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EICMA: Moto Morini Corsaro
1200
The Corsaro 1200 was presented to the international press in
July 2005. It is the first in a range that the Moto Morini management
is betting on for the brand's rebirth. The motorcycle is intrinsically
Italian: the Bialbero CorsaCorta engine carries the design of
Franco Lambertini, one of the maestros in engineering twin-cylinder
engines; the bike's design has been the domain of Marabese Design;
and the 100% Italian componentry is top-notch. Corsaro 1200 is
one of the first naked bikes to obtain Euro 3 approval, an extra
feature that required major efforts to preserve the product's
performance and aesthetic features.
Why a Naked Bike
The Corsaro project took shape in 2003, and when the motorcycle
was brought out two years later, the choice to concentrate efforts
on a large-displacement naked road bike turned out a successful
one, further confirmed by growth trends in the segment in Italy
and abroad.
First and foremost, the decision taken by the Moto Morini management
was the result of an attentive analysis of the market and its
foreseeable prospects. But another, hardly secondary, motivation
was the desire to maintain continuity with the history of the
Moto Morini marque.
The motorcycles that made this marque so memorable from the years
spanning 1936 to 1994 have a very specific identity: they are
naked bikes, with mechanics exposed and perfectly integrated
in a harmonious design and classic graphics. Being measured according
to these concepts today and knowing how to give them a modern
interpretation is the challenge of the Corsaro 1200 project.
Layout
Behind the Corsaro is a project for a sport bike that is easy
to ride. The layout was studied and designed to house the slim,
87° longitudinal V twin-cylinder engine, a compact engine
that facilitated the design of a motorcycle with a short wheelbase
of 1440 mm and a distribution of weights with 51% on the front.
Intensive experimentation was reserved for establishing the ideal
centre of gravity to achieve the maximum handling on combined
terrain and the best stability at the highest speeds. Attaining
this goal was significantly aided by the shape and size of the
aluminium cast swing arm and progressive linkage.
The Design
The design of the Corsaro has been overseen by Marabese Design
with whom Moto Morini has established a joint collaboration which
envisions the development a whole range.
The motorcycle exudes a sport style. The trellis frame composed
of variable sized tubing has a compactness and conceals nothing
of the Bialbero CorsaCorta engine, perfectly epitomising the
concept of a naked bike. A perfect balance of curves and tensions
characterise the superstructures; the headlight fairing, tank,
seat and tail display synchronous lines that reveal Italian aesthetics
in all their refinement. The original and dynamic headlight fairing
leaves the double-lamp headlight in full view. Focus was also
placed on tank, whose form recalls the opening of the wings of
an eagle. It is contoured to achieve optimum ergonomics and to
allow for the two-tone paint finish in the best Morini tradition.
The seat and tail echo these lines in the profile of the air
scoops. Of particular impact is the swing arm cast in aluminium
alloy featuring original, enveloping forms, which supports the
rear progressive suspension. The exhaust system is clearly sophisticated
and complies with Euro 3 pollution standards. The original design
of exhaust piping has been designed with 70-mm diameter tubes,
with the catalytic converter intentionally in view and with two
spectacular biconical-shaped silencers under the seat. Welding
points on the whole exhaust system are clearly visible to accentuate
the whole character of an object that seeks to stand out.
The Bialbero Corsacorta 1200cc Twin Cylinder Engine
The lay out of the engine is strongly characterised by the V
layout of the cylinders and by the timing system which, conceptually
speaking, are reminders of the family of the 3 1/2, but especially
by the innovation of the integral casing.
To reduce the height of the engine as much as possible, the cylinder
heads were lowered to the degree that the exhaust has been positioned
tangent to the rear connecting point of the engine.
The 4-valve DOHC layout echoes in part the philosophy of the
250 bialbero of the 1963 GP, while having an angle between the
valves that is decidedly more modern. All this could have been
achieved with a casing cut parallel to the ground, but the position
where the sprocket came out of the chain would have been very
low and too distant from the centre of the shaft, resulting in
a less than optimum placement of the engine. The casing cut vertically,
instead, allows an excellent positioning of the sprocket without
the heads having to be lowered.
The Integral Casing
The solution of the integral casing allows the sprocket of the
chain to be higher and closer to the engine axis, with the cylinder
heads lower and layout of the V angle at 87°. The size of
the engine has become extremely compact, contributing to an optimisation
of the vehicle's geometry. The innovation of the integral casing
offers different advantages with respect to traditional solutions:
· the stiffness of the assembly is such to permit to the
engine to be load bearing, i.e., to greatly simplify the layout
of the chassis;
· the simplicity of assembly and disassembly to access
the engine both during production and when bike is serviced:
for example, the lower part of the engine can be opened to get
to the gearbox and engine shaft without disassembling the heads
of the casing; and pistons and cylinders can be disassembled
without opening the casing from special side entries;
· there is no need to match up the two semi-casings, typical
of motorcycle engines. This greatly benefits production, service
and cost of spare parts.
Head
The heads have 4 valves at a narrow angle (9.5° INT.&
12.5° EXH.); the timing is a DOHC; the intake pipes are vertical;
the exhaust pipes are characterised by split pipe outlet; a single
spark plug is at centre. The valves are FINT. 43.5; FEXH. 35.7.
The engine timing is Aint.20°x58°; Aexh54°x20°,
and the valve return is operated by two springs per valve.
Corsacorta
The engine has a 107 mm forged piston, the largest ever constructed
for a motorcycle of this category. Its stroke is 66 mm. This
decision has made it possible to make the engine more compact
on top without excluding future development of this displacement.
Crankshaft
The shaft is built according to the classic "Scomposto"
("split") motorcycling technology. The great advantage
is to use an integral connecting rod -- i.e., without bolts on
the cap -- reflecting a philosophy that prioritises simplicity.
Gearbox
The gearbox is six speed with quick coupling. Conceptually
it is comparable to the first standard gearbox with six speeds
of the legendary 3 1/2. The clutch features a radial master-
cylinder and anti-skipping device.
Lubrication
Thanks to the compactness of the engine in the upper section,
it was possible to choose a wet casing lubrication, much simpler
and more practical for the layout of the vehicle as compared
to a dry casing lubrication. The pump is with lobes and is gear-commanded;
the bypass valve is positioned under the filter to avoid clogging.
Cooling
The circuit carries out internal passages of the coolant
to the engine, while the pump, which delivers 160 l/min is coaxial
to the timing lay shaft
Injection
The injection features an integrated system of injection/ignition
supplied by Magneti Marelli, the throttle bodies are diam.54
with single-jet injector.
The Chassis
Frame
Essence of the chassis is the trellis frame in high-strength
steel tubing from Verlicchi designed exclusively for Moto Morini.
The structure is extremely solid and combines all the stiffness
required to harness the power of the engine with a reduced weight
and a muscular look characterised by the main tubing with a 35
mm diameter.
Wheelbase, headstock rake, and trail measurements are highly
compact, especially considering that the bike has a 1200cc engine.
Thanks to the harmony achieved in fine-tuning the various components,
the result of this alchemy is immediately perceptible in the
first few metres of road: the weight, already reduced to just
198 kg magically disappears when in movement and the deftness
in cornering assures stability even at top speeds.
Swing Arm and Suspension
The function of the frame is aided by top-notch suspensions.
At front a powerful Marzocchi Magnum with 50 mm diameter legs,
slender due to exclusive lightweight plates constructed in a
cast light alloy, is compatible with every riding style thanks
to different possibilities for adjustment. The visual solidity
is reflected in a solid and coherent functioning, ready to conform
to minimum unevenness in the road and to bear the thrust of deceleration
during the hardest braking.
The rear is characterised by an asymmetrical swing arm that conceals
a fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber with legs increased by
16 mm in diameter, spring adjustable in preload with single nut
and internal counter-spring to improve riding response.
Even parts apparently of less importance or undervalued in most
bikes on the market have been meticulously cared for. Some examples:
the chain adjustment sliding shoes have been machined from the
solid by milling a precious light alloy as have the footpegs
of the rider and passenger.
Tyres
The wheels fit Pirelli Diablo tyres in the classic sizes of 120/70
at front and 180/55 at back to guarantee the support and surface
necessary for discharging the enormous torque of the engine,
with the assurance that the situation is always under control.
Braking System
While braking, the Corsaro 1200 never gives reason to disappoint:
the Brembo systems guarantee powerful yet progressive deceleration,
granting the rider the sensitivity needed for optimum handling
of this difficult aspect of the riding experience. At front are
a pair of 320 mm discs with radial master-cylinder and four piston
callipers: a solution stemming from a precise technical input,
that of lending safety thanks to excellent modulability and awesome
power. Too often racing systems that become transferred onto
road models give abrupt reactions that are difficult to control,
especially on roads open to traffic and when roadbeds offer poor
grip. The braking power of the Corsaro 1200 is at everyone's
full grasp.
CPU and Electrical System
While the Corsaro 1200 is an example of Italian mechanics in
the most honoured tradition, running through this machine are
state-of-the-art electronics. The CAN line transfers information
between the Magneti Marelli engine CPU, the fully equipped dashboard
featuring onboard computer and latest-generation sensors placed
throughout the vehicle to keep all sensitive parameters under
control. Among the other functions of the instrument panel, are
two different trip meters reporting average speed and rpm, but
also the ambient temperature, the gear inserted, clock and maintenance
intervals. Starting is automatic: just a light pressure on the
button will activate the control unit command to the electric
motor allowing the V twin- cylinder to come to life. Even the
old lever of the starter is a distant memory thanks to a sophisticated
system of automatic mixture control regulated by the stepper
motor according to the weather conditions. Despite this, the
technology is never invasive, the rider always has the situation
under control and, from a design viewpoint, the cables disappear
from sight and most components are neatly ordered in the compartment
under the seat. Both the powerful headlight with double lamps
and the led one at the rear automatically turn on when engine
is stared in compliance with the most recent road rules.
Tank
The fuel tank, with a prestigious 2-shade paint finish like
the glorious Moto Morinis of yesteryear, is constructed in shockproof
nylon. It has a capacity of 18 litres and can be lifted to have
access to the large filter box lying below.
Exhaust System
Last, but not least, the exhaust system not only gives an
unmistakable look to the motorcycle thanks to the Termignoni
biconical silencers; not only does it fill the air with powerful
sound, but it is environmentally friendly thanks to a meticulous
design scheme and to closed loop technology with three-way catalytic
converter and oxygen sensor. The exhaust emissions measure well
under the limits imposed by the stringent Euro3 standards.
Colours
Two-tone finishes for all Corsaro 1200 models, available in red/silver
with red frame, black/silver with black frame and black/white
with black frame.
Technical Specifications Moto Morini Corsaro 1200
Make MOTO MORINI
Model Corsaro 1200
Engine
Engine Moto Morini Bialbero CorsaCorta (DOHC - Short
Stroke)
Cylinders 2
Layout 87° V longitudinal
Strokes 4
Cooling Liquid
Timing system Gear/chain combination
Valves per cylinder 4
Bore x stroke 107 x 66 mm / 4,21 x 2,59 inch
Displacement 1187 cm3
Compression ratio 11.8 ± 0.3
Power 103 Kw 140 HP @ 8500 rpm
Torque 123 Nm 12.5 Kgm @ 6500 rpm
Fuel injection Magneti Marelli indirect electronic injection
with 54 mm /2,12 inch Ø throttle body
Ignition I.A.W. electronic
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced with trochoidal pump
Gearbox With constant mesh spur gears
Gear ratio 6
In first 13/36
In second 17/32
In third 20/30
In fourth 22/28
In fifth 23/26
In sixth 24/25
Clutch Multiple-plate clutch in oil bath with antiskipping system
and radial master-cylinder
Primary Drive Spur gears 55:31
Final Drive Chain
Exhaust With double silencer, 3-way catalytic converter and oxygen
sensor
Emissions Euro 3
Chassis
Frame Verlicchi high-strength steel tube trellis frame
Wheelbase 1440 mm / 56,70 inch
Headstock rake 24.5°
Rake 103 mm / 4,05 inch
Front suspension Marzocchi upside-down fork with 50 mm / 1,96
inch Ø legs, adjustable in rebound, compression and spring
preloading
Front wheel travel 129 mm / 5,08 inch
Swingarm Casted Aluminium alloy
Rear suspension With progressive motion and single Sachs shock
absorber adjustable in extension, compression and spring pre-charge
with singlering-nut. Enhanced piston and stretched counter-spring
Rear wheel travel 129 mm / 5,07 inch
Front brake Brembo 320 mm twin disc with 4 pistons brake callipers
and radial master-cylinder
Rear brake Brembo (master cylinder and callipers) 220 mm
/ 8,66 inch mono disc with 2-piston calliper
Front tyre Pirelli Diablo 120/70 ZR 17 (58W)
Rear tyre Pirelli Diablo 180/55 ZR 17 (73W)
Rims Brembo in light alloy, 6 spokes
Front rim size 3.50 m x 17"
Rear rim size 5.50 m x 17"
Measures and Weight
Total length 2070 mm / 81,50 inch
Max. width 810 mm / 31,89 inch (without mirrors)
Seat height 830 mm / 32,68 inch
Min. height from ground 140 mm / 5,51 inch
Steering angle 30° rh/lh
Driving ready weight (battery, lubricants, coolant included.
No fuel) 198 Kg / 440 lbs
Capacities
Tank capacity 18 litres / 3,96 UK gal
Reserve capacity 4 litres / 0,88 UK gal
Instrumentation
Instrument panel Electronic/analogic rev counter multifunction
LCD display
Versions
Colours Black/gray met Red/grey met White met/black
Warranty 3 years
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