I Put the Demo Bike in the Ditch...Moto Morini X-Cape "Final Exam" (On and Off Road Test)

[@DorkintheRoad]

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[@justmyself1000]

You can't not like a bike that you can just take and do whatever you want and thrash it and learn to be a better rider... Very fun review thank you!

[@JacobAnawalt]

Fun ride, nice review. I would have been skiddish to open my visor after taking a windshield to the helmet like that ;) Nice recovery from that slip!

[@sethjones9740]

My first drop was over a wet angled tree like that. Was instantaneous. Gotta hit em square if possible. Nice recovery Ben!

[@flyovercounty1427]

What Seth said ^. Hit the brakes, slow down, make a weave turn and ride over that log as square on as possible.

[@patkennedy1]

That's what I was going to mention. "Marzzocchi forks are a name brand, they're just better known for pusbikes". Oh Ben. Marzzocchi forks adorned almost every decent big Italian roadster through the '70s and '80s. Almost all of those Ducatis, Moto Guzzis and Laverdas that became 'motorcycling icons' of those years had them on, apart from those models with the less-used Cerianis. These were the bikes that adorn Barber Museum, and all the best collections and 'temples to motorcycling's past glories' the world over. I have done hundreds of thousands of miles on them, and - for the time - they were the best of production front ends. And shockers of course, although I have replaced the seals in dozens of those.... Exotic Bimotas had Marzzcchis more recently, I even seem to recall my friend's Bimota of about 2009, with the same engine as the 1098 I still have, also had their front end, by then USD of course. Less seen now, but they would have been the most-used suspension on Italian bikes for decades. End of lecture! 🙂

[@cliffw5061]

Great save man!!

[@ttrguy9952]

Fantastic typical Dork video! Honest, no BS, just do it and see what happens. Ben, I have followed your channel since the beginning and nothing has changed. You are truly the real Dork in the road! Love the channel! Ride SAFE and BE safe Sir! 👍👍

[@KH2bornot2b]

Your videos are just fun to watch… I always get a chuckle from something you say!

[@stevenrees6015]

Marzocci suspension is some of the best suspension I've ever had. They know what they are doing.

[@KLRmurdercycle]

I have an old Gas Gas 450fse with Marzocci forks and Ohlins rear. From factory. Works great.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

@@KLRmurdercycle I had one of those 450’s for a couple of years. The suspension was great. The electronics weren’t and I ended up selling it. It did work really well out in the woods though.

[@KLRmurdercycle]

@@Kelly-oq9nh I'm in the process of putting a bunch of Trail Tech stuff on it. A work in progress lol😭 trial and error parts because it's sorta rare and not much info on them. Needed a purpose single track/hard enduro bike and new ones with emissions and unrealistic prices made me go old high end😆. Turns out this thing crawls everywhere and is as light or lighter than the new machines.

[@karlbishop7481]

Marzocci was a primo suspension back in the 70s I wouldn't doubt that they still aren't today.

[@mikelobdell2666]

Glad that you are okay. As others have mentioned with roots, sticks, and logs, the approach angle is so important. 90 degrees whenever possible. When they're wet they are as slick as ice.

[@WyDave]

I'm going to sound like an "armchair quarterback", but one lesson I learned in MSF (Motorcycle Basic Rider) course was approaching obstacles perpendicular, and not at an angle. Our class went over a 4x4 post. I see in your video that you didn't quite hit the log perpendicular. That threw your front tire off in an angle also throwing you off balance. You showed great balance and recovery!!! Another obstacle that will bite you in the ass if you don't hit perpendicular is a cattle guard - especially if it or your tires are wet. Great video and appreciate you showing that riding always has risks.

[@HoratioBunce503]

Nice recovery, Dork👍🏼 Your after ditch remarks were spot on. Hit the branch too slow, and at an angle. That second one, I think, is what got you. If you picked a line to the right of the road (instead of the left) on your approach, and then turn left before you crossed it, you would have hit it at a right angle. But maybe there wasn’t enough room to get the bike straight as you hit it. The gravel on the road is why my Transalp is still in the garage. Tires are still new-slick on it.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

I think the Dork did what he did, reacted the way he reacted, because the tires offered no traction, and therefore no confidence. I am an experienced rider… But I don’t know if I would’ve ridden that thing the way he did with those tires! I think a lot of people are subscribe to this channel because the door does such a good job of putting the videos together, and it’s great to see someone having so much fun on a motorcycle.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Dork not door. Cmon Siri.

[@mattbarrois8675]

It was so funny to see how excited you were that you managed to save it we your fans are proud of your skills it was a happy moment for all of us

[@KillerSpud]

You've learned the instinct to know you can ride it into that ditch, and that doing so is better than trying to keep it in the road. It usually requires dumping it a few times before you start to figure that out.

[@KLRmurdercycle]

😄 test pilot POV

[@kjaubrey4816]

I am just getting into ADV riding on a Benelli TRK 502x on the gravel and dirt roads in Bankhead National Forrest. The other day I surprised myself following my roommate across our soggy field. Almost lost it several times but somehow rode it out. When I made the decision to follow him I had already made peace with dropping the bike. He was on a Templar from Amazon which handles off-road quite a bit better than my bike but riding with him has encouraged me to push my limits. Good save over the log by the way.

[@Lodethebig]

How is the 502X treating you so far? I am looking at getting one, would you recommend it?

[@kjaubrey4816]

@@Lodethebig Grew up on JSM bikes and sport bikes. The lower power of the TRK 502x makes learning slides and other off road skills easier. A couple of weekends ago I took it on ATV trails with my friends on dirt bikes. The bike was not really made for that but it performed really well.

[@Lodethebig]

@@kjaubrey4816 Good to know, do you also happen to know how it is for freeway riding?

[@billfish5913]

i saw your first impression video of the X Cape and was looking forward to seeing what you thought after riding. I didnt expect you to risk your life, but damn, that was one of the most honest bike reviews ive seen. Any doubts i had about this Italian/Chinese bike have been dispelled. Thanks for your hard work to please your viewers. Keep the shiny/muddy side up.😎👍

[@chriscollinson4952]

Nice save there Ben , confidence is as important as skill!

[@1MikeMorrison]

My 2 cents, better slow than fast over something like that. Hurts a lot less if you go down, more time to square up to it and can still try to lift the front tire over it (if better tires and power)

[@Alex_556]

Not fair! Ben, in order to fully simulate an average adventure bike day ride you've got to drop the loaded bike at least once, preferably in the middle of that big puddle! And lift it up solo. Anyway, a great ride!

[@advredbikes]

Great Footage Ben, Thank you for sharing the gear you are wearing, it helps if i need to recommend to someone or for me. Just like Ian does. Glad you survived the Log in the road, always love your honesty in your reviews, yes the experience helps. Thank you!

[@darksidemachining]

@11:52 Dork: “I’ve seen a cougar in the wild” When there is a cougar in the area. Stay on the trails. Travel in small groups. And do not allow men under 30 to walk alone.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

I love that you’re not prideful about your skill level. The thing about your videos… Is that you’re just having a lot of fun !

[@AllenSpeck]

Great job on riding it over the log. Confidence inspiring!

[@michaellloyd7940]

After watching the part of the video with the slippery log crossing again, I think that would be a great instructional video on riding on unimproved gravel/dirt roads. What should a person do when encountering obstacles in the road, such as wet slippery logs? I'm sure there are viewers who watch your channel with various skill levels. What works for an experienced may be much different for someone just getting started. Great video.

[@314adv]

Nice Save. I am always surprised when I re-ride something from years ago and realize how much better I am compared to two to three years ago. It is hard to realize the gains you make... and then I fall over sitting still while leading a group of 20 on a ride. :)

[@ck166666]

Nice ride - the fork manufacturer was good enough for BMW’s F800gs back in the 2000’s and the new m1000xr / its quality stuff

[@stevenloynds3691]

I think if the machine doesn't scare you somewhat, i get lazy...it's when my accidents happen most of the time not having an element of fear to keep you on your toes....awesome video and of course saving the bike.....

[@luketembreull8138]

Oof, nice save. Shot Pouch road just before you get to Burnt Woods will take you behind Blodgett. Then you can either take Harris Bridge or Woods Creek and get almost to Philomath without the highway, that is, if you aren't in a hurry to get home.

[@2fastnlight]

Happens to the best of us ben, that's why I love my dualsport which takes ditches without breaking a sweat or any parts.

[@michaellloyd7940]

That's a fun road! I've ridden many times! It's a fun way to get to the coast. Nice save over the slippery branch.

[@BishBosh2010]

Great video quality. Awsome content too. Loving the delivery.

[@clintonharlan]

How does that Tourmaster compare to the MSR? I am torn between the two

[@williamjohnson295]

Great vidoes ! Discovered your channel recently..Great job and content. Especially love the fact that you'll take off in the rain, living in Tillamook its pretty much all I do till August !! Great job Ben !

[@mkramsauer]

Yo that was awesome and a great save especially with a bike your not entirely familiar with good job brother 👊

[@bradwelch4076]

Dude!!!! Great save!!!! You sir, are an adventure rider now!! JUST wow!!

[@ken503]

I'm shocked you didn't run into snow up top especially with as recently as we had it down in the valley. That back road is one of my favorites for a quick day ride, though I usually start on the downhill side and head up. Good job keeping your head and keeping the bike upright on that log crossing!

[@jeremyreynero2147]

If you want to keep the ABS disabled you have to turn off the engine with the button on the throttle control and not turn off the ignition by turning the key

[@RadicalLinguisticDescriptivism]

Fun romp! Good save on that log too! I probably would have biffed that hard LOL! The X-Cape looks pretty capable even with the road tires on it.

[@craigwac5567]

My KTM 790R has sticky rider aid settings. Whatever i have selected stays the same after kill switch or key off. Great video!

[@JamEWalsh]

Mary's Peak, Silver Falls, man, this is the channel!!!

[@HoratioBunce503]

Silver Falls is pretty spectacular :) only twenty minutes from my house. A beautiful hike too. Mary’s Peak is better under blue-sky days when you can get some panoramic views later in the year. Gravel on the roads here until traffic throws it off to the side. (Don’t go wide til then)

[@daves3016]

NIce save, im a novice dirt rider ive found angled logs and floating angled logs a challenge, i try to hit them squared up so it doesnt kick my front over like that.

[@maraudermitchelli]

Great recovery Ben you have skills ! 😊

[@SETexasCustoms]

Just a comment on the abs/tc staying off when you cycle the ignition; my KTM 1290 does, but it requires the "off-road dongle" to do it, and with it installed it it does read "illegal" on the dash upon startup, and you have to hit the set button to dismiss the message. But for me, that's a game-changer and the ability to keep those systems off has a big influence on my purchase decision.

[@lukefish7562]

Always entertaining stuff! And my Norden 901 Expedition stays in off-road mode when turned off. Ride safe Dork! 🏍️💨

[@treyreppe4348]

Ktm now advertises that for theirs. Sadly my '23 390 adv doesn't but I heard its available '24

[@lukefish7562]

@@treyreppe4348 nice bike ya got! Enjoy!

[@chrispekel5709]

One of the reasons is that countries like Australia require that the ABS is turned on every time you power up, just in case one starts the bike and forgets to turn it back on manually before they ride off. It's really annoying. I think manufacturers are now figuring out they need to ship different software to different markets, as many don't require the ABS thing

[@Kephartable]

Mx goggles Ben, don't free (eye)ball it

[@human1513]

Cool ride. Was right along with you. It was fun. 👍

[@urbancavemanintheak7732]

Nice job on that log, great vid!

[@jonwoodworker]

Good save. Always square up the logs, especially wet ones.

[@G-Loco]

And he said "that's experience" lol

[@DualSportDoug]

I’m enjoying your videos this winter when it’s too nasty to ride up here in Washington.

[@painsrides]

I always thought the KLR650 looked like a hippo on stilts 😐.... This Moto Morini X-Cape is much a better looking bike 👍. Nice save I'm not really sure how the front end didn't wash out, I could see the front tire jink as you crossed... For wet logs, even small ones adjust your angle of approach so you cross it at as close to 90' as possible and a little pop of the front end will help get you over without losing traction on the log.

[@insatiable_mind]

Unless you were joking about seeing a cougar in they wild 😂 mountain lions are a rare sight. They hide well. I’ve heard them whistle, I’m not kidding that’s their most common sound. Bobcats are a common sight here in Northern California though. I really want to see a cougar.

[@beborodner930]

Cool looking bike. Im glad it exists. Not for me, but i was lookibg for cb500x i think i would pull the trigger in the marini

[@Baldhills]

Nice save! Probably would have been better if you squared up the log. Hitting one at an angle is risky!

[@ericsweetadventure]

Bike has a nice sound! Great save!

[@MrRickrm]

Ben, great save!

[@silverfoxinoz]

BAAHAHAHA nice save man!! 👏 It’s more like can the road survive YOU? Thanks for another highly entertaining performance from a long time follower in Australia 👍🏼

[@DualsportDMAN]

You should pack a set of goggles man. In my Bell MX9 I can’t even do light off-road riding with the visor down because it fogs up so fast. I’ve always got my goggles with me

[@anthonymalfino1]

Marzocchi been around for a bit. I’m glad I have a klr.

[@jkmarshall3553]

Oh man, hitting a wet log on a angle has never worked out well for me. Nice recovery!

[@ToriADVMoto]

😅.. that was entertaining! You know what I'm curious about is Zack and Ari from RevZilla love the Versys SO much it would be interesting to hear what they think of this a. 19-17 set up with better brakes and whatnot. I don't think Zach has done one yet. I'll have to check

[@BonuxCouleur]

I am sure there are ways to make it lighter. One of the X-Cape promotional video by Moto Morini shows it with a proper off road exhaust line, not this crappy EU carbon emission factory system. Moto Morini also proposes a more ADV like one part seat in place of the chunkier factory two parts version which is more road like and designed for a passenger. Then there is all that plastic at the back, usual stuff, get a proper rear mudguard, a lighter rear light, smaller indicators and minimalistic plate holder. I am sure if you do that alone, you will lose a couple of pounds. The engine I understand is from the same Chinese factory that made the Kawasaki ER-6 series, not sure it is a Kawasaki designed engine per se. 60bhp for a 650cc in this price range is pretty good, it is not far off the T7 at 72bhp and riders have to remember ADV bikes on a budget (DR / KLR) used to get us 30 to 40bhp max so what is there to complain about? A budget bike does not get you the brakes, adjustable suspensions and control screen you have on the X-Cape. There is always a possibility to upgrade the ECU but 60bhp out of the box is not bad, what makes this engine tame is probably the manufacturer setup, so the ECU. Remember most bikes are designed to suit the bigger European Market where carbon emissions are the priority of our corrupt non elected EU bureaucrats. Well, only second to bribery and making laws about the size of green peas. It makes you wonder why the same corrupt bureaucrats came up with a carbon tax... a carbon tax when you cannot get a vehicle without a catalytic converter these days? Oh yeah it is in the name: CORRUPT non elected EU bureaucrats. Vive le Brexit! I am yet to see a video where the X-Cape has been modified to full ADV mode. I believe we are missing the potential of this bike.

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

No matter the brand....no matter the price....no matter the rider...one thing all bikes know how to do is...Dirt Nap...great save on the big branch.

[@jayhopkins1337]

That road looks like a blast! On a real dp. Bike

[@2-Wheel-Explorer]

Although I would say that’s a rookie move, going over a fallen tree, that’s on an angle wet with bad tires it’s also one of the best learning lessons. I bet from here on out, you will slow down get your bike straight before attempting that move again as I’m sure your shorts needed a proper cleaning when you got home.

[@jonminzner7902]

Great video, that was close to laying it down.

[@BigDaveTALKS]

as far as the ABS staying off. KTM stays where you put it. The funny thing is, on my 1290 SA-R, the cruise control is inoperable while the TC is off.

[@timlubbers2884]

Yup, should have been standing for that log (as you know) . Still good fun! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@DorkintheRoad]

...I was. You can see it in the video...

[@timlubbers2884]

Your forward 360 makes it look like you were sitting down and your foot just slid off, rewatched it and realized you did standup based on the movement with windshield from the helmet can . 👍🏻

[@chrisstaats6915]

Great video, nice save!

[@ericsweetadventure]

R1200gs ABS stays off. Apparently leaves wee bit of front ABS active/on but I’ve intentionally locked front wheel in a push exercises. So maybe that’s armchair lore. Off-road pro is pretty much how I run it all the time. Never need to reset after turning it off etc..

[@Eds_PanAm]

so basically a bigger, heavier transalp thats underpowered lol. one helluva save there dude!!!!

[@chrispekel5709]

Pretty much. But it's a lot cheaper so I guess you get what you pay for. I think it looks better than a Transalp, so there's that (personal opinion)

[@JCrozier1]

hell yeah! ride em cowboy! it tried to buck you. nice work.

[@chrispekel5709]

It's funny that it is literally (as in, it's a total copy) of the Versys 650....*IF* it came in a more off-road trim. Almost identical frame, engine, but with more ADV based suspension, 19 inch front wheel. If Kawasaki made a competitor to the V-strom 650 XT it would have been this bike

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

Do you know if the rake and trail on this bike is the same as the Versys 650?

[@joewolfone]

Great save!!!!

[@gateshoser]

Glad there was a bash plate... Nice pucker recovery 😅😂

[@dstubby82]

15:53 For the famous last words list. 😁

[@Atrip111]

What is the other light that has been blinking? Tire pressure?

[@pti72]

Your legs are thankful you didn’t have hard panniers 😮

[@richardessary1061]

Have u ever seen the China Lifan KPX 250 I flogged one hard for 5000 miles 50% enduro great bike (for a china street legal bike) I did oil changes and plug and chain and tires that's it

[@lanesmith1012]

Can you generally compare the X-cape to the CB500x? I do almost no off road. Most of my rides are 55-65mph and I take only one longer trip (1,000 miles) per year in the Summer. I previously owned a 2009 Versys for 12 years, but I got tired of the height and swinging my leg over it. Would you take the CB500X over the X-Cape, generally speaking? Thanks

[@nathanbanks7091]

The gen 3 KLR 650 should have had that engine. It would have justified the weight gain. This is a BDR bike. BDR=EZ dirt roads. Also, ABS will kill you off road. I hate ABS. Marzocchi suspension was fitted to all Gas Gas bikes (and many others) before KTM bought the brand. It is decent suspension. Also, you did not ride the bike into a ditch. You rode over a wet stick and barely avoided a crash.

[@chrispekel5709]

That doesn't make sense, it would be an entirely new bike and wouldn't be a KLR at all. It would be a KLE

[@jasonsibbring9630]

Is this twin cylinder?

[@keithadkins4735]

Hey this is off topic but I’m thinking of getting a Honda 300l rally, wanted to ask your opinion if it would be possible for me to learn/ride , my question is, I’m 6 ft tall and 265lbs is the suspension good enough for that weight? Thanks for reading

[@keithadkins4735]

Also I live in South Carolina, everything is flat , if I want to go hill climbing I would have to ride over a bag of potting soil lol

[@billyroberts6375]

What is the helmet you are wearing in this video?

[@DorkintheRoad]

Shoei Hornet x2

[@paul.vanhout57]

The Russian judge gives you a 9 on that save👍. Lost a point because your jacket and pants don’t match🙂

[@bradwelch4076]

🤣🤣🤣

[@DorkintheRoad]

That's Tourmaster's fault cuz they hadn't sent the pants yet. I have them now ;)

[@TheMotoShaman]

Can confirm, I hold have crapped my pants! 😮

[@AT2021Rocker]

If the ditch is viable then use it!

[@joeyb1853]

Doesn't the Tuareg hold the mode?

[@williamb.6918]

The Tuareg holds the mode, as do newer KTM models.

[@FreeTimeAdventures]

I cringed watching you come at that wrt PNW log at an angle, but hey, ya saved it!

[@dennishughes5165]

I bet you have ran across a few cougars in your day ben

[@louispaulter8733]

Please do “ a last-ditch effort Test review on a ‘23-‘24 Kawasaki Versys 300X. Low MSRP $ price, Japanese manufacture, & global dealerships might size-up to be a great beginner rider’s / poor man’s near unicorn adventure bike with added good tires, HD bash plate & fairing/engine crash bars . Only 1 way to find out…ride near some ditches…

[@louispaulter8733]

PS Hopefully without any dangerous mishaps !!! And please note if the actual wet weight is 386+ lbs.

[@andrewlaughbon9468]

No utah dealers. Phooye

[@bobirwin1028]

What? No Ride Modes?! Even my CB300R has ride modes -- they are all "Rain".

[@chrispekel5709]

LOL

[@chrispekel5709]

It's quite funny, because this bike has the CFMoto frame and engine, which dates back to 2011. It's a copy of the Kawasaki frame and engine that was in the old Er6, Ninja 650 and is still used in the Versys today. On the old Cfmoto 650 model bikes right up to the new ones, the ride modes do NOTHING. That's a whole bunch of different models across different generations, and every single one has a ride mode option (either a button on the switches or a tft screen) that does zilch. I find it funny that the same thing has carried across to this bike, a good 13 years since the first Cfmotos rolled off the production floor with everyone wondering why the 'mode' button does nothing. It's like they're trolling at this point

[@trd4d]

No cruise control? You probably answered that already.

[@DorkintheRoad]

No.

[@thebeardedlegend4773]

You bend the forks 😂

[@PDXAv8ter]

Everything is fun when you flog it

[@DorkintheRoad]

That's what she said

[@mmetz1877]

Looked like you hit that log at angle and not at 90° which didn’t do you any favors!

[@rogerdoger-q5h]

Wet log on an angle. It will do it to you everytime

[@snowgsadventures3232]

Rider dies on Moto Morini…. “I got better” he claims. Nice one.

[@bradwelch4076]

Did you say kawasaki engine? Expound?

[@aproud1]

It uses a licensed copy of the Versys 650 motor.

[@DorkintheRoad]

this.

[@chrispekel5709]

@@aproud1 I've never seen proof Cfmoto (who make it) licenced anything. They were building them back in 2011 when Kawasaki was still producing the same platform for their bikes.

[@aproud1]

@@chrispekel5709 I didn't see proof either. Just repeating what I've seen/heard in various reviews. I guess when you get down to it, I haven't seen proof of much in the world.