Moto Morini Set To Enter The 650cc-ADV Space With The X-Cape

Italians are known for crafting some of the most exotic bikes in the world. On one end of the spectrum, you have companies like Ducati and Aprilia with their tech-heavy modern motorcycles. And on the other end, there’s Moto Morini -- a not-so-familiar Italian motorcycle outfit that has been around since 1937. It’s currently owned by the China-based Zhongneng Vehicle Group and deals in modern classics targeting a niche market. 

However, for 2021, the company plans on coming out with an extensive lineup that will take on some of the most prominent names in the motorcycling industry. The first step as part of its strategy is to revive its mid-displacement ADV,  the X-Cape 650. It's expected to be priced around 7,000 GBP (nearly Rs 7.09 lakh) in the UK, pitting it against bikes like the Honda CB500X, Kawasaki Versys 650, and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT in the global market. 

One look at the X-Cape and you notice that it slightly resembles the BMW F 900 XR and the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin, thanks to the split headlight, swooping fuel tank, the tail section, and the high mounted turn indicators.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

Feature-wise, the X-Cape gets LED lights all around and a 7-inch TFT console with Bluetooth-connectivity. The console displays the gear position indicator, ambient temperature, turn-by-turn navigation, distance to empty, and other usual information. 

• The Highly-Anticipated Honda CB500X Is Here
• Is This The 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan Or The Chimalayan?
• Benelli TRK 502X Is Back And More Affordable
• Phenomenal Pricing Once Again For The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10

The ADV uses a 649cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled motor expected to make around 48PS, putting it in the same league as the recently launched Honda CB500X. The motor works in conjunction with a 6-speed gearbox. 

The X-Cape gets a long-travel 50mm fully adjustable USD fork and a monoshock with preload and rebound adjustability. The seat height, though, is set fairly high at 830mm. Anchoring the X-Cape are a pair of twin 300mm discs up front and a single 255mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS. It rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels wrapped in Metzeler Tourance tyres. 

Don’t expect the Moto Morini to launch the X-Cape 650 in India any time soon. But we can’t completely dismiss the idea either, considering the growing mid-displacement adventure-touring market in the country.