Moto Morini X-Cape 650 "Adventouring" Motorcycle Walkaround and First Ride
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- The Moto Morini X-Cape Adventouring Motorcycle borrows the classic 659cc powerplant from the venerable Kawasaki Versys and Ninja 650 and fits it to an Italian-designed, Chinese manufactured motorcycle to create, in their words, "a performance-focused Adventure bike that's loade with features found on higher-priced machines."
More info on the MotoMorini X-Cape here: www.motomorini...
This entry-level ADV bike features LED lighting, a 7" color TFT dash, Marzocchi forks, KYB shock, Brembo brakes, and Pirelli Tires.
While I'm still not convinced that the X-Cape 650 is a super capable off road machine, I am impressed with the components and fit and finish and I suspect this will be a fantastic budget-friendly ADV/Touring bike with some premium features.
Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss out on the full Moto Morini XCape 650 review, coming soon.
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Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice.
More info on the MotoMorini X-Cape here: www.motomoriniusa.com/xcape
A small scooter shop in north Portland is a Moto Morini dealer now. They just became a Royal Enfield dealer two years ago. It’s nice to have lower budget bikes on the market to buy and ride.
Industry recognition, sweet🎉
It looks like a solid effort for smaller company jumping into a well established niche.
You never fail at making me feel like I need more bikes😂
Sorry not sorry?
@@DorkintheRoad gotta find the best adventure bike to go two up so my wife might be willing to go on some rides.
@@DorkintheRoad got a new bike Wednesday 🤣
Hey Ben. Always love your content and trust your feedback. Thanks for putting the X-Cape through the ropes. Love your riding areas!
congrats Man on the industry recon..you have worked hard for that in your sphere of the industry..for us fellow Dorks..I must say I miss you falling off though, like in the early days..keep up the good work fella
I’m looking for a bike to take me over the finish line. I started riding a new Honda 50 in 1968. Over the years I’ve had a Goldwing, some BMWs, Yamahas and Harley’s. At 71, I’m ready to pass my 20 year old Harley Electraglide to my son and downsize. At 6ft 2 in, some of the Adv bikes look like they would fit my frame better than something like a Triumph Bonnie. And I could still tour on an adv bike. Looking forward to your reviews.😎👍
Watching this video and thinking "gee, that looks familiar.." then the intersection with Rock Hill. Rode my bicycle out there quite often 35+ years ago (dang, I feel old now). Keep up the great vids!
Great review Ben! Why this appeals to me, 60 yrs old rider getting back in the sport, 7 previous bikes:
1. Looks great.
2. Great components
3. Price( paying$30- $40K CDN for a new BMW GS is frightening)
4. 3 Year UNLIMITED mileage warranty!
Great entry to Adventure for a guy like me who only ever owned dirt bikes or street bikes.
SADLY NOT AVAILABLE IN CANADA YET! Geez!😭
How bad would the import duties hit you if you were to pop down and buy one in The States?
Can't wait to see more of your content on this bike they just opened a dealership about 35 minutes away from me that is selling these and they have $1,000 off right now
It's quite well put together.
I have the 6 1/2 Seiemmezzo.
1,550 miles and its breaking in good now.
Same engine.
Did ride the X-cape and was thorough impressed.
Just wanted the Scrambler 6 1/2 real bad.
X-cape... Go ride!
Havent ridden in quite a few years, looking to get back on a bike and the ADV bikes are my draw. This is in the running along with the CFMoto and CSC. Thanks for the review!
Middle Ridge Road - my stompin' grounds! 🤘
Looks like it has everything folks wish kawasaki would upgrade on the klr 650. 6 speed, twin cylinder, tft display etc.. Im definately interested! Great review!
Congrats! I guess everyone wants to be in the adventure bike market these days. As a kid in the 70s it was choppers, the 80s was street bikes and now its adventure/touring.
I predict that the2030s will be all about small hyper efficient commuter bikes that get 100+ mpg
Nice one. The best review of the Morini I've seen in YT.
Great camera work and clear vocals. You nailed it, well done.
Hey Ben. Very happy to see you review this bike. I’m riding the 2022 KLR and love it. Size is fine power is fine. Did 1679 miles last July on the MABDR. Only complaint was the vibration on the highway. Would this be that little improvement over the KLR that would get me to switch? I ride the KLR off road. Hatfield McCoy trails type riding and BDR. Would love something a little smoother on road.
Another honest, entertaining review. When you think it through, most "adventure" riders new to the segment want the option of exploring some gravel double track, so they're "adventuring" but don't want the dread of dropping a heavy, expensive RTW rig. There's lots of riders who want to start somewhere accessible and build up from there before they go hard core off-roading or continue into the GS/AT/ST/Tiger arena.
Think your spot on.
X-cape is a good start.
A keeper for many...
😊
It's about time, congratulations!
Great first impressions review too.
That has a better gas cap than my T7. Great video Dork.
Congrats Ben, perseverance pays off…many more to come
Movin on up! Congrats on getting your first press bike.
Nice first review. Seems like it would be a good option to the Transalp with the same style of riding. Not as fast and heavier, but better suspension, options and less expensive.
I can't help but be jealous of ur garage bikes. Starting a collection 😂❤
Dude, the area where you live is gorgeous!
1st comment, haha! saw this bike over on Ian’s channel and it looks pretty interesting for the price
Beautiful bike the gold wheel option is a stunning machine, great bike for beginners, teens and anyone with not a lot of money
The bike looks so beautiful wish it could be my 1st motorcycle 🎉❤😂 great location you staying inn it's a beauty like south africa
Looks like a nice bike looking forward to your final impressions, and congratulations on getting it for a bit to try out. 🎉
Press bike. Moving on up 🎉🎉
Thanks Ben for the content. Like the bike, lots of bike for the $$$. Solid warranty as long as they give it good support it’s hard to beat the value position.
Really good looking bike. Multistrada-Versys lovechild.
Hey Ben, thank you for the great content, looks like a great bike.
Been riding street for 20+ years and I’m just getting started offroad. I am way more comfortable standing up riding my Xcape 650 than I am my KLX300. It’s so much more comfortable and not as twitchy as the dual sport. I’ve also started changing gears while standing up on it and have not on my KLX300 yet. It’s been a fantastic bike so far. I went with the SW Motech crash bars though. I really wasn’t impressed with the factory crash bars.
Congrats on the 1st ever press bike!
I like it. That motor is bullet- proof. My buddy bought a Versys new for commuting and put on 95K miles on it with ZERO issues. Do the pannier racks and engine protection come stock with the bike?
love the color, nice review, thanks Ben.
I dig the red.
NIce to see some new entries in this size bike. Thanks Dork!
Nice intro to the bike. No doubt it is not an 890, but no shame in that: it's very likely a much better place to be for six hours on the road, too. While it's easy to be pissy about Chinese manufacturing, poor quality is not a given, and there are many components in many vehicles and devices that come from many non north american countries. Besides, the US can make junk as well as anybody else. In any event, I think it is great to have another option available, and with good features at a really comfortable price. And tubeless tires! Given that I don't have the lower back strength of a 20 year old, the top heavy weight would be my major concern. These things do tend to fall over.....
Haha funny that that’s the bike Brut Teacups had but I didn’t watch the video and didn’t Narras I watched your video to the end! 😂
Love the excite bike intro
The Versys 650/700 Kawasaki should be offering, even if it was a little more expensive. My local Honda dealer carries Moto Morini, and parked next to a Transalp, the M-M looks better. It's red, has a more stylish looking front end, and looks to have similar build quality (simply a visual impression). No doubt the Honda is better in nearly every aspect, but I think M-M has something to offer for the price.
There's a ton of value here, for sure.
It even has an adjustable windscreen and levers.
It even has a kid-of skidplate.
The Transalp gets costly once the skidplate and lower crashbar, handguards & electric outlet are added to it. And a rear rack.
I have watched some of your videos about gear. My question is what do you recommend for hot humid climates like Southern Georgia? I would greatly appreciate a response!
It looks like a Ducati if you need glasses :D. Should be a pretty good budget bike.
It's like a "sharper" Ducati. No typical smooth Italian lines.
Definitely interesting looking forward to the review video! Keep up the great work brother 👊
I have been looking at various adventure bikes over the last few weeks. I have a local dealership that has these on sale right now. I am definitely going to go and see how it feels when I sit on it. With that being said, I think the 2023 KTM 390 adventure is still my top pick out of the budget ADV's out there. The size and weight of the KTM 390 just seem perfect for me. (6ft. 170lbs).
The DRZ 400S is the other bike I am seriously considering.
I have ridden a lot of off road bikes and cruisers but, this will be my first adventure bike.
Love your channel. You have provided me with a ton of great information before I finalize my decision.
This bike will fit you better than the 390. The KTM is still a small bike, this isn't. But the 390 is lighter and easier to handle on rough tracks. If you're doing a lot of miles I'd get this but if you want to do a lot of adventure riding and aren't going to ride all day the KTM is the pick. Just my opinion. Both would be good no matter what you do
@chrispekel5709 thank you for the advice Chris. I will say that no matter what I think I am going to be very happy with either bike. I will mostly be using the bike for shorter trips. When the weather warms up I will ride to work and the occasional 1-2 hour ride through the Texas Hill County. The Morini looks like it will be way more comfortable for those rides. Outside of that, I will be looking for dirt trails and the like, nothing crazy or hardcore though. The more reviews about the Morini I see the more I am liking it. I honestly like the look of the Morini better than the 390, especially the gray one. Especially at the 6,999 price they are asking for it at AF1. I can get the 23 KTM 390 or this bike for 399 less! It just seems like a tremendous value. My biggest concerns about the Morini is that it seems like there is excessive heat coming from the engine and the weight compared to the 390, it is significantly heavier. I live in Austin and it is hot as heck in the summer as it is.
Over the last few years I have mostly been riding a 250cc moped and it was very comfortable. The Morini looks like it will be the more comfortable than the 390...another point in its favor. I am not concerned about durability or dealer support for the Morini. I have a great dealership here.
The 390 is a good starter adventure bike, it's budget for a reason and not everyone needs a lot of power or suspension to have fun. The CF Moto, new Kove 800, and this Morini would be a step up from the 390. Maybe even a used KTM 790 would be the same price level. There are so many good bikes out there, it's hard to pick!
@@Trailfocused deciding between the numerous options is really difficult. I can definitely stretch my budget higher than the cost of either the Moto Morini or the 390 adventure. I want to be sure I have enough for decent riding gear and any immediate needs for the bike. I do think I am going to want something bigger than the 390 pretty quickly.
@@billthemarine4435 I’ve ridden the 390 and 310GS. Both were fun to ride and you know they are super reliable. Another option would be the CB500x. One of the most underrated bikes in its class. Plus lots of mods are out there. 🤷🏻
It's a great looking bike
Looks cool for what it is. I wish they’d raffle off more of these bikes.
Marzocchi have made sussers for bikes for a long time, they made very nice race forks for downhill mtb which require serious suspension, freeride forks - think rampage, xc, pretty sure they existed in motogp and superbikes too at some points in their time- they make good suspension - while they may not be the best out there on this bike, that is down to the spec the manufacturer has paid for i suppose
It does look pretty good .
Set the offroad ride mode, and hold long the Set button to switch off the rear ABS ;) You will test the navigation?
I'm looking for a twin or triple as a pure commuter and tourer. I use the klr now but the with a new job, I work longer hours and don't have the time after work to rip and tear on the way home like I did before. I'll keep the klr for weekends, poker runs, some events. And have an old gasgas for hard enduro. It uses the macaroni forks too.
The Triumph tiger sport 660 checks all the boxes too, but slightly more money🤔 life choices are getting hard😭
This is the bike the versys650 should have become, but, hey, its here in the guise of the moto morini.
You give the best reviews, are unbelievably honest, and I watch most (if not all) your videos. Largely because of you, I am buying a Transalp. You are wise to review everything you can, but even so, I try my best not to have any of my money end up in China. So, so difficult.
Nice! Cool bike, great price!! Can't wait for your review of the upcoming MF Moto 450mt!
It would help if you could articulate specifically what this bike brings to the table that a used Versys 650 doesn't.
Great review! Looks a great value bike for sure.
I think looks pretty decent for dirt road riding to go with on road. No heavy duty off road which would be fine for me. Sadly the lack of a dealer anywhere near me makes it a non starter.
If you got one second hand down the track anyone that can fix Kawasaki's can fix these. It's a copy of their 650 platform
Good looking bike. Good price. Cool color scheme. I really love the 7 inch display ! Thanks for giving us real world regular guys an honest review. Im super intrigued with the CFMoto 450 MT. Seen it ? Hopefully you get one to let me know what's the dealy-O. Cheers !
My concern was the manufacturer back-up in the UK. Too often we've had bikes arrive and the dealer network has been let down by the lack of manufacturer support - Sinnis foe example.
They say they have a warehouse fully stocked with replacement parts in California here in the US. Not sure if it's similar in Europe.
I'd like to check this motorcycle out in person. There are no dealers in Tennessee according to their website. 😥
"I'm not here to debate politics with you. I'm here to tell you whether or not it's a good bike, and we're going to talk about the motorcycle." I applaud you stating that up front, and focusing on the machine itself. Every potential rider/owner needs to decide for themselves whether or not they will support a company and buy their products. ..."His name rhymes with Wet Tracks," LOL! I very quickly removed the rubber inserts from my Norden's pegs. They were just too slippery with any moisture - and I was never bothered by vibration issues they might have helped with. I've got no plans to switch away from my Norden - but if it ever got too expensive to repair/maintain, I would start to think about something in the TransAlp XL750 or Moto Morini X-Cape (with its Kawasaki Versys engine) for lower cost of ownership. You mentioned premium features (like ride modes), and I'm sure you'll go into details later - but I assume this bike has electronic cruise control?
[Update: I downloaded the X-Cape owner's manual, and could not find any mention of cruise control, nor any buttons dedicated to it. Disappointing for a long distance adventure tourer like me!]
Affordable upgrade from the klr. Not as spendy as the ktm or AT.
How was the wind deflection at highway speeds?
Are you going to Aimexpo This Year?
looks pretty good. are those the scorpions for tires? I had a rental with them and they were pretty smooth on the road.
Yes those damn scorpions. Every time I take them off a bike I end up with another set in my garage somehow.
@@DorkintheRoad I rode with some on an MT09. Mostly road miles, but I was glad to have them in the sandy desert areas in Arizona and California.
As a guy who has an Aprilia Caponord 1200 for my long distance bike but I’m genuinely considering the Morini to be my everyday(besides small trips which I take my super cub)
Cool bike!
Hitting the big times!!
I wonder how this bike compares to the KLR
I live in Tennessee and it was -15 actual temp when I got up this morning 🥶 it’s not supposed to do that here lol so I have a new Transalp sitting in the garage that I’ve only got to put 200 miles on and I’m ready for Spring 😂
Same here. We've been iced in for almost a week. That doesn't happen.
@@DorkintheRoad I live at 800 feet on the outskirts of west Eugene, every day it's like the weather/roads somehow get a bit worse 😂
I'll bet!
Jones-ing to go RIDE my new Morini Seiemmezzo!
1,000 miles and it 21 deg....
36 deg Sunday high....
Layer up. N GO!😊
Looks good, I like the color. My concern is dependability, I'll be watching for more of your review.
3 year unlimited mileage warranty helps with that concern.
It's based on the cfmoto 650 platform which is in turn a 90% copy of the Er6 / ninja 650 platform. So reliability should be great so long as factory quality control is good. They probably get the frame and engine from cfmoto so should be fine
Mine was utterly dependable, top shelf fit and finish compared to say a Vstrom. Just have to keep it on a trickle charger when not being ridden daily as the electronics behind the TFT never sleep.
You have an awesome job, and you’re my favorite reviewer. Im looking forward to what you think about this bike in a few weeks.
Also, I hope you get to review a bike some day that I just discovered, the AJP PR7. Why have I never heard of this bike until now? It looks very very intriguing. Like, unicorn intriguing...
I have a friend who loves that bike and swears by it. He sold his 500 EXCF because he loves it so much more
Not street legal from the factory though so we're out of luck here in Oregon
@@DorkintheRoad what the heck?!
@@airadaimagery692No ABS?
I assume due to the engine design, they buried the air filter under the fuel tank like most bikes and the Versys line does?
I'd like to know if those upper bars are necessary, other than to mount aux lights? If the bar wouldn't hit the ground in a tip-over, than it's a non-issue. I'd also like to know if it'd be worth making mods to (considering no bike should ever be left stock.)
Gidday. I took the upper bars off mine. Ugly and likely to crush easily. DNA do a free flow air filter, and there’s a half exhaust system available from Europe, can’t remember who. I also changed to the low seat option as at 5’10” I felt more planted when stopped. They’re quite heavy for pushing around the shed but OE centre stand a plus.
Sooooo the heat?
I'm not interested in this bike but I appreciate the review. Thanks.
Hi DITR, your audio was slightly muffled today, no big deal but I just thought you might like the feedback.
yes I can hear it too. I haven't gotten it sorted in this helmet yet. It's way different with the visor down for some reason.
If it does anything it will make Suzuki add cruse control to their DL650
i have one , about 6 months, 8000k.. for me drives very soft, yes heavy ... but very confortable, low fuel. and i ad not one problem yet. and the tank works great standing up. to turn off the abs, you have to be on off road and press set for a some seconds then it will show the abs menu.
another thing the crash bar... of that bike.. are not set right... that clap was off.. i drop mine one time.. and that happen .. also... no rust points yet... just to say.. i have 2 friends , 1 as a honda cb500x... some rust on strutural of the bike and on screws... the other.. transalp 750 2023... rust also.. screws... and condensation on the display... for me the quality is there on the x-cape , without you having to pay probably the brand ;) ... but as you said.. its a begginner bike.
Last nice day for me fir a couple months was a month ago. 8 degrees now heat wave
KLR, DR & XR starting to show their age as these newer 650s-700s are rolling out. 🙃
Sounds like a KLR if it had a twin 650 and more road oriented ergos... Or a Versys 650 if it had modified ergos and components (19" front wheel, spokes, longer suspension....) for light off-road duties... But with an Italian design.
Money aside, would you want this or your old Versys 650 ?
This. WAY more features and much nicer.
I’d prefer this bike to a V-Strom or Versys, which seem like its natural “tall rounder” road-favoring competitors. Nice review!
"tall rounder.' I love it.
Looks like a line is routed incorrectly around the right front brake caliper.
That exhaust is my biggest issue. I dont like low slung exhaust. It needs to be up higher for me
There are some upswing aftermarket pipe options out there such as HP Corse
Good to know! Im in the market for another bike and Ive been looking at the videos on this one. Thanks for the reply@@MotoMoriniUSA
I don't agree it looks like a 'wish' copy, it actually looks really nice. Likely designed in Italy. It's simple and not over the top
Cool!
Cool looking bike but yeah the Versys 650 is the most boring motor you will twist a throttle on. I had one for several years. Still don’t know why I kept it so long. LOL
The coveted engine needed and wanted in the KLR...look forward to the test review...over 12,000.00 base in Canada.....wow
Seems about right considering how expensive mid sized bikes have become. I guess people think it should be cheaper because it's made in China, but the truth is china isn't a cheap place to make things now - Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, are all cheaper
China has vasltly improved their machining practices and tolerances over the years....which translates to excellent build quality. I'm just not so sure made in China is a negative anymore.
3 year unlimited mileage warranty helps alleviate some of those concerns, as well.
It's really the politics
how does politics factor into a chinese motorcycle?@@chrispekel5709
heat on the legs is a deal killer for me~ probably the cat
You're a goofball but you give great reviews
Great bike. The Moto Morini dealership here in Chennai, India is so dull and shady that you don't feel like spending so much money on it. 😢
Is the engine actually built by Kawasaki, or is a Chinese knock-off of the Versys engine? This is probably what the latest generation KLR 650 should have been. They made it into a heavy street bike, they may as well have but that engine in it.
It has a seat from the versys because the frame is a copy of it
cool. Chinese bikes might be like Japanese bikes back in the day. Not popular due to politics, poor resale. Or Korean cars, cheaper and more feature laden than US cars, poor resale. Lots of Chinese bikes out there, and I suspect some are better made than others. Basically, everyone is free to vote with their dollars, just don't judge others for riding what they ride. We're all on the same team. I love the flat-matte (sp?) screen. It's nice to have choices. For any new (niche) bike, service support, dealership proximity, matter too. Looking forward to the follow-up vids. And hats off to MM for letting the Dork have a press bike!!! moving on up!
Amazing how many bikes look like a smaller Africa twin.
Are you sure you watched the video?😂
They are good bikes but recommend going over every bolt and nut sometimes they forget to use a torc wrench . 😂