Moto Morini X-Cape 650 vs Kawasaki Versys 650: Specifications Compared

As Moto Morini enters India, its new middleweight ADVs, the X-Cape and X-Cape X, appear more than capable at challenging the Kawasaki Versys 650, a veteran. The Versys has been in service for some time now and Kawasaki even gave it a touch of modernity to keep things fresh, thank god! Because the Italians are strapping some impressive hardware and features to give the Japs a run for their money. When put head-to head, this is how they stack up:

In this department, both bikes are seen rubbing shoulders, but the Japs have managed to squeeze out a bit more power from their decade-old, twin-cylinder mill. While the extra 5PS and 6Nm may not seem like much, the difference between them will appear when we test both these bikes in the real world.

For the longest time, the Versys 650 has been revered for boasting superior hardware like Showa separate function fork while keeping the price tag in check. The Morini goes two steps ahead by bringing a thicker, fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and preload plus rebound adjustable monoshock, something the Kwacker misses out on. It even gets superior braking hardware and rims better suited for ADV riding. In fact, the X-Cape X variant offers wire spoke wheels too.

The story continues as we turn the page to features as well. The X-Cape features a bigger 7-inch TFT screen while matching the competition in almost all other aspects. The 2022 Versys 650 does get Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s unclear as of now if the X-Cape does too.    

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Seat height is a prominent concern with ADV riders in India. A tall seat height can dissuade customers from investing. While the Versys comes in a standard 845mm saddle height, the X-Cape and X-Cape X both feature a lower seat height, making it more approachable. While the Morini may pack less fuel, an 18-litre tank is pretty respectable, but it’s clearly a bit heavier than the Versys. Thank heavens for that lower seat height, ey?  

Price and Verdict:
While prices for the Moto Morini bikes are still under wraps, given its shared Chinese roots with Benelli, we expect the X-Cape and X-Cape X to be priced at Rs 6.50 lakh and 6.80 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. Needless to say, that’s considerably cheaper than the new Kawasaki Versys 650’s price of Rs 7,36,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).

On paper, the Morini ticks all the boxes you’d want from an affordable middleweight ADV, but Kawasaki has been slowly boiling the Versys for well over a decade now. So maybe it all comes down to this – take a chance with something new, or go with the tried and tested, choice is yours.