In the ever-expanding adventure motorcycle segment, the Moto Morini X-Cape has captured the attention of enthusiasts looking for a capable, mid-weight adventure tourer that offers style, performance, and versatility. Hailing from Italy, Moto Morini is a brand known for its heritage and unique motorcycle designs. The X-Cape marks the brand’s strong entry into the Indian adventure bike market, combining Italian flair with practical engineering. Whether you’re cruising on highways or venturing onto rugged terrain, the Moto Morini X-Cape promises an experience that blends excitement, comfort, and control.
Table of Contents
Design That Turns Heads
The design of the Moto Morini X-Cape is unmistakably Italian. With its aggressive front end, sharp LED headlamp, tall stance, and muscular fairings, the bike commands a strong presence on the road. The tall windscreen, sculpted tank, split seat, and sleek tail design all contribute to a premium adventure-ready aesthetic. It rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels (in the higher variant) with dual-purpose tyres, emphasizing its off-road readiness. The Moto Morini X-Cape’s design is not only visually appealing but also functionally robust, providing wind protection, high ground clearance, and ergonomic comfort for long rides.
Powertrain and Performance
The heart of the Moto Morini X-Cape is a 649cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that delivers around 60 bhp and 54 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox, offering a smooth and responsive riding experience. The performance is well-balanced for both on-road touring and occasional off-road adventures. The throttle response is linear, making it beginner-friendly, yet exciting enough for experienced riders. Whether you’re riding in the city, on the highway, or through hilly backroads, the Moto Morini X-Cape performs with a refined and predictable character.
Chassis and Suspension
Adventure motorcycles need to be versatile, and the Moto Morini X-Cape delivers on this front with a sturdy steel trellis frame and a premium suspension setup. At the front, it features 50mm USD Marzocchi forks, which are fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound. The rear mono-shock is also adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension for different terrains or payloads. This suspension setup gives the X-Cape impressive off-road capability and a plush ride on uneven surfaces. Combined with its long-travel suspension and 190mm ground clearance, the bike is capable of tackling tough terrains with ease.
Braking and Tyres
Braking duties on the Moto Morini X-Cape are handled by dual 298mm front discs with Brembo calipers and a 255mm rear disc. The braking performance is sharp and progressive, offering excellent feedback in both on-road and off-road conditions. The bike comes with switchable dual-channel ABS, which adds safety without compromising on adventure capabilities. The wire-spoke wheels in the top variant are shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, known for their grip on tarmac and decent off-road traction. For riders looking to explore gravel paths or light trails, this tyre and brake setup is highly dependable.
Rider Ergonomics and Comfort
Long-distance touring comfort is where the Moto Morini X-Cape truly shines. The upright riding posture, wide handlebars, and a spacious saddle ensure comfort over extended periods. The rider seat is positioned at a height of 835mm, which can be manageable for average-height riders, while offering a commanding view of the road. The pillion seat is also roomy, with adequate grab rails and comfort padding. The windscreen is adjustable, and the large 18-litre fuel tank supports long hauls between fuel stops. For touring enthusiasts, these features make the X-Cape a very attractive proposition.
Technology and Features
The Moto Morini X-Cape comes equipped with a 7-inch full-color TFT display, which provides a premium feel and displays all necessary information like speed, RPM, gear position, fuel level, and more. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity for call and message alerts. The bike offers LED lighting all around, enhancing visibility and modern aesthetics. USB charging ports and a backlit switchgear add to the convenience during long rides. While it may not be overloaded with electronics like some of the higher-end adventure bikes, the X-Cape focuses on functional features that enhance the riding experience without complicating it.
Build Quality and Finish
Build quality is another strong point of the Moto Morini X-Cape. The materials used throughout the bike feel premium, from the paint finish to the switchgear. The body panels are well-fitted, and the overall design reflects the meticulous craftsmanship Italian manufacturers are known for. Even under rugged use, the X-Cape maintains its structural integrity and stylish looks, which speaks volumes about its durability and design precision.
Price and Variants
In India, the Moto Morini X-Cape is available in two variants: one with alloy wheels and another with wire-spoke wheels. The alloy wheel variant is priced at around ₹7.30 lakh (ex-showroom), while the wire-spoke version, with more off-road-oriented tyres, is priced at approximately ₹7.50 lakh. Given the features, engine capacity, and components on offer, the X-Cape is competitively priced in the mid-weight adventure touring segment. It offers a unique value proposition for riders who want something different from the usual Japanese and European offerings.
Market Position and Competitors
The Moto Morini X-Cape competes in a segment that includes bikes like the Kawasaki Versys 650, Suzuki V-Strom 650XT, Benelli TRK 502, and the Honda CB500X. Among these, the X-Cape stands out for its premium suspension, attractive Italian styling, and a rich feature list. While the Versys offers more highway refinement, and the V-Strom focuses on all-round performance, the X-Cape balances aesthetics, adventure-readiness, and cost-effectiveness in a package that appeals to a wide range of riders.
Ownership and Service
Moto Morini has partnered with Adishwar Auto Ride India to offer sales and service in key Indian cities. While the service network is still growing, the company claims availability of genuine parts and trained technicians to maintain high service standards. Owners can also opt for extended warranties and service packages for better peace of mind. The brand is keen on offering a premium ownership experience to Indian buyers, and early customer feedback has been positive.
Customer Response
Early adopters of the Moto Morini X-Cape in India have expressed satisfaction with the bike’s performance, comfort, and style. Many riders appreciate the balanced nature of the engine and the plush suspension setup, which makes it ideal for Indian road conditions. The TFT screen and overall fit and finish have also received praise. Some riders have suggested that more aftermarket accessories and luggage options should be available, but as the community grows, this is expected to improve.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Moto Morini X-Cape is an impressive mid-weight adventure tourer that blends Italian design, performance, and practicality in one compelling package. It brings a sense of exclusivity to the segment while ticking all the right boxes for an adventure touring motorcycle. Whether you’re a weekend trail explorer or a serious highway tourer, the X-Cape offers comfort, technology, and capability that rivals its more established competitors.
In a market where choices are growing but true uniqueness is rare, the Moto Morini X-Cape provides a breath of fresh air. With its stylish design, solid mechanicals, and competitive pricing, it is a bike that deserves serious consideration from any enthusiast looking for an adventure companion.