MotoMorini X-Cape 650; 2000 mile review on the XCape

[@alexv5261]

This was a much better review then other motorcycle channels. Thanks.

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks... I try to talk about what's not on the spec sheet 😁👍

[@VaughanClark]

I’ve had my x cape for fourteen months I’ve done eight thousand miles and had no problem’s other than usb socket shorted out , I would have ridden more miles in time I’ve had but I four bikes . I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good solid bike . You can take off road but as you said it has its limits. Ps I live the UK and it is ridden in the wet a lot!!

[@garethjones6672]

Thanks for this review Bret, I’ve owned an X-Cape for around 18 months now and mostly use it on roads, as you say that is where it is most competent and what it was designed for. I agree however that it’s pretty competent at handling non-technical tracks.

[@codycouch2467]

Good honest review, and the folks at Sabatino Moto in St. Johns must appreciate being featured in the video.😎

[@BretTkacs]

This bike was a MUCH better bike than I was expecting.

[@szh4494]

Morini hasn't been doing really well after Chinese acquisition. X-cape in particular isn't even successful in China. Americans tend think it's cheap Chinese junk. Chinese tend to think it's overpriced and overweighed fake Italian bike. In reality, it's a placeholder to keep the brand running. It was put together with a lot of quality components, but doesn't scream Italian at all. However, that is going to change. Look at the Milan Motorcycle show 2023 ( EICMA ) taking place this week. It seems that the brand is fully revived with a full line of models and especially with its signature L-twins. I think some of the models have more character than even Ducatis, and Morini as a brand has great potentials unmatched by other Chinese bikes. Eventually, the Kawasaki 650 engine will be phased out, and the next generation of mid displacement X-cape will be equipped with 750cc L-twins ( the X-cape 1200 they are showing now already comes with L-twins ). That will be a heck of a ride.

[@Snowhite808]

I have a coworker with lets say height challenge, who is really considering this ride. And looking at the components, on paper, it is very competent and also easy to modify. But what most of the europeans are complaining about is, the total lack of tech support and parts availability later on and very low resell value. Although - comparison to strom and cb is very suitable - the bike with its Brand is not. I will however strongly recommend the machine to some people and also see it in our workshop for suspension testing and upgrades. If it is anything like the Versys was, then there is also plenty of weight, that can be lost, if needed. And that motor was good for so many applications (we think still is). Like bikes and atv-s and all sort of lawn equipment tooo. With some muffler update, it has some nice peppy growl too.

[@andrewang17]

this bike seems found his spot, you challenged it, so we understand.

[@solumex]

A mexican guy, ride from Mexico to Alaska and then back and do something like 30k kilometers tour on Xcape 650 and made a good report on the bike with no issues apparetly, He is director of some motorcycle Magazine, so I guess , the Xcape was borrowed for test. Im considering this bike for same trip Mexico Alaska and may be Mexico Ushuaia but to be honest, parts and replacements on route worry me

[@misfitfarm1937]

Sorry it left him stranded twice. When is it bad. (Rhetorical)

[@kkattrap]

That was an awesome review. I'm keeping my Tenere but damn I'm glad to see all the competition in this space and trusted offroad riders taking the time to review these new bikes.

[@BretTkacs]

I think you just called me a "trusted" offroad rider 😁

[@kkattrap]

@@BretTkacs I've seen that helmet to hat magic trick enough times to know you have skills. 😁

[@dw5523]

More bikes, more affordable bikes, and more approachable bikes are a good thing. I'm looking forward to the new 450's that debuted at EICMA this year, and I especially look forward to seeing Japan and Europe's response in the coming years. All in all, it's a great time to be a rider. Thanks for the great content.

[@Roero]

This is the best video review of the X-Cape that I've seen so far, truly honest as it puts it to the test regardless of the rumors about its Chinese origin.However let me point out that the engine and the chassis are obviously manufactured in China, but the motorcycle has been entirely designed, engineered, and tested by italian Engineer Massimo Gustato in Trivolzio, near Milan, where the Morini headquarters is located.

[@BretTkacs]

Thanks, I try to be fair. I think there is a lot of focus on China and very little about it's European designs and components

[@chrispekel5709]

You're kind of right. It's got the CFmoto650 engine and frame, which is in itself a copy of the frame and engine used in the old Ninja 650 / ER6. So it's a Chinese copy of a Japanese design using other components with a final design by Italians. So 'entirely designed and engineered' isn't true

[@Roero]

​@@chrispekel5709 some say it is derived from the 2011 version of the Versys 650 , of which I was an unhappy owner. Frankly, it has nothing to do with that engine in terms of torque and horsepower (despite it comes close to it). I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle, indicating that CF built the engine based on the characteristics provided by the engineer. Additionally, CFmoto supplies engines to KTM, establishing a long history of reliability.

[@savagekeyboardtrooper]

​​@@chrispekel5709 let's forget about the messy issues here...why don't we just remove the brand on the tank & replace it with ducati & blah...blah...blah..😂

[@savagekeyboardtrooper]

​@@BretTkacs 14:03 - left u down in front of pretty ladies on the street...that have u been looking for a romeo riders? 🤭🤭🤭

[@motopilot2873]

Great review Bret. You didn't sugarcoat the details of the bike. It has so many features that it's hard to remember them all. I love that it has tubeless Akront wheels and TPMS (tire pressure monitor system). And a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty. Now for $1000 Off ($7,299) or you can choose their Free 3-piece hard case luggage set worth $1480. This brand is serious.

[@sengapore]

Truly appreciate your time and efforts to ride, push and fall off the bike for this 2000 mile review!

[@BretTkacs]

This was the most I've time I've spent getting to know a bike for a review other than one's I've bought. It was brave of them to give me this much time. They would have let me keep it longer if I wanted too

[@Lt_Tragg]

Great review! Keep ‘em coming. Looking forward to reviews on the new Himalaya.

[@mullins6429]

Thanks Bret, really enjoyed having a look at that machine. I’m with you on the whole imbalanced look with mufflers and luggage. Those mufflers that hang out in the breeze on super long mounting brackets which are prone to damage really annoy me. It’s good to see some more options in the market. Reliability is the key issue though!😁👍

[@Meatlove]

The reliability issues show it's still an Italian bike. 😉 A year ago, I was browsing for my first bike. I looked at some of the Chinese models. Although they look good, the thing that holds me back the most is the retail value in a few years. So I bought a used V-Strom 650. Brilliant bike!

[@target3842]

Chinese bikes age so fucking fast with rust.

[@motopilot2873]

Small reliability issues aren't exclusive to Italian bikes. Don't even get me started on my Suzuki GSX-S1000F. And my 2017 Yamaha FZ-10 with 17k miles just grenaded a motor cruising down the freeway. Thats major and going to cost thousands! Moto Morini already has a replacement fix for the fuel line issue that is an easy install by the dealer. Plus it has a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty.

[@Meatlove]

@@motopilot2873 That's why I typed the ;)

[@podunkman2709]

"Italian"? 😂😂

[@lappi_wojak]

chinese bikes are garbage, Japanese is a true qiality. V strom 650 is a great bike, but has nothing to do offroad. 800 is promising but a bit pricey

[@davidvis9743]

You may massacre the pronunciation of them Eyetalian bits and pieces, but I'll take it all because the review is so damn good! Comprehensive, illustrative, informative and very, very useful. Thank you!

[@RobWakeford35]

Great review. Real life info. Please do more reviews.

[@alexanderivannikov7881]

Thanks for the good review and specially for the adjustments for the fork. Such information I misst in the German reviews. Best regards from Germany.

[@BretTkacs]

My pleasure!

[@maciejjanuszko5032]

I need to see it in person. Thanks for the review!

[@armzforte23]

Very god fedback, honest review, other channels around the world are starting to sound as advertisers in order just to get views instead of informing and research . Thank you.

[@BretTkacs]

This is one reason I rely on veiwer support rather than manufacturer sponsors. There is always the risk of loosing access if you are unfair but I have found most know there weaknesses and when I point them out they are ok with it. I try to be as fair but honest as possible

[@rodintoulouse3054]

Great real world review. Now that traditional brands are going nuts with their prices… which are only a starting point once you dig into their accessories catalogs, this new crop of Chinese and Indian bikes are an attractive solution costing half or even less than their established brands equivalents. As an amateur rider i am quite happy to own 2 or 3 Chinese/indian motorcycles for the price of one european one.

[@daddystu7046]

Agree with all of that. Price inflation is getting silly and the accessories! Oh you can get panniers and top box for 'just' an extra 1000 - lucky us ffs! Quickshifter - that'll be 600 more. I blame the GSers - once BMW get their share of a market up goes the top end! For diminishing returns ofc.

[@GeorgiParvanov81]

Great review Bret! Thank you for sharing this info on not so popular bikes. Not everyone can or want to afford BMW 😂

[@davelariviere682]

I like your unbiased view. As much as I like my KTM And BMW I have ridden two of the ‘other bikes’ and really enjoyed them. I would consider this one to add to my stable for sure. I appreciate your thoughts and views. (I spotted you at the Mexican Restaurant in Packwood WA and thought you were my size and weight)

[@BretTkacs]

You should have said hello 👍

[@tommasofrittelli7408]

The Best XCape review!

[@BretTkacs]

Ah shucks... Thanks!

[@MotoSaunter]

Very thorough and useful review. Thank you!

[@damonoriente736]

I don't see that its moderate off-road skills is a real drawback; most of us only want to do sane off pavement anyway. We can go beyond the asphalt, and places where a car won't go. Beating ourselves at high speed on rocks is limited in its appeal. Kind of funny to question the reliability of the bike, when there are KTM's in this world. Anyhow, thanks for a complete and honest review; really helpful. Having more choices, esp at more gently prices, is a good thing.

[@BretTkacs]

No one says it's a fault, it just is what it is. People get caught up sometimes in reviews like this but I am not trying to make anything look good or bad. I am jusr trying to help potential owners have fair expectations 👍

[@damonoriente736]

@@BretTkacs And you are. always helpful in doing exactly that, and thousands of us appreciate it. And we all appreciate your honest appraisal. However, I think that the review does suggest that falling short of the KTM 890 (and eqivalents} is a failing. Thats all I'm suggesting. I ride a Tiger 850; for me, the off pavement capability of that bike is fully adequate for my adventure riding, which does extend beyond the pavement. The MM is at least equally capable. Though I give no argument about the crap 'skid plate', hand guards, or upper spaghetti bars. Ahem; the Rev'it Echelon jacket and pants? Just got mine today, and I'm very impressed. Many thanks for the reply!

[@dygon7663]

@@damonoriente736 In the beginning of the review he actually says quite clearly that this bike isn't going up against those bikes, but against bikes like the CB500 and V-strom 650.

[@jonasdusselier8267]

Best review I've seen of te X-Cape 650. Not only praising but also critical!

[@pelanth]

Backlit controls at this price point? Crazy how many premium bikes don't have that.

[@BretTkacs]

I know!

[@savagekeyboardtrooper]

​@@BretTkacs yah of course we(me & u) knew it...made in china.😂😹🤦

[@derekbender]

Omg Briceburg Bridge right off the Merced River! So cool to recognize that spot in your video!

[@bouleavard71]

The objectivity and neutrality of the review is greatly appreciated. Thank you. A bike suitable for soft-medium trails and traveling comfortably on all types of roads, with good quality and nice details. I can also add that the bike reaches 124 mil/hour...🤭if you like some speed.

[@ecalzo]

i knew you was going to release an unbiased review of the Morini Bret ... Well done... Now you need to test te new Himalayan 450 for us... i am really looking forward to see how that one is working on your hands ... Take care from Italy

[@ericsabatino9411]

I can't wait for the new Himalayan 450

[@shanekeat7473]

I like the Morini and CF Moto stuff, quite a bit of it here, works well and no mechanical issues, even on the farm.

[@dexpress7935]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your comments as I am renting one in September to cross the Pyrenees.

[@andrewtreloar7389]

1.48 - "There is a lot of people talking crap about this motorcycle who have never seen it, who have never ridden it because its owned by a Chinese parent company and because the final assembly and manufacture is in China"....nailed it Brett!! Like CF Moto, Kove and other Chinese brands, Moto Morini get much maligned simply because they are not made in the US or Japan by 'tards who have never even thrown a leg over these brands. Open your eyes peeps, Chinese manufacture has come a long way in a very short time and they should all be considered on their merits!

[@chrispekel5709]

This is a CFmoto, even the components like the Bosch fuel injection and ECU are the same. They likely get the engines, frames and electrics from them and then put their own components on in production

[@Fiatmannen1]

The bike itself is surely fine, but uld not trust the dealernetwork warranty sparepart availiability and so on.

[@andrewtreloar7389]

Fair call.

[@MickH60]

@@chrispekel5709 +Rubbish, that's like saying my bike is a Ducati because it had Brembo brakes, this bike has a Kawasaki engine basically, CF Moto factory is in the same area in China but it's a completely different company....Do your research....

[@toradog5719]

An excellent review. Saw one in real life at Cycle Gear and it's impressive. The price is excellent and it doesn't chase anyone away.

[@themoog3889]

At last ! Someone else that dislikes inbalanced looking luggage ! Great bike had 1 nearly 2 years and still impressed 👍🏻

[@BretTkacs]

It truly bothers me. So much so that I rebuilt the pannier racks on my Tenere 700 and DesertX to minimize the off balance

[@arielbenavidez6417]

Thanks Bret,perfect review.

[@BretTkacs]

My pleasure!

[@daddystu7046]

Good, real-world review thanks. This one was on my list but ended up with the more road-biased Yammy Tracer 700.

[@BretTkacs]

Hard to go wrong with any Yamaha

[@kkattrap]

I still wish for Yamaha to bring the Tracer 700 to the North American market. I like my Tenere a lot but a Tracer 700 would be more realistic to my day-to-day riding.

[@903lew]

Tracer 700 is a great package for those of us who stick to roads. It really does everything I want from it.

[@vtrack1963]

Thank you for the very balanced review. Hopefully it can help lessen some of the stigma of these Chinese built bikes. It seems bikes like this one and others from Benelli (TRK502) and some of the CFMoto bikes (650 Adventura and Ibex800) will allow more people to get out to ride and seek adventures. Most Adv bike riders just do simple unpaved surfaces when not on pavement. These bikes are all good enough for that and highway travel with some luggage. More people riding is good for our community. The traditional bike makers are pricing many of us out of riding.

[@subakralj]

This is the best review I've seen for this motorcycle, I hope you will do the same for the Moto Morini 1200 cc, it's coming soon as I saw the announcements, greetings and thanks.

[@risingphoenix1187]

Brilliant, honest, unbiased, and comprehensive review! If only we had more of these at this level. I was also highly impressed with the parts review for manufacturers from other countries whilst you were targeting the common misconception of the crap Chinese bike. If only half of the motorcycle population had any common sense, they would understand that most of our bikes have many parts sourced or made in multiple countries and would stop regurgitating the same foolish quote. I truly respect your no-nonsense logical approach to this. Keep up the good wor, and God bless. 👍🏿

[@DorkintheRoad]

Thanks, Brett! Very in-depth review!

[@BretTkacs]

You are going to really like this bike! It's not your Africa Twin but it's not supposed to be

[@DorkintheRoad]

@@BretTkacs I'm excited to get some seat time!

[@theja63]

The best review. I've watched almost all reviews in languages I don't even understand🤣 but this is by far the best one. Covered every single detail!

[@johnpoc6594]

I'm not looking to buy one of these but your review was excelent

[@kpanagos]

There is a "recall" in Europe for the 10 cm fuel tube. That is why your moto does not start. Here in Greece, if you report the problem to a dealer, they change it free of charge. That is why the recall was on quotes. I do not have a X-Cape, I got a Seiemezzo, but they are the same regarding this issue.

[@JagLite]

Great review, thanks!

[@dtrex392]

One nice thing about the standard idiot lights is that they may still work if the TFT blanks out. I have a Guzzi V85TT with a small TFT and a bazillion ‘idiota’ lights.

[@BretTkacs]

Good point

[@MCCJustMotos]

I rode it, and I thought you did a really good job of nailing what the bike is for naturally all the on road stuff. The only thing that I thought was missing was the mid range. It really didn’t have any.

[@WAZZUjohn03]

I have not been hands on with this bike, but this seems like a thorough and fair review. Being a bit vain myself, I don't think this is a bike for me.

[@giuliobuccini208]

In Italy it sold more than v-strom and kawa-650 together.

[@savagekeyboardtrooper]

0:39 - formidable senior rider..never give up! 😂😹👍

[@Michael_Shay]

Oh it's kind of a cool touch how the tachometer is an offroad tire/wheel

[@BretTkacs]

Yes it is

[@LongDistanceMotorcycleFans]

Great job on the review!

[@nonyoutuber]

I was looking for this review!!! Thank you i just subbed can you do the CFMoto 450 MT IBEX

[@mofm1639]

Luggage is CW Motech, not SW. One thing they missed and what annoys me is there's no "full" mark on the fuel gauge, or "hot" mark on the temp gauge. You dont know when you're at half a tank of fuel. Also, a little lubrication in the screen knob and it's much easier to turn. I can now adjust it one handed in gloves while riding. I also like the thumb perch on the screen guide to pull the screen up one handed.

[@leayoung3014]

Wow…just to many issues to deal with yet. I’ll keep my CB500X but thanks for the info! 14:43

[@chrispekel5709]

One issue which they are fixing? I'm not a Chinese shill but this seems fine, given so many other brands have issues

[@brentfrank7012]

That Kawasaki motor is no joke. I’m not a fan of that seat shape, wish it were flatter so that you can move your butt off road. Looks like a great entry level bike for dual sport. Will be an even better used second hand affordable bike.

[@marcoluoma3770]

Thanks for an honest review. There may come a day when Chinese bikes are worth a look for people who ride a lot. But not today. Thanks again.

[@chrispekel5709]

It's already here mate. We in Australia and Europe know it, but Americans are behind the curve. Saying that, not all Chinese models are really good, but there's a few that are definitely on par with the Japanese - perhaps even better when considering price

[@clivekent7465]

good job! at the price and some of it's features it has to be attracting attention.

[@roaminguero]

Great review love it. I will give it a look but somehow my head is saying a V Strom 650 is worth the extra 1k (pricing here puts them close)… let’s see!

[@MrJulianDS]

Great review. Do you think the tires are ok considering it's more of a touring than a trail bike? I've heard they're quite noisy on pavement. Greetings!

[@SMLPhotography1]

I agree 100% on having a balanced set of luggage. Having one side shifted over or a cutout is so… awkward.

[@dimitrisnestoridis888]

I like your videos..i am expecting for more.. good job.

[@jasonjulian1]

As someone that has an Enduro/dual sport from China, as well as other bikes in the barn, I mostly do touring, cruising and light trail work.... I totally be happy buying this bike. I think an argument could be made for an older comparable mainstream brand, but then in buying a used bike you have all of the unknowns that are introduced with that. it would be interesting to take a closer look at that front crash bar mount. I bet something could easily quickly be fabricated to solidify that so that it doesn’t have so much movement. I wonder if this frame is a close copy of something more well known. Many of the Chinese bikes do that. My RPS Hawk 250, for example, has a frame that’s virtually identical to an old Honda XR. If so, a new skid plate could probably be acquired.

[@kkattrap]

What is your Enduro/dual sport from China? The Kove 450?

[@jasonjulian1]

@@kkattrap I've got a 2020 Hawk 250. Bought it new during the pandemic as a fun tinker project, knowing full well what I was buying. It's actually been fantastic and never let me down. I know have a "CG300" cylinder and piston making it a true 249.9cc, port and polished head, bumped compression, long duration cam from Brazil, full stainless exhaust, advanced crank timing, oil cooler, PE30 carburetor tuned with a wideband O2 kit I use on multiple bikes. A bunch of stuff. It's kind of a small displacement ADV set up now. It's decently fun, reliable (surprisingly to some). And any replacement parts are dirt cheap (as Bret mentioned about the MotoMorini in his first vid on it). I've also got a Chinese Grom clone with a Japanese Daytona 212 4v. Along with my Yamaha, two Kawi's and a Honda scooter my wife rides. So I'm pleased with my Chinese stuff. I'm under no illusions about what they are or are not. But they've been good for me so far.

[@raymondavalon]

Test rode one myself in July, took it along the A35, then into the Vosges Mountain twisty roads I know so well [my backyard] and back, so about an 80KM stint.. It has the alloy wheels with Pirelli STR tyres, so, yes, I tackled a dirt road or two, as I know this thing would suffer a "death from bottoming out" if I put it on the technical routes that I enjoy on my 350 EXCF 6-Days or my 790 Adv R. It does the job, so ideal for a cheap road runner that will do most dirt roads It has its place in the market, for those who want a cheap bike that looks much better than it really is It just lacks any excitement when you twist the throttle, even at higher RPM. Ground clearance is very poor and my biggest bugbear was the position of the rider /pillion foot pegs, I ride on the balls of my feet, not the arch, but the rear foot peg forced me to ride flat footed on the arches of my feet due to the rear pegs catching the heel of my riding boots and preventing me from riding in my decades long accustomed foot position.. Personally if in the market for something od this capacity, the CB500X comes to mind, just a much better quality machine than the Mao Zedong special from Moto Morini As I said, nit a bad bike, sort of bordering a good bike, but miles away from ever being a "great bike"

[@chrispekel5709]

I've heard this a lot, but I fail to see why the Cb500x is so much better, I thought they were both great bikes probably about the same in terms of value - the Honda being a bit lighter which is nice but the Morini feeling more solid at higher speeds. Always better resale on a Honda so there's that

[@McCloudX13]

Sounds more reliable than my KTM that's for sure! I'll be sure to mention it as an option to my students who are interested in adventure bikes. For the price point it seems like a Greta entry point for adventure motorcycles on dirt and gravel roads or running some of the BDRs.

[@race8427]

If I’m not mistaken KTM is now 49% Chinese owned 😩.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Except in 35 years owning KTMS I’ve never had a single bike have a single issue. Not one. Not even a silly thing. But this is what the internet does. In the 90’s KTM’s were considered the best of the best. (Cause they are)

[@emanuelperez2329]

I appreciate your review. How was the fuel consumption?

[@oknevals]

Just saw them at dealership last Saturday. They look very nice and not cheap looking at all. I especially liked the look of scrambler model. Now, that said, their price tag is not cheap at all. You are looking at almost $10k on the road in Texas. I personally would prefer to pay another couple grand for Versys 650 (which I loved in demo earlier this year) or, maybe Strom which ergonomically feels lil too big for me. There are just too many unknowns at this point but, I feel like that for any bike brand other than Japanese big four.

[@giuliobuccini208]

In Italy the X-Cape is selling very well. It is more sold than v-strom and kawa 650 together, IIRC.

[@orangelion03]

Local dealer carries Honda and recently added M-M. Dropped by to check out the new Transalp, and was surprised how cheap the Honda looked and felt (did not test ride) compared to a X-Cape sitting alongside. The flat black paint and $1200 markup didnt help either.

[@chrispekel5709]

There actually aren't really many unknowns - this is a CFMoto 650 underneath the plastic, a bike which has been around for over a decade now. Now, if the brand collapses now sure how you'll get things like fairings or bike specific parts, but the mechanicals are all Cfmoto and they aren't going anywhere. There's lists out there for consumables like oil filters from other brands that fit if cfmoto ones aren't available too. The engine is a close copy of a verysys 650 / ninja 650 engine, even the service manual is the same

[@JimmyCall]

I hope you do Benelli TRK range next!

[@Michael_Shay]

Thanks for doing a long term review on a bike like this, I think in the future we'll see less skepticism towards chinese owned brands. It seems like some of them are really trying to step up their game. Unrelated hypothetical: Would you rather get a KTM 890R or a T7 with the price difference invested into modifications?

[@BretTkacs]

The 890 and T7 are more powerful motorcycles with 21" front and long travel suspension. Not a fair comparison

[@Michael_Shay]

@@BretTkacs oh totally unrelated to the Moto Morini. I wouldn't compare them. I mean between the T7 and the 890. Which one would you go for?

[@briangc1972]

@@Michael_Shay the KTM engine and suspension require you to ride hard and fast when off road. The T7 is slower but with more grunt and the suspension works fine at slower speeds. Do you want a high strung thoroughbred or a plow horse?

[@kkattrap]

@@Michael_Shay He had the KTM and lots of problems with it but overall better performance. He chose the KTM over a T7.

[@kristoferrayner]

Was that washout on the Old Coulterville rd out of Briceburg? I’ve driven it before and thought it a great moto route. Looks like it must have taken a beating this winter.

[@doktorsalami9315]

What bothers me about reviews (about any product really) is how the reviewer goes how this or that feature is fine for the price or how they expected more for the price. For me it would be more helpful to say "The paint job is good" "the infotainment is lacking" etc. I know this is majorly simplified but I hope I get the point across. When I watched the whole review and I know the price I should be able to judge for myself if this is interesting for me. Thanks for the review :)

[@BretTkacs]

Fair feedback... To me price matters. A great paint job on a $8000 bike may not look "good" on a $30,000 bike. I guess this bike just really impressed me (for the price 🤣)

[@matteocaridi3573]

at same price xcape 650 or suzuki vstrom 650?

[@matteocaridi3573]

the use of the bike will be most exclusively on road, it will be my first bike, very challenged between the two since the vstrom only cost 1k more here in italy but without all the luggage

[@mickleblade]

As you said, it needs time to develop it's reputation, I don't risk my money on something too new so got a Cb500x. Maybe in the future?

[@chrispekel5709]

They really need to tell people that the frame, engine and electrics are the same as the CFmoto 650 platform which has been around for years. It would help people feel more confident. But they won't do that for some reason

[@mickleblade]

@@chrispekel5709 I know the engine is off an old versys/er6, but is the frame really from cfmoto? Different companies etc

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Thanks for your unideological review. China is catching up, when will they start overtaking? A friend rides a Voge 650 single and after the Benelli TRK 502 changed over to the new TRK 702 X. We did some trail rides together. Nice bike, great price. I'm keen on the Kove 450 Rally once it comes over to the EU (just passed Euro 5 homologation needed for plating, unless you're Anglish or American). Happy days, Günter/Nürnberg

[@lluis9377]

I just bought one from Sabatino, PDX!!

[@joeb2415]

Would love to see what they learn from this and implement in the next generation or a true dual sport

[@BlueAlgon]

Nice review. Thanks.

[@stevemartinez4180]

Great review,, thank you,,

[@feden84]

Hi! Any chance you review the cf 800 mt?

[@zoltanszeder1813]

Hi! How much is there a subtle resonance in the handlebars, seat, footrest that can be felt in the limbs and cause numbness after a long stage? Thanks in advance for your answer!

[@rc2634]

It just arrived to the US market now? It's sold in Europe after 3 or 4 years. It's weird that starting issue, it should be identified and solved from factory already, after so many sold bikes in EU

[@BretTkacs]

First year

[@defylifeadventure]

The good thing is Moto Morini acknowledge issue with the bike. KTM just ignores them.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

I hope you get a chance to review the new 2024 KTM 790 Adventure

[@imgoingforaride]

I think you need to take a cfmoto 800mt for a ride . Very good and capable bike .

[@podunkman2709]

Cfmoto 800mt is a TOURING bike. Nice looking but...

[@chrispekel5709]

@@podunkman2709 Plenty of people taking it on trails like this as well. The weight and ground clearance are the same afterall. It's an Adventure tourer like the x-cape

[@davidskaggs9914]

Great review...that skid plate is crazy dumb.

[@cyclopathic998]

Thanks for the review. It pretty much confirmed what I thought it would be, considering experience with original 2008 Versys 15 years ago. How much impediment the short travel suspension was? Were you able to dial it in so it would rarely bottom out?

[@briangc1972]

How much ground clearance YOU need is something no one can tell you. Do you need 13" ground clearance and 240mm of travel? Likely not. Keep in mind that for decades dirt bikes had the same clearance and travel as this bike. The race to have the most clearance and most travel has resulted in many motorcycles being too tall for the average rider. Lighter and lower always means easier to ride, easier to control, safer to ride. There are a lot of KZbin videos and online forums reports of people starting out with too tall a bike and downsizing at a huge loss. Better to start mid to light weight with a little less clearance. You will feel safer, more confident, and crash a lot less.

[@cyclopathic998]

@@briangc1972 racing? somehow in your mind "desire to not bottom out" = "extreme off-road performance". For me it would be nice to not have to replace an indexed headset twice a season and rebuild rear shock trice, traveling public roads for once. This is on the bike with 220mm of travel BTW. Rock Moto reviewed X-Cape and one of the reviewers was constantly bottoming out the rear, traveling on an easy dirt road, so the question is if it was due to improper setup or the suspension just blows through the little travel it has.

[@giuliobuccini208]

The second you said, as Bret explained at the end of the video.

[@cyclopathic998]

@@giuliobuccini208 he shared his settings but not the fact how much bike was bottoming out. The linkless rear suspension has a tendency to bottom out more frequently, unless you put a progressive spring on it. Be it Kawasaki, BMW or KTM

[@pejalai]

Brett, doubt the box is by sw motech. Here in Asia we have a lot similar looking aluminium top and side box made in China that actually looks quite good.

[@BretTkacs]

I hold my ground with SW Motech. Just because they are designed in Germany doesn't mean they are manufactured there. Many of their products are made in China. Just like the Pirelli tires on the bike which are made in China and the Spanish rims made in China. China can build extremely high quality goods... To many people seem to forget that. I just bought a Traegar Grill (made in China), my Sony 18-200 lens (made in China), my DJI drone (made in China)... and the list continues. It is very difficult to not buy anything made in China. On top of that some feel it's ok as long as it's not a Chinese company because somehow profit sharing to a company outside China but sending business and profits to China is ok. A misguided thought process for sure.

[@marscruz]

I’ll make my usual suggestion that you tell us your impression of the *headlight brightness and coverage* at night and how bright the taillight and brake light are for both daytime and night time visibility. I have yet to hear a road tester give this important information. It can mean the difference between being able to see AND a car or truck driver being able to see the motorcyclist. Life or Death. It’s too important to ignore.

[@BretTkacs]

Good point, it was on my list to talk about but didn't make final edit. The lighting is good... No complaints

[@fallinginthed33p]

@@BretTkacs I've always needed to add aux lights on an ADV because stock motorcycle lighting isn't great, especially when out in the boondocks. How about on this bike?

[@rallye81]

At 2:35, is that the Briceburg BLM Office between Mariposa and Yosemite National Park CA?

[@BretTkacs]

I believe it was. I rode from LA to Boise as a break in ride.

[@jaco_oosthuizen]

I want one!

[@kevinkincannon2988]

Wish you would have addressed the maintenance side .....

[@randycallow3736]

The more I think about it.. just blows my mind that Kawasaki already has a 6 speed reliable twin sitting there.. just put it in the 450 chassis..add lights and turn signals, plastic already available from the 300.. you have a big road mannered twin w a 21in front wheel..tons of cross over parts.. everyone wins.. everyone wants a bike for the dirt that they are going to use 80% of the time on the road..why is a motorcycle frame and fork so expensive when they have been making the same thing since the 90s

[@jgaran1655]

Is that Eugene?

[@matt_kelly]

"This is a joke, this is the worst skid plate I've seen on any motorcycle anywhere". *Laughs in 390 Adventure*

[@JasonRidesmoto]

Loving my "Chinese" CFMOTO Ibex 800T... haven't done much off road but working my way there...

[@fallinginthed33p]

There are a few interesting Chinese-manufactured midrange ADVs in the market. The CFMoto 800, Benelli TRK702, QJ SRT800 and this Moto Morini. I wonder if they're suitable for smaller, shorter riders or if their ergos are meant for taller riders like Bret.

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

Was it buzzy ? The 2011 versus was buzzy as hell

[@BretTkacs]

Not at all

[@motopilot2873]

I've racked up miles on one and its butter smooth. Then I rode a friends Harley a bit then I realized how smooth it is.

[@sganzerlag]

The Chinese bikes seem to be getting better and better and better. Great news imo.

[@thetessellater9163]

The mud splattering from both poorly guarded wheels is a big negative, I think.

[@dhc8guru]

I’d consider this over something like a Kawasaki KLR650. Seems legit for an adventure bike at a great price point.

[@ownyourworld]

Can’t see it lasting as long as my 2007 gs with 70000 miles on it.

[@BretTkacs]

70,000 is nothing for a GS 😁👍. Honestly only time will tell. The places I found the "budget" didn't seem to be long term concerns for reliability but I can't see what's inside and what was used for bearings, etc.

[@BdaciousM]

How about the new 1200 🤔

[@BretTkacs]

I didn't know they had one until two days ago 🤔

[@faredkakar4373]

Can somebody please tell me is f800gt 2014 speedometer compatible with f800gs 2013?????

[@BretTkacs]

Looking at the 2013 F800GT in my shop and the F800GS they look to be the same. Have you checked part numbers yet?