BEST NEW Beginner ADV Bike? | Moto Morini X-Cape Review

[@spitescorner]

Thanks to Aura for sponsoring the video! Try out it out for free: aura.com/spitescorner and protect your personal information!

[@jonr4651]

The X-Cape is the Versys 650 post divorce. Still a dad bike but now he’s going to the gym, wearing designer Italian clothes, and has new outdoor hobbies.

[@mikes_channel]

LOVE THIS

[@renektop6820]

So we got the Green Versys (Kawi) Red Versys (morini) Grey Versys (CfMoto) We need 2 more to complete the gauntlet of Versys and then maybe Spite will like the engine 😂

[@PetrolJunkie]

I think they should do a yellow and white so we can make power rangers jokes.

[@Big_Tyrone138]

I'm so excited for their red Honda Rebel with a 650cc engine.

[@fullmetalcorgi1350]

You can't X-Cape my dad jokes.

[@haystack-is-back]

Gotta say that was pretty punny

[@hoigari76]

I love that "versys 650, is that you??" the history you have with it, it was almost a little touchy 😄

[@themoog3889]

Had mine for nearly 2 years as a replacement for 2 Versys in a row , felt like it was what the Versys should have become had Kawasaki not been lazy bastards ! Had it tuned a bit which improved the bike a lot . Few things you didnt mention .... Front forks are Marzocchi Tyres are tubeless with pressure sensors . Handlebar stem is adjustable back & forth in the top yoke . Switchgear is backlit . Bosch electronics. Full led lighting ( works well too ) My bike being one of the first in the uk came without the app driven sat nav, but Morini UK are fitting it to my bike free of charge as we speak 👍🏻 PS the spark plugs are garbage bin them and put Iridium plugs in !

[@RichardS-qh8mi]

Did you do a full exhaust replacement or just a decat or pipe? The problem I’d have is not making it too rowdy - 40 years ago it wouldn’t have bothered me but now I want to ride in relative quiet and comfort without pissing off the neighbours too.

[@NEINLIVES999]

Great review! I own a 2023 X-Cape. I snagged mine for $6200 brand new; traded in my 2024 KLR due to not having a 6th gear, unstable off-road and the boring factor. The X is better in all facets for a guy like me that loves Tarmac and some moto-camping on double-track and fire roads. It’s the best bang for the buck IMO.

[@AlastorsGuns]

Possible future video idea: thoughts on the V-Strom 650 vs 1000? I don't see many people commenting on it, but I definitely would like it as a second bike in my stable. Especially since you have a good amount of Adventure Bike experience.

[@JelloThatsMellow]

V Strom 800 road version. 1050 is heavy/slow and not good value for money (but a reliable workhorse), the 650 has the old twin but is better used and lacks modern tech (especially the off-road aids which gets good reviews on the 800). Besides the 800de/1050de, they're actually road bikes with bigger size (19" front) wheels.

[@clayfarnet970]

It wasn’t enough that Spite totally dissed Versys owners, now he’s dissing KLR owners. 😂😂

[@spitescorner]

I can diss the KLR all I want! I have one in my garage. 😂

[@brehh]

I currently have the Benelli TRK502x adv, I've daily'd the thing for the last couple years and can't fault it at all. These Chinese bikes are improving by leaps and bounds, I previously had a Himalayan which was nothing but trouble. Really put me off the Enfield brand as a whole

[@Fearless154]

But the oil is cleanest

[@brehh]

Unfortunately RyanF9 doing a small-scale oil test won't fix my buddy's Himalayan that grenaded the top end at 10,000km and left him stranded quite far from home. Mine just had all sorts of annoying problems; stalling, rattling bolts out, easily stripped bolts, TPS out of spec, valves needing adjustments well before the schedule, oil leaks, squeaky swingarm from dust getting inside, genuine RE aftermarket parts not fitting due to individual build discrepancies. Just not a fun experience for us 😞

[@1998lemuel]

@@Fearless154 Why do people keep mentioning that video when even Ryan said that the sample is so small to be conclusive of all bikes.

[@Fearless154]

@@1998lemuel It was a joke

[@jakemcnally4868]

Great review as always Spite! Considering this or another KLR (had a 2012). You make a strong case for the Morini. Will check it out. My dealer has both. Cheers fro CA

[@135246bg]

Nice bike. That red color is beautiful in person, I tried one in Florida. Even better deal now, it is listed on their website (in the USA) for $6999! I am seriously thinking about one to replace my 2012 V Strom 650.

[@jimmiller1780]

“The motor makes the bike go faster.” I’m going to write that down.

[@dagothur5231]

I tried the Morini Scrambler (very fun bike) during a motorcycle festival and it definitely put Moto Morini on the radar for me ! I Barely heard of them before that and not only they are quite cheap, but they're also very good looking !

[@YTisDumb]

I'm also a fan of the Scorpion STRs. Only 60/40 tire I've ever used that doesn't scallop the front on the twistys.

[@sportify4849]

Spites corner has become my favorite american motorcycle youtuber. Next to my german favorite youtuber " motorradtest". 😊

[@sheeptorun]

Just bought one before seeing this video. Totally agree on the motor and it kinda pains me to trade in my Bandit 1200 and Tenere XT660Z... but, it's such a good overall package, I think it's worth it. To be fair, the exhaust/intake combination sounds very good when you get on the gas and the power is there. Just without much drama or tugging at the heart strings. But I need a comfortable, reliable bike I can daily and the whole package for the price is pretty awesome.

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

is it any reliable so far? I am taking of buying one or maybe a versys 650

[@howie119]

Nicer looking than the transalp.

[@TheBlueDogMan]

Beauty is surely subjective. I find this Moto Morini to be unattractive.

[@skylerlovell1780]

As a Versys 650 owner, this is what I wish the 650 was in terms of a first/entry level "do-all" bike.

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

I demoed one a few months ago, street riding only. Fit and finish seemed good, dash was nice, overall I liked the looks. Great value I think. Engine was fine, didn’t feel under powered but maybe underwhelming. My biggest complaint, the transmission, it wasn’t a positive feeling shifting between gears, I didn’t like it. I ride a Versys 1000 currently.

[@SummitCoyote]

hmm a contender for sure. will be interesting to see how the dealer network is with these.

[@AwareWolfOnWheels]

Just when you thought the GS was the most dad jeans motorcycle.

[@Nick-A1]

I kind of want to keep my ear out for that Kove 450 bike going around, if it turns out to be solid I'd definitely love to get my hands on one.

[@renektop6820]

There are some videos about them, they seem to have a lot of stupid problems but nothing mechanical yet so maybe in the next batch they iron those out

[@PaulsMotoZen]

I have always looked at ADV motorcycles like a Rally Car. It goes off road, and on road, but not great in either category, but it can do both.

[@MotoXplor]

I'm looking forward to the Xcape 1200, due out next year. That should cure your engine woes.

[@pmfsify]

Hi! Have one in grey and the drawback is the engine noise, it wierd, can't ride it without full face helmet, the noise is nasty. Apart of that, have great milege, my average consumption is 4.2L/100kms, my Vespa T5 make 4.5L😂. The suspension and brakes are great and the saddle is super confortable for long rides plus a aftermarket windshiled, btw i have WRS. Regards

[@markhingst5368]

At that price with a tune and pipe thrown in maybe it would wake it up a little?

[@uncopino]

i’ve been watching this since it came out. the premium components (for the price), the tracer7 like looks, the 19” front(which is growing more and more difficult to find btw, it’s all 17 or 21 ffs) are reeeeeeeally appealing. i’m constantly thrown off by opinions i hear about the engine though. now you’re making me wanting to try it but it’s gonna be so hard to part ways with my 390duke.

[@chrispekel5709]

the engine is great, don't listen to anyone. Super reliable and sounds better than a single

[@motonoob-i2d]

Hah I am considering this as my second bike after my Duke 390 as well. Hoping it will fit me better @ 6’2, 32” than my Duke and that the seat will be comfy for rides out to Big Bend and Colorado. Was going to go with a KLR, but the price of the Morini is too close and it’s just a better bike it seems.

[@RichardS-qh8mi]

This would the perfect mid adventure motorcycle with two simple additions: 1. The Yamaha CP2 motor 2. Cruise control as at least an option. Come on Moto Morini at least ask your Chinese partners to build a 650cc 270 degree crank firing order engine of their own or get Kawasaki to build one and then build it under licence. This X-Cape COULD be one of the greatest adventure bikes of all time with a 270 crank engine - it’s so good all ready that I’m still tempted to buy it regardless of the somewhat mundane motor. It’s got serious charm, is unbelievably good looking, as adventure bikes go, goes, stops and handles beautifully but it’s just missing that last extra 5% it needs for exhilarating character. Remember character is priceless in any motorcycle and should be available to all no matter what they paid for the bike.

[@ronoldcross8189]

I got an int650 right out of Covid. No regrets, but all these new models coming out across the board,

[@JasonHarrell-z2v]

I’m a 56 year old nerd and I love my 2022 NC750x😉

[@Panza1965]

My favorite 650 commuter engine 💖

[@ramtrev8215]

Like the bike, I am waiting for some aftermarket parts to become available. No barkbusters, stock skid plate not good, crash bars flimsy from the factory. Looking to upgrade from a smaller ADV that lacks HWY speed.

[@DanTube2010]

For sure give it a little clutch if you want to ride slow in 2nd with zero throttle.

[@danb6497]

How does it feel compared to Kawasaki versys 650? Is the engine the same? I am riding cfmoto 650mt (if I understand correctly, CF makes engines for Moto Morini), went to Kawasaki dealership and they told me that the engines are actually different

[@uncopino]

i think they share most of the build but obviously kawasaki is going to claim that those parts that differ make all the difference in the world. it’d be nice to have a face to face comparison though

[@chrispekel5709]

The newer Kawasaki 650 has some differences but it's pretty similar. The moto morini and the cfmoto are like the older Kawasaki 650

[@hvymax]

It's pretty much what Kawasaki should have built. I think the KLR with the Vulcan S engine would have been perfect. The KLR has to have one of the least efficient engines ever. There are engines that make over 100hp for the same milage.

[@chrispekel5709]

Then it would be an entirely different bike?

[@comedydoctorsmusic]

Where's that off-road trail??

[@motonoob-i2d]

If I had a few hundred miles of that kind of off-road stuff in the vid, would I be still happy on this bike? Kinda hoping to do some n00b-level bdr in New Mexico or CO.

[@JohnBrown-bu8ji]

So what is the top speed in mph please answer

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

The Kawa 650 motor was designed to be ridden like an inline 4. Sure, you can lope along & use the natural torque of the twin, but you should be revving its tits off to get the most out of the engine. And yes it has no character or personality, but I've put almost 100,000 km on mine without any mechanical issues, so it gets the job done. The Moto Morini X-Cape, and the other 650 models in the Moto Morini range, are using a de-tuned version that's 10% down on power compared to the Kawasaki. The last thing this power-plant needs is less power, especially on such a heavy bike. It wouldn't stop me buying one though. The package looks really compelling. It's just a pity that Moto Morini bikes aren't available in Australia.

[@bigdave6194]

Not the same price as the KLR. I gave 6700 out the door with a 250 dollar helmet extended warranty and first 6 services free. I know a few that got them a little cheaper, Mine is a 2023 KLR S model bought in March

[@JamEWalsh]

Anyone have any thoughts about the foot pegs? They seemed surprisingly high and far back to me, especially for an "adventure"/touring bike. I'm 5'9". Am I crazy?

[@RAF238thCdr84]

I've got a Ninja 650 and CFmoto 650 NK (very similar engine) at my place. Good reliable vacuum cleaner sounding 25 year old design but..., its buzzy, mediocre, bla. Probly run 'till the frame rusts in half tho....

[@AndrewWilsonOz]

Looks like a CFMoto 650MT, and a Ducati Multistrada had a love child.

[@harley419]

Great analysis

[@stiggy186]

Okay, can't lie, intro cracked me up.

[@DrDezaro]

Everything you’ve been describing is basically the V-Strom DL650’s points over the KLR650 but, you’d never get a KLR bro to admit a DL650 is better or vice versa. Also, this thing seems like a downgrade from my V-Strom

[@jeremythomas7278]

Hey Spite, do you still have a discount code with flying eyes? Mind sharing? Thanks in advance!

[@spitescorner]

Yup SC10 for 10% off

[@Atrip111]

Just got a Benelli Trk 502 before season end. Another option. Better yet the 702 should be coming eventually already in europe.

[@krazed0451]

I'd be hesitant to recommend anything unproven to a beginner, motorcycles are a difficult enough thing to get into without chasing issues constantly.

[@MrShad73]

Wait!? I bought a new KLR this year......😢

[@getty6974]

Technical fact: Difference between motor and engine is that Motor can input and output energy where as engine can only output energy. Dino juice engine is not a motor. I know i'm being annoying and will show myself out.

[@jberejik]

wow! the first time I have ever heard this on a review video. ...thanks

[@chucksherron]

Yep you are being annoying. 😂 Bye.

[@genelong1748]

Looks like a good commuter bike

[@hvymax]

KLR is the Honey Badger of motorcycles.

[@duanestiles4821]

Hey there spite what are the top speed for the motor morini and can you have a passenger and still enough power for passing on the highway

[@MotoMoriniUSA]

Top speed is around 105 mph. The torque allows for ample passing power even 2-up. Hope this helps

[@duanestiles4821]

@@MotoMoriniUSA thanks spite keep those vids coming merry Christmas to you and everybody

[@DCSkippy01]

Once i have paid off my pocket protecter (NC 750x) ill see if this is still around, seems like a decent buy for the price.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

ha, I used to have an NC750x, pretty good bike, warning, I got rid of mine because of the boring factor and bought an SV650, didn't like it, traded it for a gsx-8s and occasionally I find myself wishing id hung on to the NC.

[@DCSkippy01]

@@tonyjourneyman1944 i dont find it boring surprisingly, i just worry about taking it offroad and killing it xD i want to explore trails and know its not ideal for that at all

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

@@DCSkippy01 Ahh my apologies, I thought because you called it a pocket protector you were saying it was a bit dull. Yeah, bit heavy for off road, I found it ok on dirt roads though as long as they were ok for normal cars.

[@DCSkippy01]

@@tonyjourneyman1944 that's what all my friends call it, so now it's just it's nickname haha plus it's great for carrying everyone's hats n such on group rides

[@DCSkippy01]

@@tonyjourneyman1944 I've also only ridden the NC, a TW200, And a RE Scram, so it's also possible I just don't know what a super fun bike is

[@trailblazeratv6306]

I would spend the extra money on the TransAlp and be done !!!

[@geecee4746]

Looks good

[@impaledface7694]

If it doesn't have belt driven cams and a v-twin it's not a REAL morini. Jokes aside I enjoyed my ride on a kawasaki versys. It reminded me of my old scooter that I intentionally/unintentionally abused.

[@Rancho.Jimenez]

Only $8,300 but after dealer fees 12k. It's a Great looking bike though.

[@ShaunHensley]

what? 4k in fees? Gtfo

[@Rancho.Jimenez]

@ShaunHensley My most recent experience, i got a personal loan out for 4k & 1k out of my pocket to purchase a CRF250 at $4.9k the dealer then gave me the final price at $7.3k. So imagine this bike at 8.3k

[@chadgilbertson3071]

They are on sale for $6899 right now ....and I paid no added fees

[@joshw3539]

So it was an Italian company and then was bought out by a Chinese company? Are these available to order or purchase nationwide in the US? If so, where and how?

[@spitescorner]

I got this from AF1's demo fleet. They're currently selling Moto Morinis

[@normanheilman7457]

I regret my 2022 KTM 390 duke. I should have bought a higher power adv. the 390 is so unfortunately uncomfortable to ride.

[@motorpolitan8884]

The weight is a deal breaker. 230+ kg for a 650cc is ridiculous.

[@uncopino]

exactly. had they worked on either weight or torque output, the price point would’ve been different tho

[@entropy5125]

I cant understand spending over 8k on a bike that will never be what crf250f is and thats a cheap dirtbike 5k. For a little more than 8k you could have a very capable enduro machine

[@ciocanelwar]

I would love to have this next to my Desert X. I could use this for my day to day city ride and save the DDX for longer trips.

[@christiaang]

This vs Honda NX500.

[@scarface53221]

Cfmoto 450mt

[@JasonRidesmoto]

This or the CFMOTO IBEX 800T???

[@renektop6820]

The 800 has a 50% increase in power compared to this for virtually the same weight, so that's a good selling point 😂 But at the same time it's a ktm engine, so definitely not as much of a soldier as the versys 650 engine

[@JasonRidesmoto]

@@renektop6820 I have the Ibex and was just looking for affirmation

[@michaelpaciorek4068]

if you say that this is just like the versys 650 and may others i highly recommend you start to learn wheeles 1st gear at 15mph its off the ground not trying and if that is not making you giggle ... seek therapy

[@pk.praveenkalyan]

honda 500x??

[@spitescorner]

I'd get this instead

[@Beanerds]

Twice you said ' Italian style with Japanese Engine ' WRONG ! 100% made in China mate ! nothing wrong with that either .

[@disekjoumoer]

The Versys 650 engine is boring, vibrates and needs to be revved to do anything, but it's incredibly reliable. More reliable than a Yamaha CP2? Probably not by much. Fantic now has a 700 scrambler with the CP2. Much cheaper than anything in Yamaha's stable as well.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

ADV bike = Dad bike or over 40 years old IMO

[@JoeStanek-vu7rl]

I'm 58 and I just sold my Aprilia RSVR to buy a 2023 Yamaha MT 09 SP.

[@YTisDumb]

Sport bike = reckless idiot kid IMO.

[@chrispekel5709]

Not always. I'm tall and these are comfortable

[@primalmatter]

The engine is a copy of the kawasaki versys 650 made by cfmoto.

[@chrispekel5709]

Frame is probably made by Cfmoto as well.

[@evotech43]

Not a fan of the front fearings

[@firefighter1c57]

Looks like a CBR with faux hawk

[@cclark3905]

Spite...most are 4 inches shorter than you 😂

[@kasou-sk]

I'm as tall as him, just somewhat skinnier. I am really glad @spitescorner is here with us.

[@hvymax]

Some are a few inches taller. There's plenty of munchkin bikes.

[@hvymax]

A trip to Lowe's and a saber saw and you can have the perfect windshield.

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

its a "big" bike ??? really?

[@daveplem]

X-Cape is cap.

[@guyh282]

all these Chinese bikes are very nice until they start making your life a living hell with faulty electronics, astronomical spare-part delivery times and bad service. speaking from experience. you've been warned. also fuck only 60hp for a bike weighing almost 530 lb...

[@spitescorner]

Laughs in 3 year warranty and Kawasaki motor

[@beaulunawolf1198]

@@spitescorner I get such a laugh out of these folks who still rant China this and China that. I guess in their world they think that their IPhone or their TV or their car's stereo is made in Murrica. I've often wondered if you looked around a new HD how long it would take you to find a part that says made in China.

[@guyh282]

If these Chinese bikes are so much better than people give them credit for - how come you've never owned a Chinese motorcycle? could it be that perhaps you just want other people to buy them so Japanese and European manufacturers lower their prices for enthusiasts like you? @@spitescorner

[@guyh282]

As I said: I'm speaking from experience: with a 700CL-X that had me 7 times at the dealership over 5 months with wait times of up to 2 months for a god damn sensor to be delivered from China... and 4 other parts that had to be replaced to fix an issue that came up 5 minutes after leaving the dealership. @@beaulunawolf1198

[@MotoMoriniUSA]

The X-Cape has actually proven itself over the past 2 years in Europe to where are confident in offering a 3-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty on the bike. We also have a full inventory of replacement parts and customer service based in California.

[@jonlobello7151]

Ttat motor...no. It needs a 270 degree crank.

[@spitescorner]

I'd love it with a 270, but as it is it's alright. Average, but not bad

[@jonlobello7151]

Hey, your answering! 180 cranks bring my Carpal (karpal) tunnel syndrome out very quickly, so if I want to ride it needs to be a V- twin or a two seventy crank, or a boxer twin. I love inline 4s but can't ride them...well maybe a cross-plane four. I still have my '88 Hawk GT but I'm 71 now and not as steady. I might sell it back to the woman I bought it from in '06.@@spitescorner

[@wizardmoto]

Underpowered and overpriced, segment is already oversaturated with some ACTUALLY good bikes. Give it a year and nobody will remember this ever existed.

[@chrispekel5709]

Then why is it one of the best selling bikes in places like Italy and has been for several years?

[@wizardmoto]

@@chrispekel5709 "one of" "places like" A quick google of "best selling italian motorcycles" gets me NOWHERE this bike is mentioned. Come with some actual data to support your statement if you want to be taken seriously lol

[@chrispekel5709]

@@wizardmoto Ah yes! I made a mistake. The best selling full sized bike according to several articles I have read was the Benelli TRK 502 - also a Chinese built ADV. I fully admit my mistake. Considering that has done so well, what makes you assume this bike will be forgotten?

[@chrispekel5709]

@@wizardmoto There's nothing funnier than people like you just repeating the mantra of the late 1960's and early 1970's (replace Japan with China) that it's all crap that will fall apart and be forgotten. Aren't you learning ANYTHING from history?

[@wizardmoto]

@chrispekel5709 Benelli have an excellent international reputation for quality, MotoMorini does not. It will be forgotten full within a year, just like CFMoto.

[@kruck96]

Touring bike with no cruise control? Unacceptable.

[@spitescorner]

Throttle locks are cheap

[@kruck96]

@@spitescorner so is cruise control on a ride by wire bike with ABS and TC. All the hardware is already there.

[@spitescorner]

@@kruck96 This isn't RBW. It's a cable.

[@ShaunHensley]

Wonder how I rode for 30 years without cruise control? No I don't, I still don't need it

[@kruck96]

@@ShaunHensley I don’t need ABS, IMU, or fuel injection for that matter but we kind of expect that on modern bikes. Put your phone down, you don’t need that either.

[@MotoCampAdv]

Honda Transalp XL750R $9999 ! No brainier choice . why would anyone consider this China motormarini bike over a Japanese engineering and built Honda. Especially for the $$$$

[@135246bg]

Xcape 650 is now $6999 in the US, a full $3000 less than Transalp. For some buyers that is a big difference. It also proved to be reliable since introduced in Europe much earlier than US. If politics matter than don't buy it. But as a bike it seems good and at under seven grand new it's actually less than CB500X.

[@Khar_Toba]

I think that is a hideous bike. Is there some kind of running joke in the ADV bike sector?

[@chrispekel5709]

I think it looks good. Must be subjective