2023 Moto Morini X-Cape | The most suprising adventure bike?

[@nickolaslewis4416]

Bikes like this and CFMOTO are a breath of fresh air. Consumers are sick and tired of being nickel and dimed to death by the major manufactures seeking to continuously improve their bottom line whilst continuing to ignore what the consumer is asking for. It's nice to see that there are manufacturers out there willing to give the people what they want at reasonable prices.

[@podunkman2709]

I wouldn't call this bike a "breath of fresh air". This motorcycle weighs as much as 232 kg, has no TC, engine from previous decades. If you want to get your product on the market, you have to do it better than anyone else (some say 10 times better). And what is "better" here?

[@starseeddeluxe]

Wow, so well said Nickolas. I've been wanting a 2 cylinder paralell twin dual sport XL650 or KLR650 since the year 2000. Suzuki and Kawasaki have put 99% of the technology into their sportbikes, and then gave us the same single cylinder enduros for 40 years, nearly unchanged. It feels like they have no idea what consumers need. Consumers need high gears for the highway, and they need a parallel twin engine. Selling people a low geared (under geared) low revving single cylinder engine, is bordering on a scam. The 1932 Henderson motorcycle had 53hp, an overdrive gear, and a very smooth inline 4 cylinder engine. That would be a significantly better road bike than any of today's single cylinder bikes which are lacking a proper overdrive gear.

[@themoog3889]

So im 7k into mine , no problems at all .....pisses on the Versys from a great height and before anyone pipes up ive had 2 of those ! Does 200 miles on 13 litres of fuel 2 up with loaded top box and is a great bike to ride spiritedly if you keep it on song . Got enough tech for those that can ride properly and shows some of the Jap brands how a bike should be specced .....Kawasaki hang your head in shame ! You dont need 140hp to enjoy riding and you probably cant handle it anyway !

[@garethjones6672]

Great entertaining review as usual. I have owned an X-Cape for 10 months now as I test rode one at last years ABR Festival and immediately ordered one. I’ve ridden 3000 miles now and have had no issues and find it an engaging ride and a comfortable tourer.

[@disekjoumoer]

This bike seems to have everything that Kawasaki never did with the Versys: low price, fully adjustable suspension, excellent brakes, nice TFT, good tires as standard, good ABs and not unneeded TC.

[@MrKkorkke]

Hola Disek; estoy totalmente de acuerdo contigo; la Versys 650 2023, solo tiene a su favor el control de tracción, y en mi geografía cuesta U$ 9.000 más que la X Cape 650; saludos. Jorge.

[@geecee4746]

Also better looking 👀

[@MnMnEPIC]

I was seriously considering getting this about 6 months ago as my first adventure bike. Unfortunately the dealer I went to here in NZ told me I was only allowed to take it out for 5 minutes, I barely got used to the adventure bike seating position in that time since I was coming from smaller sportier styled bikes. I literally got 2 laps round the block, no motorway or anything. Ended up going with a KTM 390 adventure, because the dealer for that bike told me "just go for it" so I actually got to try the thing out properly and ended up loving it. I love my 390 but I would still love to take this thing out again for a decent ride at some point.

[@everydaycars3318]

What was the dealer? Only as I’m in NZ and looking at this to.

[@MnMnEPIC]

​@everydaycars3318 Motorad in Wellington for the X-Cape, then went to TSS red baron down the road for the 390. TSS has more to offer anyway, and their service was always great for me, would recommend.

[@tonymillichap7943]

Mine is a year old this week it’s been awesome so far 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Good to hear!

[@rustworks2588]

CFMotos have proven very reliable so far at least in Greece. Greek Police is also thinking of adopting the 800mt which utilises KTMs 799cc engine as their main bike. Tbh, they do give you a lot bells and whistles for your buck. Well done Morini, looks promising! Great review as always 😍

[@1990-t1j]

I agree. CFMotos are very reliable. I know of someone who rode an early one from China to England with no breakdowns.

[@KentRoads]

'KTM's engine' is the new engine not touched by KTM that's built in China?

[@rustworks2588]

@@KentRoads as far as I've read CFMoto basically license the engine along with a basic map, and then they tweak it accordingly

[@signorahornet]

Yeah, very reliable. With a lot of oil leaks on models like the 250nk or the 800mt and them shooting oil on the back wheel while running which is pretty dangerous. Or the problems that the 650mt has with the wiring and the electronics. If you turn the handlebar while the bike is idling, it suddenly shuts down and it might not turn on again. I'd personally prefer a used Japanese or European bike instead of a new Chinese one. Their reliability, as I have seen, isn't proven with the best signs until now.

[@1990-t1j]

@@signorahornet I didn't know all that. Sounds awful, but a one-off?

[@sebbwebbo7557]

Im owning a Versys 650 for 2.5 years now and put around 40k kms on her so far. The x-cape honestly looks like a more offroad capable Versys 650 to me - which is a compliment! The engine is deadly reliable and there are 2 modes: below 5k rpm = touring, above 5k rpm = sport On twisty roads, I'm nearly as fast as a colleague who rides a Honda Fireblade..~ 60-70 hps are enough to keep up with much stronger bikes, as long as the road is twisty and not too steep. I'm really looking forward what chinese manufacturers are building during the next years. And': The X-Cape is a really pretty machine.

[@bonjovi1354]

i have heard in some reviews that this engine is actually derived from kawasaki 650 ern ??

[@markuswormann8852]

​@@bonjovi1354They say so,and a license build under MM Brand

[@ragerider6283]

Interesting review & bike. The only thing I find a little disappointing is the engine but when you place it against the Honda CBX, it definitely makes sense, especially on price . I've followed Moto Morini for years when lusting after their Veloce so I don't have an issue with the brand as Zhongneng & CF Moto are decent standout Chinese companies if people do a little bit of research. CF Moto make the new KTM Duke 790, among many other bikes.

[@deanharris9331]

No wonder that the person in the black ford KA overshot that corner when Dan mentioned about his 18 incher! 😂 To be honest I'm really taken back by the looks and quality of this machine for the price, even though at first glance it looks like it says X Gape on the bike (now you've seen it, you can't un-see it!). I would seriously consider having this in my garage as it would be a great machine for all round use . I've got to say it Dan, you pull out some surprising machines on your channel .....awesome going mate .👍😊

[@Pmz604]

Theres a bike for everyone..this might be one of those bikes that helps lots of new riders get on the road sooner..specs looking good so far

[@alanpassmore2275]

I love the looks of this bike.😍😍😍

[@andiway1208]

I came very close but opted for the T7. I suppose it was residuals that swayed it, I agree though, bloody great bike for the money.

[@1000gib]

You did the right thing. I had x-cape for one year. I switched to T7 this year and I can honestly say T7 is much better bike. The X-cape is not bad, but it somehow lacks character (especially on the engine department) and it is also very heavy.

[@sanjivvakharia3963]

Hey I'm from India This is the first time watching your channel I must say your first ride impressions are really honest Superb content well wrapped up detailing 👍🏻

[@barryjmarling]

That is one really good looking bike,really like it (prefer the red one personally) enough power for the real world,and what a great price,great video.👍🏻

[@blueskybanshee8013]

The Morini 3 1/2 v twin was a cool fruity bike😊

[@Morini-r1z]

Such a great video. Thanks!

[@motorcyclistfromholland8856]

Well I made a test drive on the XCape, we have several bikes. One is the Vstrom 650 latest version. Better compare it with that one. The XCape is heavier but you don’t feel it. The engine is pretty smooth, steering agile. The dash is fully digital and the motorcycle is very well build. Brakes pretty good. The only downside is the lack of power (60hp). It’s not enough. The XCape felt For us in every way a nicer bike than the vstrom BUT it needs more power. If the power was there we would choose the XCape. Btw the brakes on a Vstrom are just poor.

[@3kdn]

Review the bike in 3 years, that's the real test for these Italian/Chinese machines including the new Benelli Motorcycles. But it certainly looks great value. Strange you have the luggage option, but no heated grips?

[@chrispekel5709]

My 650nk which is this platform (same engine and frame) is 9 years old now, runs fine

[@roadstrom]

Excellent value and features 👍

[@althescottishbiker]

Great review Dan. I have been considering this bike but not ridden it yet. As you said the weight and power was putting me off. Ride safe.

[@LambChopRides]

Very good that Dan!! 👌

[@paulocorreia3966]

The components are really amazing! The engine not so much....nice review. I like engines over fancy gagets 😂

[@JeroxB]

Beautiful looking bike, only thing that's still a question for me is reliability. Also have never seen them anywhere in public.. do people own these things?

[@alexanderreul3597]

Yeah, they do. Lot's of them over France and Italy. I'm German and own one for two years now - it's a great bike and simply does what it's supposed to do: it runs. Everywhere at any time. No problems until now.

[@rustynuts82]

Have recently hired one in Madeira, it was excellent. Just hired one for a week in Spain. I concur, its excellent value and an engaging ride. Two up, comfortable and enough of everything.

[@DatOldeBiker]

Thanks for showing this less known bike. It seems pretty ok for its type and good price too. IDK what all the "Chinese" fuss is about, to my knowledge many, many items are manufactured in China and have been for decades. :>)

[@rickzuure]

Hi Dan, What helmet are you wearing in the video? In the description you say it's a DSKWAL2, but it doesn't look like mine either haha

[@Englishbikerdan]

Oh yeah, Arai Tour X4. 🙃

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

Well know brand, but not very popular in my country. Looks very attractive. The price is very competitive. Overall I think it offers a lot. Great video bro.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks dude! Good value for money.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

I agree Dan.

[@1990-t1j]

Not a bad-looking bike, at all. It would look bgetter with spoked wheels.

[@billyb6043]

Hey Dan! Good review! Now then....the CB 500 X is a great all rounder but lacks a little in the power department, plus the suspension is budget (even with the new '22 Showa BP forks). The new Transalp has the output and the usual Honda refinement, but tubed tyres and budget suspension (again)? This Morini X cape has a bit more power than CB500X, can be fitted with tubeless spoked rims and comes with premium suspension and switchable ABS as standard. Assuming the rear shock was upgraded to fully adjustable/remote preload for say £500....it's starting to look like a very good option. Only drawback is the overall weight, but maybe you can shed a few lbs here and there. Pricewise it's there or thereabouts with the CB 500 X but I reckon you'd need to drop a fair few quid on that to get the suspension up to a similar grade and your still on cast rims..... so, the burning question is CB 500 X vs Morini X Cape? Don't say Tuareg 660! Too many niggles reported from new and it's much more expensive. See if you can get your mitts on Reiju's Aventura 500...another chinese/european mash-up, based on the parallel twin CB 500 X engine clone but with some choice bits attached...looks like a baby A twin. It's te bike Honda should've made instead of a revised X kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6Takn6KisZ2jrs..

[@Englishbikerdan]

Hi Billy, a tough one as the CB500X is an excellent bike. You could certainly make the 500X more off road focused with a Rally Raid kit, but that's going to cost a bit. I would probably loo at the X-Cape personally between the two, as I found it has more premium components, was more comfortable and had a little more power. For mild off road, both wil do it but the X-Cape is slightly better as you can spec up spoked tubeless wheels as you say. Cheers!

[@sameerkharade7750]

Lovely looking bike. This has been on my radar since quite a while, but a dealer closest to my place is 150km away :(

[@davidskaggs9914]

It certainly looks the part... would like to test ride one.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Do it!

[@nderezic]

Engine looks like and sounds like my Kawasaki Versys 650!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah it's the same engine.

[@mickleblade]

It puts pressure on the Japanese factories to increase specifications on bikes like Cb500x etc

[@Tec2Nut]

Grat review and nice bike

[@anderstromborgbrstrup4413]

For daily use and allroad riding, would you buy this X-Cape or the CB500x??

[@Englishbikerdan]

CB500X or NX500.

[@anderstromborgbrstrup4413]

Nx 500

[@geecee4746]

Tasty looking bike

[@alanpassmore2275]

How do you think it compares to the new Transalp.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It'll be testing the Transalp soon. 👍

[@MH-xd2nd]

I think 235Kg and 60hp, and the fact that it’s basically an ancient ER6 engine, says it all really. All the fancy components can’t hide the fact that it’s an asthmatic porker. It may be better than the specs suggest but that engine should be in a 200Kg max bike. Hopefully an X Cape 800 with the KTM engine would be a bit more punchy and exciting.

[@Krom1hell]

Well we can not have everything, For me everything under 140 hp and more than 200 kg is a porker, but that is seriously biased.... I have seen enough friends on ER6N absolutely drive like a bat out of hell leaving in he dust the odd CBR 600R dude... So having than engine with a good clearence and premium components at a good price is far nicer..... Sure it is as heavy as a GS 1250....but at 1/3 the price.... I would spend a couple of pounds on getting stronger than complain that a bike is too heave, that I would actually load more up with more fangles and pannier and things.

[@MH-xd2nd]

The ER6n was about 40Kg lighter. At this weight it’s going to struggle to outrun a mobility scooter!

[@Englishbikerdan]

And yet it was still fun!

[@the.communist]

Er6 engines still being fitted to the versys.

[@MH-xd2nd]

Any bike is fun. It doesn’t mean it’s not heavy and underpowered.

[@tangoymoto]

Thank you for this informative and honest review. My impressions from a test ride were pretty much the same. Bit of an "agricultural" machine, but comfy and well designed. I am now waiting for the introduction of the new Voge DS525X on the market. Seems to be even more value for money from what I read, but only a test ride will reveal whether that is true or not.

[@Tec2Nut]

You siad it had traction control?

[@acgadventures90]

That parking comment got me good 😂

[@Englishbikerdan]

😂

[@peterhobbs7609]

Seems a great little package for the money, and looks cracking

[@MultiOutdoorman]

The off road mode only allows rear ABS to be switched off ( in a hidden menu, press and hold for 3 seconds to access it) No TC !

[@Englishbikerdan]

Seems silly to have that hidden after changing modes.

[@WolfyFam]

Looks very nice 👌

[@blueskybanshee8013]

If only the new Ducati had a nose like that instead of that rabbit in the lights expression it’s got 😂

[@marktansell8578]

Traction control to the rear ?

[@Englishbikerdan]

No TCS.

[@marktansell8578]

@@Englishbikerdan I bought one last week

[@p305-mrworldwide9]

In the video your literally opening the throattle all the way open just to get going when my cb 500 x you dont need to opening it up to get power but would you say the moto morini is faster than the cb 500 x

[@Englishbikerdan]

That's just me having fun. :)

[@ama55]

If is the engine of the CFmoto 650MT, it has 41.5kw, that is 56,4bhp and not 60bhp. Is that right?

[@chrispekel5709]

Thats the restricted power, full power it has more

[@ama55]

@@chrispekel5709 restricted has 47-48hp. That's for A2 licence. If has 56hp is not restricted.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

look the beez neez 👍

[@splodge57]

Loved the Italian Moto Morini 500 Vtwin Sport of the 80's. Wouldn't touch this one.

[@pauloakes5718]

I was told it had a dominator engine under license from Honda. Reference to motors for the masses!

[@chrispekel5709]

Nuh, its the Cfmoto 650 which they copied from Kawasaki. People say they licenced it but I've seen no proof of that lol

[@msd85TvT]

I admit it looks good….reliability though, is the question.

[@Tec2Nut]

Desert x in Ireland is19500 euro ouch

[@samajier2566]

I like this

[@hisnameisrentoo]

Was that a Pusheen pillow?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Maybe 😂

[@FourIntoOne]

This or CB 500x?

[@domenik8339]

IMO the size and weight ratio make this closer to a KLR650. But I'd say 500x all day. The older ones are a steal, but the newer ones have had significant improvements.

[@eec197]

I have a 22 cfmoto adventure mt i also had a royal hymilain 411cc amd the ktm rc 390 and i like my chinese bike better then those 2 bikes and fyi all bike come from china am i right so screw it. I got a killer deal since my last bike the royal enfeild got stolen and recked right after i got it. I payed msrp 5650 its starts more around 6700$

[@Spacchio]

Italian company owned by a Chinese group with a Japanese engine😂

[@Englishbikerdan]

There's the first one! 😂

[@signorahornet]

@Spacchio Or rather, with a copy of a Japanese engine 😂

[@Spacchio]

@@signorahornet btw nobody knows moto Morini in Italy.

[@Spacchio]

@@Englishbikerdan great review btw Dan

[@JEmmertz]

It's perfectly ok to hold back on the posting until you have had a fair chance to check the spelling of titles and content.

[@Englishbikerdan]

que?

[@JEmmertz]

@@Englishbikerdan 'suprising'

[@johna6968]

Cb500x would be my choice over this every time

[@Englishbikerdan]

Have you ridden this?

[@xtrada0303]

Only has a 3 year warranty tho... Must have a reason they are not confident enough to offer a longer one.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Most of the big brands only offer a 2 year warranty.

[@xtrada0303]

@@Englishbikerdan ya-mama offers 5 years in Belgium same goes for Honda, don't know about many other brands

[@bfcfan2739]

God the whiners on here great review Dan thank you

[@Messiahwalter]

No central stand ! Not even in option …….too bad !!!

[@chrisnielsen9885]

I don’t get it. You’re a reviewing an adventure bike by riding it on tarmac?

[@domenik8339]

99% of adventure bikes never see the dirt.

[@Englishbikerdan]

It's actually an adventure touring bike. So tarmac is part of the appeal. Let's get honest, most adventure bikes never see dirt.

[@chrisnielsen9885]

@@Englishbikerdan sure. I just was waiting for you to go green laning since that is the sort of thing I would imagine you’d use it for

[@Englishbikerdan]

That's for the second vid, I did mention that during the video.

[@chrisnielsen9885]

@@Englishbikerdan ahh ok sorry. I was skimming through looking for it and didn’t hear you talking

[@lukehorning3404]

China nope I swear by Japan bikes for me

[@Englishbikerdan]

Fair enough! Although I would argue that most products we own are produced in China.

[@joecrocket7873]

It's Chinese that just killed it for me I'm clicking off

[@Englishbikerdan]

Okey dokey

[@joecrocket7873]

@@Englishbikerdan Chinese Communist Party okay no k.

[@chrispekel5709]

@@joecrocket7873 the CCP didn't build this you know. What did you type your comment on?

[@joecrocket7873]

@@chrispekel5709 it's manufactured in China look it up

[@hondaryder3779]

Italian-Chinese, hell no. It will break down and the parts will take forever.

[@adamrobson8318]

Be interested to hear from someone that owns one, and their experience of dealers / spares. My Triumph Tiger 800 was a nightmare to get parts for last year, it’s return from insurers was delayed because the spares needed were not in stock anywhere in the UK.

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@adamrobson8318 Which parts? Looking at buying an 800.

[@adamrobson8318]

⁠@@dreamcrusher112 biggest delay was for foot pegs would you believe! Ultimately rejected the bike, as the pillion peg hanger was also damaged when a car drive into me (it’s welded to the frame not bolted), and the repair by the insurer was not up to scratch.

[@the.communist]

Its nothin left italian in moto mirini anymore

[@Riyca]

Having owned an Italian/Chinese Benelli 502X , riden 3 years , 20k , sun rain and snow with ZERO problems , no parts issues ... bet most GS owners cant say that!

[@lajosbakk3317]

desert x is nothing elese just a cagiva elephant

[@Englishbikerdan]

I've not ridden one, but they seem very popular and very lively.