There was a time when Moto Morini steered clear of anything ‘budget-friendly’ and ‘accessible’, but since the brand came into Chinese hands, the cards have been reshuffled. In order to succeed in their aim, Moto Morini no longer even hesitates to knock on the door of a world-class player for the block. But does it pay off?
The liquid-cooled 649cc parallel-twin is an old friend: it served in the earlier Kawasaki ER-6 and Versys models. A block that has proven its worth for years, but is not immediately overflowing with sensations. Through a licensing agreement with Kawasaki, Moto Morini can hang the block in the X-Cape, so as far as the power source is concerned, there should be little to complain about in terms of reliability. Do you immediately recognize an ER-6 or Versys by its bubbling, then you can doubt that from now on, because the X-Cape simmers in exactly the same way. You will immediately recognize the Moto Morini, because in terms of styling, the X-Cape is just about the opposite of almost every Versys-like.
The standard seat height of 845mm may scare novice and/or smaller riders, for them there is a 25mm lowered one. Incidentally, the saddle of X-Cape is a great place to master the tricks of the motorcycle trade, because the motor remains pretty good. Smooth riding is no problem with the X-Cape, but anyone looking for an adrenaline shot on the road or wanting to drift off every bend will soon realize that the sixty horses of the parallel twin are a bit too malnourished for that.
What both beginners and experienced motorcyclists will have to get used to is the steering behaviour: for an off-road-worthy high-performance rider with long travel and slightly larger front wheel, the X-Cape looks surprisingly sharp for the apex. The Morini combines agile turn-in with a lot of stability on lean angles, as if you were combining the dexterous throwing of a Versys with the stiff stability of a V-Strom 650. And that combination requires some adjustment. The assessment of the brakes is still open for discussion as we tested a prototype where the rear brake acted rather toxic, while the front calipers could have had a bit more bite force. The pre-production machine was not yet equipped with ABS, but the production models will, of course.
The fact that a motorcycle in this price range is equipped with a 7” TFT screen with connectivity is a major selling point. Because you sit quite deep ‘in’ the engine, you enjoy a lot of protection, without the standard (height-adjustable) window being subject to turbulence. The tinted and raised optional windshield didn’t appeal to us as much because the extra protection was accompanied by annoying vibrations. The suspension contributes in its fairly smooth factory setting to the comfort of the X-Cape without compromising the direct steering behavior. The smooth suspension is of course also pleasant on the unpaved, although, as said, the somewhat good power source will be the fun-limiting factor off-road.
Conclusion
The Moto Morini X-Cape is a nice newcomer in the middle segment anyway. The driving comfort and steering character are convincing, but the power source could have been a bit more sensational for experienced motorcyclists. The basic version (with cast wheels) costs 7,799 euros, the version with wire wheels is 400 euros more expensive. If you compare those prices with what you pay for a Kawasaki Versys or a V-Strom 650, for example, then those two established names are quickly 700 euros (Versys) or even 1,100 euros (V-Strom) more expensive. If you look at it all from an accounting-rational point of view, you could also wonder what the residual value of the Moto Morini X-Cape can be, but then you completely ignore the driving pleasure that the motorcycle can offer you.
Pros and cons
+ Sends fast and stable
+ Beautiful looks
+ Guaranteed attention from your motorcycle friends
– Little brave power source
– Vibrations
– Pre-production model tested, so reservations
Read the full test Motorcyclist November 2021 or KickXstart November 2021†
Engine: 649cc, 4 cl./cyl., liquid-cooled parallel twin
Bore x Stroke: 83 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
max. power: 60 hp @ 8,250 rpm
max. torque: 56 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel supply: electronic injection
Transmission: six-speed, chain
Frame: tubular steel frame
Front suspension: 50 mm UPSD, adjustable compression and rebound damping, travel nb
Rear suspension: monoshock, adjustable spring preload and rebound damping, travel nb
Front brake: 298mm discs with 4-piston calipers, ABS
Rear brake: single 240mm disc with 2-piston caliper, ABS
Tires front/rear: 110/80-R19 / 150/70-R17
Wheelbase: 1,470 mm
Headset angle / trail: nb
Weight: 213 kg (roadworthy)
Seat height: 820/845 mm
Tank capacity: 18 l.
Colors: red, white
Price Belgium: €8,199.00 (basic version: €7,799)
Price in the Netherlands: €8,999 (basic version: €8,599)
Text Pieter Ryckaert • Photography Moto Morini
#Briefly #tested #Moto #Morini #XCape #Motokicx