Motorcycle specifications Morini650 X-Cape 2023 In pursuit of Joan Wilder

Moto-Morini has returned to the trail segment with a more modest, trendy approach. The Italian brand is moving towards mid-size adventure.

The 650 X-Cape is the latest addition to the Zhongneng subsidiary's range. Yes, Morini is part of the big Chinese group. But let's ignore that. Let's take a look at where this bike is going: the emerging niche of versatile, off-road trail bikes with reasonable displacement. Witness the 700 Ténéré and Tuareg 660. After flooding their ranges with maxi-trail-GTs, manufacturers are feeling another appetite for adventure.

This is where the X-Cape comes in to offer its services, where the all-purpose machine must also be able to crush trails. With its elongated torso, stilt-like profile, crocodile-walking wheels and Jack Colton aplomb, the need for adventure is obvious. Admittedly, the 19" front wheel isn't quite as engaging as a 21 " for off-roading, but the whole package is an invitation to get out and about. The spoked wheels are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally Str treaded tires, enough to lift a few stones.

The choice of engine also reflects Morini's new direction. There's no question of going back to the big 1200; the brand wants to be more democratic. The X-Cape's tubular steel frame is fitted with a more modest twin-cylinder engine. Also present in the Seiemmezzo roadster, this 649 cm3 block is rated at 60 hp and 6 mkg. A lower figure than the competition, where Yamaha and Aprilia offer 74 and 80 horsepower respectively. In this respect, the Chinese influence makes itself felt: their products rarely reach the displacement/power ratio of the Japanese or the Europeans. The bike is rated at 175 km/h with this engine. To make it more accessible to a wider public, it will also be available in A2 version.

by the way, where does this parallel twin come from? It's hard to say, especially as the parent company specializes in small-displacement bikes and doesn't have this block in its organ bank. A brand-new mill designed in-house? A partnership with a local group? To be continued...
Where the bike is going, on the other hand, we're more certain. With its large, fully-adjustable 50 mm inverted fork and more generous travel than a trail bike (175 mm front, 165 mm rear), its wheels and profile, the X-Cape is ready for forest outings without grimacing.

Without skimping on technology. Asian motorcycles are known for their aggressive pricing, but also for their penchant for tech... especially when it shows. The 650 X-Cape is equipped with an attractive 7-inch TFT color display, featuring elegant graphics. The lighting is full LED, there's a Bosch 9.1 ABS system that can be deactivated, a dual USB socket and, it seems, smartphone connectivity as well as tire pressure monitoring.

On the chassis side, the steel frame is surrounded by an aluminum swingarm, a Marzocchi fork, a KYB shock with multiple adjustments, an 18-liter fuel tank, an adjustable saddle peaking at 820 mm or 845 mm, an adjustable windshield, brakes with 298 mm discs at the front and 255 mm at the rear, with double-piston calipers - all in 213 kilos dry weight. Oh yes, weight is always a problem for the Middle Kingdom.

for lovers of commercial geostrategy.... Chinese or Italian? the Moto-Morini 650 X-Cape was developed in Trivolzio, near Bologna, at the brand's headquarters, but will be built in China and re-tested on its return to Italy.

A number of optional extras will give the X-Cape the look of a great adventurer, including heated handgrips, rally-raid-style panniers and top-case, crash bars, a large bubble, handguards, etc....

Morini should turn some heads with his machine, not only with its claims but also with its price. The X-Cape is aggressively priced at 7,599 euros, just above the CB 500 X. The version with tubeless spoke rims will cost an extra 400 euros. The X-Cape will fit right in between the classic mid-range trails and the Benelli TRK 502, its rival of choice.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos

to celebrate the brand's 85th anniversary, the X-Cape is also available in a "Gold Wheels" edition. As the name suggests, the wheels are gold-plated. No other special features to report, except that its availability in France has not yet been announced.