin, the Bialbero adapted for Euro4, plays with pomp without being furious. Take a look at the tortured shape of the exhaust pipes. And that particularly elegant double silencer. A classy way to go out. But... we regret that they're no longer in a high position, like a true scrambler and like its predecessor. And while the powerplant may want to show off, it's lost a little in the process. 117 horsepower once, 116 today. But Morini claims to offer a vigorous torque curve.

At new identity, new technology. The Scrambler's entire chassis has been redesigned, with a modified steel trellis frame and tubular swingarm with eccentric tension adjustment. Although close to the Milano, the machine has also obeyed the styling dictates of 17-inch spoked wheels, surrounded by knobby tires. Within obvious limits, this means that cross-country trails seem within reach. And with power! 110 horsepower for a 1200 roadster is nice, but for a machine of this philosophy, it's already a lot. And the front axle is a cut above the rest. The fully adjustable inverted fork features DLC treatment on the fork legs, fork legs cut from solid and Brembo M50 4-piston radial monobloc brake calipers. The whole package is complemented by 320 mm discs for stopping the machine, and a Bosch 9.1MP ABS that can be disconnected from the handlebars. The rear is equipped with a 2-piston caliper around a 220 mm disc. Not far ahead of it, the shock absorber is no longer offset to the side as on the ex-scrambler, but in the classic position. It too is fully adjustable.

Moto-Morini wants to share its memories with us with this 1200 Scrambler. These memories began in 1965 with the Corsaro Regolarità, an off-road variant of the famous 125, which went on to make a name for itself in the off-road world. Thoughts then drifted to the enduros of the '80s, where the Kanguro and Camel were born. Now, memories fade to make way for a sometimes precious, often little-known motorcycle that defends a bastion of high quality. Where as much of it as possible is produced, assembled and valued in Italy.
Admittedly, a little too much resemblance to the Milano roadster. But high handlebars, a flatter seat, a protective grille over the headlamp and perforated plates on the rear give it a look that charms and appeals. The Morini Scrambler is more a meeting in the woods than an adventure.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos