Moto Morini X-CAPE 650 5000 miles UPDATE

[@themoog3889]

Saw this bike on your channel first when you showed it new and screenless , liked the looks of it and I'd fallen out of love with my MK3 Versys because of comfort issues. Test rode one @ 2 Wheel Nation and loved it straight off ! Rode it back to the dealer after 2 hrs and bought the graphite one , didn't even glance back at the Versys glad to see the back of it ! I'm nearly 5k in and still love riding it , went for the Shad 4p luggage and SH59x top box , been camping in the Lakes fully laden and 2 up no problem , didn't miss a beat on a 3 day 1400 mile trip to Scotland either ! Getting about 230 miles from an 18l tank ......would I buy it again ? In a heartbeat ! Great features for the money and a real eye catcher .....glad you showed it on the channel 👍🏻

[@andyleeson6048]

I did exactly the same, went to two wheel nation rode the demo, bought the white one. Love it!

[@themoog3889]

@andyleeson6048 yeah I'm still loving it ! Great bike for touring on !

[@starseeddeluxe]

So the reliability has been really good for the Moto Morini? It's one of the best looking, most practical ADV bikes out there.

[@themoog3889]

@starseeddeluxe Errr .....it was ! Late last year I was riding locally and a misfuelling issue nearly had me off on a roundabout ! With Christmas & weather managed to get it to a dealership in February . It's still there ! Can't resolve the issue so I'm in limbo at the moment ! Soon as it comes back it's going !

[@TheAshbisht]

@@themoog3889is your issue resolved now ?

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Excellent review. I'm definitely interested & also thinking about the 1200.

[@davidwilson6245]

Love mine, 4,000 miles since August, have a GS as well, perfer the Morini for UK roads, Good review.

[@paultitterrell8577]

I have been thinking on this model, but am so dubious when it comes to unknown brands. Was thinking of tenere before I saw this. What's your thoughts between the two? Am now torn. Probably not going to go off road much.

[@davidwilson6245]

HI, the bike is 90% road biased , (AdventurTouring) perfect for Uk roads with excellent handling.Would recommend it. @@paultitterrell8577

[@garethjones6672]

Thanks for this video Nathan. I test rode an X Cape at the ABR Festival in June and placed an order through my local dealer. I’ve done almost 3000 miles including a 4 day tour of north of England and southern Scotland and have loved the bike. I traded in my V Strom 650 against it and have no regrets. I think backlit switchgear is also nice.

[@TheAshbisht]

I’ve booked xcape alloy version. Any tip ?

[@timoflynn8224]

I love your reviews Nathan. The most honest and insightful on the internet. Thank you for that one.

[@volt8684]

Always a great honest thorough review about the things that matter

[@motonoob-i2d]

Bro I am thinking this instead of KLR. Great review.

[@motorcyclistfromholland8856]

We own a vstrom 650 last model and also test drive the moto Moroni xcape. Personally I think that the moto Morini is on every aspect a better bike. Can’t speak about reliability because we just don’t know. Just the lack of power is the thing why we won’t buy the xcape. It’s not a bit slower than the vstrom. It’s a lot slower.

[@guyonacub4335]

Good video Nathan Nice to see you giving credit where it is due I think for the money and the finish on the bike after 5k it's well worth a punt Keep the videos rolling and stay safe

[@divexplore21]

Test rode this when they first came out, loved it! Decent power, comfortable a good looking bike, only criticism would be the slightly lumpy engine, but you would get used to it.

[@ashermil]

Super helpful. I’m weighing trading in my 2010 Versys for something like this; I love the Versys platform, though it’d be nice to feel more confident taking on the forest service roads in the Pacific Northwest, on a bike that looks a little less like an alien space bug. I think of the X-Cape as an Italian design exercise based on a (more gravel-friendly) Kawasaki Versys platform. Seems like a great package, though then again I could just put some 80/20 tires on my own bike and call it done.

[@clayfarnet970]

Love the one you're with. Uncertain times ahead for the next few months. Hold on to your money for now...then get it.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Very interesting. Great bike but as you say, I'm risk averse and can't risk being stranded without spares nearby. Do bottled it and went 500x with crash protection, hagon suspension and givi luggage. Deciding whether I can afford the rally raid tubeless wheels but are not cheap. That said there are Chinese ones available for the 500x at half price, but tubes.. Safe , happy travels 👍

[@1couple4bikes]

We looked at getting some mid sized bikes but also keeping our Himalayan's. The Morini was one of the choices together with the TRK, CF Moto, Tenere but ended up getting two Tuaregs instead. For us it was the light weight and some nice tech.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah that toureg is definitely a lighter beast. Hope you're getting on alright with them

[@1couple4bikes]

@@nathanthepostman Yea they have been great, we had the seats sculptured down a bit as they are certainly taller than a Himalayan. But you just adapt to it

[@Cabooseified]

Nice choice the Tuareg is definitely the bike of the year from what I have seen. If I had the cash and a close dealer I would definitely get one! I'm waiting for the CFmoto 800 to come to the US next year.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

I think if budget not an issue the Tuareg def the bike to get. Lets hope the next Himi can compete.

[@Cabooseified]

@@MauriceTarantulas oh I am beyond stoked for the 450 Himi. Mark my words in granite it will be the number one beginner adv in the US if not the number one budget adv world wide.

[@SuperDaveyoutube]

It's one of the nicest looking "adventure style" (which is all that 95% of them are, a style) bikes on the market to my eye.👍

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Still a tempter as can get my hands on one but think a Himi/Scram will do me as a new bike. Plus the Dealer is only ten miles or so. Saw someone has done a few mods on his xcape and given it an extra boost. My 2nd fav bike as it stands! (To buy)

[@1990-t1j]

The engine is the main thing for me. Good review, Nathan.

[@jeffdonovan7922]

I have a GS and test rode one of these and was surprised how good it was, sweet handling and enough power but like you said a pretty characterless engine,the demo i rode had something loose inside petrol tank that rattled,the dealer knew about it but didn't know what the problem was and in no hurry to fix it,bike only had 250 miles on clock. Interested to know if anybody else has had the same problem?

[@nathanthepostman]

Haven't heard of that before Jeff. Shame it put a dampener on the experience.

[@mattytimmins1722]

Soon as this came out I loved the look of it, then found out it had the versys 650 engine in which is a big negative ☹️. I had a versys 650 new in 2011, my first adventure style bike, Kept to the B roads and back lane exploring and few big adventure trips, one to Europe, 2800 miles to Austria. 7800 miles in 22 months, Cracking bike but engine is probably one of the most boring I've had out of a lot of bikes I've owned. Even when I had the scorpion exhaust fitted on the first service, it wasn't a nice sound compared to my shiver 750 which I traded in for the versys. I've been tempted to try a Chinese made bike lately, but the engine in the Morini is a big negative, I agree the vstrom 650 engine would be better in it perhaps 🤔 or even a parallel twin with a 280 degree firing order 😍 maybe the 790 ktm engine would be good 🤔

[@neilmackinnon3371]

Did I not already have a VStrom 650, I would be looking hard at the Morini. The 21" diameter and tubed wheeled specifications of the new Transalp and VStrom 800DE make then both undesirable for my road touring / camping use. However, you have already said it many times with Chinese bikes....dealers and marketing, they really are all currently rubbish at these two vital aspects. Watch out for CF Moto in 2023 with their KTM dealer arrangement. Voge, Morini, Brixton, etc, even Benelli.... you boys need to catch up.

[@Wajang1]

Its a good looking bike. Seems a to be a bike that can do most things very well.

[@deniseroberts6908]

I have to ask which you prefer between this and the benelli if the benelli was a 502x and not the 702 with the bigger engine. I have watched both of your in depth reviews.

[@a1pestservice]

Service cost ? How does it compare to other bikes, cost and service intervals + valve clearance time/cost. Thanks

[@chrispekel5709]

I've got a Cfmoto 650nk which is the same frame and engine as this, and I just use the Versys 650 service intervals. Seems to work fine

[@grandepinna]

Thank you for this summary review. Where did you buy that engine protection? Seems to be so small. Would you recommend it? Or do you think the GIVI one is better?

[@PrasadGawde3484]

Could you do a night test to check and provide a video on the headlight ?

[@fernandoconcha1571]

Thanks for the info Nathan, love your videos! I'm looking for a new bike and i'm between the CF MOTO MT450 and this one (X-CAPE650). Could you give me your thoughts between these bikes? Which one would you choose?

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks Fernado. I'm just uploading a video now where I talk about them both in context but yes, I'd definitely go for the CF Moto. I like the Morini. Great chassis. A likeable bike, but it doesn't feel very well supported and it feels much heavier than the Morini. It will cruise on the motorway better/easier, but I think the CF has a better balance between road and trail. Hope that helps!

[@Simo5000]

Hi Nathan. I’m still seriously considering this bike as it’s similar to my Versys. The parts availability is a concern. I wonder how much this bike shares with the Versys as direct replacements (even if cosmetically different). Do I want to change the GR USA ‘18 Versys for it, I’m not sure. Ideally would be good to make my way down to you (or if you’re visiting CooperB on it) for a cheeky test ride. Anyways, great vide as always! All the best mate.

[@chrispekel5709]

Not a lot, the engine is the same internally but externally different. Even filters are different. Most of this is CFmoto and you can get parts for those easily. Moto Morini will no doubt get all their parts from them

[@AdyRider]

Looking forward to trying one of these !

[@Paul_Grace]

Nice update. Wouldn't it be brilliant if they offered a lighter 350cc version with 40bhp.

[@Cornel1001]

lower seat, 780mm

[@JoseAlvarez-dl3hm]

you mean like the re himalayan 450 or the cf moto ibex 440

[@MattScott-ey5uo]

Good review 👍

[@a1pestservice]

I have the V85TT and love it, due to shaft, cruise control, and easy valve adjustment. The Morini is a great looking bike and would like to have one, but my main concern is, who is willing to service the bike if your dealer is not near you and also the selling of the bike, it will not sell as quick or get as much for it due to not being the normal brand bikes.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I think they're realistic concerns but to be fair I struggled to sell my V85TT. It was a difficult bike to sell which is why I ended up trading it with the Morini. It was was also expensive to service. Our local dealer wanted £400 for a 6000 mile service. The Morini is basically an old Kawasaki so most local bike shops could work on it, obviously the concern being that that could invalidate the warranty. Valve check is I believe around 24000 miles, but shims so a bigger job than on the Guzzi. It'd be good if they could pick up more dealers.

[@andyc750]

@@nathanthepostman can't invalidate it by law as long as it is serviced by someone competent

[@andyc750]

a 50% loss on a cheap bike is likely to be a lo0t less than a 20% loss on an expensive bike and anyone competent can legally service it with no effect on warranty, been that way for years now

[@nathanthepostman]

@@andyc750 Do you have any cast iron confirmation that that's the case as I read of manufacturers refusing to honour warranties and yes, some people get good will gestures or what not but it doesn't seem guaranteed that they're going to honour the warranty if you have it serviced elsewhere. And not many are going to want the hassle of going to court with it. Is there any definitive guide/legislation out there?

[@andyc750]

@@nathanthepostman it is written down in EU law, they get away with it as people don't know about the change a few years back, did a lot of digging about it a few years back over a warranty refusal but they had to do it in the end, they tried some bull about only covering cars but the law states any motor vehicle, can't remember the actual numbers etc of the law but found it with a Google search, and it has also been proven in court when a big manufacturer refused warranty work

[@guyjennings4994]

Interesting review, thanks

[@Erniebus]

If you don’t mind me asking, what jacket is it that your wearing. Looks like a decent winter jacket that doesn’t scream “motorcycle”

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah it's just an ex navy jacket that's goretex. Had it about 6 years and paid £30. Good jacket over the top of a regular motorcycle jacket

[@Erniebus]

@@nathanthepostman thanks! Really enjoyed your videos lately. Got into off-roading in the last year and your advice and experience and is genuinely invaluable 👍

[@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff]

Not a huge amount of suspension travel but very generous, especially as it is adjustable, for the road.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes it runs out of travel when you're pushing on, but it's enough for gentle to moderate trail riding. It was pretty good at Sweetlamb, which it's more wide gravel pistes than snotty green lanes.

[@dianedownie5951]

Good evening,after 5000 miles engine well bedded in what kind of mileage are you accieving?

[@Tomahawkfalcone]

Hi Nathan, currently looking at an x cape, previously had a v85tt and was really comfy. How does the comfort compare between the two.

[@nathanthepostman]

Hi SJ. I think for seat comfort the Guzzi is a touch better than the Morini. I can do a full day on it but it could do with a lambs wool cover or Cool Cover. Where I find the Morini better than the Guzzi is the screen. I used to get a lot of buffeting on the Guzzi and I know a few people fitted the bigger Givi Airflow screens but I never found it comfortable on the ears on a long run. The Morini I can ride with the visor up at high motorway speeds and there's no turbulence. So for all round comfort I prefer the Morini, just because it doesn't flare up the tinnitus.

[@Tomahawkfalcone]

@@nathanthepostman thanks for the reply, will book a demo on one and have a look Cheers

[@gamusinosmotorcycles3457]

What bike is BEST in off Road? Cb500x standar, or x-cape? IS the engine of morini very more powerull?

[@nathanthepostman]

Good question that. I'd probably say the Moto Morini is marginally better than the CB500X in that the standing position is much more natural and more like a proper adventure/trail bike. The CB500X always feels like a road bike when you tried to stand up on it. The pegs are in the wrong place. But the Morini is heavier, so that could be an issue. I probably wouldn't take either of them on anything too gnarly. Just fire roads mainly. As for power, the Morini does feel a stronger bike for engine performance. It'll hold a higher cruising speed and there's a bit more grunt out of the corners. It's not a huge difference but it definitely feels more powerful. Hope that helps.

[@gamusinosmotorcycles3457]

@@nathanthepostman thank you very much really. You help me a lot. I am deciding which bike I am going to buy to replace my Himalayan because I want to win on the road even if I lose in the field, but not have to give up the field completely. the morini and the cb are my two finalists and since you have both, that's why I ask your opinion about them. any advice is welcome.

[@JIMWSMITH]

Tank range ?

[@nathanthepostman]

18 litres = around 200 miles

[@claretbuck1882]

Cheers bud 👍🏻

[@thefrog011]

How tall are you?

[@nathanthepostman]

Apologies for the late reply. I'm about 5'10. Which I think is about 175cm

[@guyonacub4335]

Do you have an update on the service intervals And what cost to service please

[@nathanthepostman]

The dealer's been happy for me to self service so I've just been doing oil changes at 5000 miles. Valves are at 28k or something along those lines. So my service bill is very cheap. What it all means for resale value etc I'm not sure but the price of the bike means its not such an issue I don't think. But I'm liking it. Was up in the Cotswolds the other week with a group. Goes well enough, handles nicely. Comfortable. 6500 miles and so far without fault and still looks like new.

[@guyonacub4335]

@nathanthepostman Hi Nathan That's good to hear My only problem would be the servicing as I'm up in Carlisle I'm on my second himalayan 68 reg with 3k on clock Still way to many issues with these bikes Parts are becoming so expensive that I think its time to buy one more new bike and just take it for what it is What warranty do you get with the morini and fo you get roadside back up Ride safe

[@nathanthepostman]

@@guyonacub4335 I'm not entirely sure on the last two questions. Two years I think. Not sure about breakdown cover. To be completely honest, if that sort of stuff is really important to you - and completely understandable if it is - I'd probably go for something more mainstream; Vstrom 650 etc. With all these small brands you can never tell entirely how long they or their bikes will be around. The safe money is probably elsewhere, residuals and all.

[@CuriousGoose]

Did you film this on a Sony?

[@nathanthepostman]

No it was just on my Google phone

[@CuriousGoose]

@@nathanthepostman oh, my phone does this too.

[@tastroman]

After moving on from my Himalayan I committed that my next bike would have Japanese reliability. I loved how the Himalayan performed but small quality issues were taking away from the ownership experience. Do you think the X cape has better initial quality than the Himalayan or is this a bike that requires "sorting out" after purchasing?

[@chrispekel5709]

Yes, its better

[@gsd32i]

Nice review👍

[@gamusinosmotorcycles3457]

I understand that the Himalayan is a step ahead of the Morini in terms of off road capabilities, but what kind of terrain is the Morini capable of riding without problem? only easy dirt tracks? Or can you go with guarantees on roads where a car that is not an all-terrain car would not enter?

[@IndependentVictor]

I think the biggest thing that people say going against it is its lack of skid plate, but I guess that's easily fixed with an aftermarket solution

[@notesonwheels]

i really want to ask, how was the heat coming from the right side to your leg?

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah I have to say on a hot day in England it can get pretty hot on the right hand side. Over 30 degrees Centigrade I found it getting a bit uncomfortable. I see there are some engine heat shields you can buy and also a de-cat would help a lot I think. In the UK it's not really too big of a problem but I can see in Italy or Greece it could be.

[@notesonwheels]

@@nathanthepostman yeah I did my test on an early September date and it was bloody hot. I was put off back then but just got a nice deal and am rethinking it, only if I pay for the full HPcorse exhaust that removes the cat... But that is an extra 750e

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

I looked at the Morini as there is a dealer less than 5 miles from my house but sadly once again it's too tall for me so I ended up buying a CB500x which is a lovely bike to ride but it does lack top end power for overtakes etc. (I may be being a bit unfair on it as my other bike is a CBF1000) The one thing I'm not impressed with is the quality on the CB500x just little things where next to the CBF you can see Honda cheaped out a bit on some of the fittings and finishes.

[@pilninggas]

How tall are you? I'm 5'7" so am interested about this.

[@Grumpy-Goblin]

@@pilninggas I'm 5'7" with a 29" inside leg

[@pilninggas]

@@olytruman6297 how tall are you Oly?

[@intravelt5684]

What’s your height mate ?

[@nathanthepostman]

I'm 5'10" in my boots

[@G58]

Three factors are actually EXTREMELY important: Wet weight, Power, and Power to weight ratio. A bike with limited power that’s also heavy, has obvious disadvantages. The Himalayan is notoriously extremely low on power, and ludicrously heavy for a 400cc. The Moto Morini has more power, but it’s still far too heavy. But when manufacturers as diverse as BMW and CCM bring out lightweight adventure/dual sport bikes (Sertao and GP450), they either have short or limited production, and no one buys them! Ignoring the importance of power to weight ratio when choosing a bike is silly, and worse, it sends the wrong message to bike manufacturers. This is why I’m designing my own BMW F650 Dakar engined lightweight adventure bike based upon a modified CCM 604 frame, and inspired by their 1996 Dakar entry bikes. It’s a work in process. Arguably, the GP450 should have been a 650. But after that they decided to abandon building real off-road bikes in favour of silly overpriced themed style exercises that appeal to hipsters.

[@jasonstevens5286]

Had a test ride at ABR festival and really liked it and was pretty sure I would buy one, then done a complete 360 and bought a ducati desert sled, love the Ducati and I think because it looked a bit different from the norm thats what sold it to me.

[@Draznesht]

very cool design but the problem with this and other italian bikes is the maintenance

[@podunkman2709]

I absolutely disagree that weight does not matter. It matters. It matters a lot. And sooner or later you will feel it. Especially in difficult terrain, there are no tricks to eliminate it and even very experienced motorcyclists will struggle with it.

[@nathanthepostman]

If it was a trail bike I'd agree. But for this type of road orientated adventure bike I don't think it's as relevant.

[@watb8689]

this is a workhorse bike, basically you know how to fix it. not your adventure full electronics and you can't even figure how to fix them

[@Buddlertom]

A strange exchange for the Moto Guzzi V85. Less power, less quality, no shaft drive, downgrade in nearly all aspects.

[@nathanthepostman]

And yet I prefer riding it to the guzzi.

[@starseeddeluxe]

I comment on every video on KZbin, because after watching about 4,000 motorcycle reviews, only Zach Courts from Revzilla has talked about how severely under geared every motorcycle is. Strangely, nobody talks about the HORRENDOUS low gear ratios on ALL the modern motorcycles. The maximum cruising speed on most bikes is about 53 mph (85 kmh). So, I'm assuming the Moto Morini is also under geared, turning about 5,000 rpms at 60mph (90 kmh) indicated speed? At this point, if someone puts a proper overdrive 6th gear on a motorcycle, it's going to be the best adventure motorcycle in the world. Imagine if you could high idle the engine at 60mph, creeping along lazily next to the river, with nary a pulse of engine vibration or buzz, and only the faintest of exhaust noise.