Moto Morini in the US for 08?

[Rincewind]

I thought I read somewhere that Moto Morini's will be imported to the US in 08.  Perhaps it was in a cycle rag.  But now that I try to research it, I can't seem to find any info backing up this rumor.  Anyone hear anything?

http://www.motomorini.com/lemoto.asp

I'm particularly interested in the 9-1/2 model.  

[Cpl Punishment]

Morinis are very fine sickles. But the new Guzzi Griso may be the one to buy.


Oh, I do like posting in antique threads.  

[Rincewind]

Morinis are very fine sickles. But the new Guzzi Griso may be the one to buy.

Griso would be a fine steed, but my take is that it is a longer and heavier bike than these Morinis, which are more akin to Ducati Monsters or MV Augusta Brutales.  

Too bad, though, that I can't find any more supporting claims to MM importing to the US.  

To spruce up the old thread here is a Morini Corsara vs Brutale video.   This is a crazy french show, Trash Test, that shoots some of the best bike test vids I've seen.

MV Brutale 910 R / MOTO MORINI Corsaro
Uploaded by ludwig54

[mr moto]

i do not understand a word he say,s , but this guy is hysterical  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp2HrcqWjO8&feature=related

[Rincewind]

This month's Cycle World has a blurb about Moto Morini in the US, saying their new Gran Passo adventure-bike will lead the way into the American market... But then at the end of the write-up, they say, "but there are no firm plans for importing yet."  So...  no MM in the US for 08, but maybe look for 09 or 10 as they are eying us up.

[squeezer]

I wonder if the current exchange rate is part of the delay?  It would them so much more expensive on introduction than in "normal" times.  A better exchange rate would make it easier to establish a foothold in our market.

Pretty bikes.  

[Rincewind]

I think it may be more related to setting up the dealer network, as other Italian brands are still able to offer reasonable pricing despite the weak dollar.

Recent CW article on MM - http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=656

"Moto Morini will start producing the Granpasso around April and with the help of this new model hopes to expand its production to at least 2000 units in 2008. Moto Morini officials confirmed that the Granpasso was designed to be homologated in the USA. Since they have not yet finalized a distribution contract, U.S. pricing is still unknown."

[mr moto]

now this colour , i like !   i also found an old pic of the nine and a half moto morini i took at last years paris show . i also like the fact that at least here in the UK , they come with a three year warranty .
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/july/7-13/jul0708-moto-morini-1200-sport-colour-scheme/?R=EPI-101592

[Rincewind]

now this colour , i like ! 

I like that too.    

[Rincewind]

Latest Motorcyclist Magazine has a write-up on the MM Gran Passo.  They said it will be released this fall to the EU, and will follow in the US next year.  So, maybe 2010 we will finally have new MM's in the US again.

[mr moto]

moto morini scrambler video from intermot , a seriously cool looking machine  
http://www.motorevue.com/site/video-le-scrambler-selon-moto-morini-35660.html