Moto Morini X-Cape 650 Long Term Review

By TDSNEWS999 Aug 14, 2025 0

Written by and Photos by Carl Parker. Posted in Bikes

In the highly competitive middleweight adventure motorcycle market dominated by legacy brands, Moto Morini’s X-Cape 650 arrives as a bold underdog. With Italian heritage, aggressive styling, and an approachable price point, the X-Cape promises to balance capability, comfort, and character. But can it really go the distance?

• First Impressions: Bold Looks, Balanced Specs

Moto Morini might not be a household name in North America, but the brand’s history stretches back to 1937 when founded by Alfonso Morini in Bologna, Italy. They originally made three-wheeled delivery vehicles before shifting to motorcycles after WWII. The brand gained mostly European fame through the ’50s and ’60s for its lightweight, race-winning machines. However, the company later faced financial struggles along with multiple ownership changes.

Revived by the Zhongneng Vehicle Group (ZNEN) in 2018, the new X-Cape 650 is part of the brand’s resurgence. At first glance, the X-Cape grabs attention with its angular bodywork and large screen, giving it more of a premium look than its sub-$8,000 price tag suggests.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review price The X-Cape 650 is proving to be a fun, reliable and versatile bike at a great price.

Underneath the aggressive exterior is a liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin that produces around 60 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s an engine that should be familiar—it shares its basic architecture with the reliable Kawasaki Versys/Ninja 650 lineage. That’s not a bad thing, especially when dependability is a high priority.

We loved the old Versys so much we worked over a 2008 model, proving it was a capable ADV platform beyond its street biased design. There’s something to love about a reliable engine that requires minimal maintenance and usable power. In some ways, the X-Cape 650 is what I wish the Versys could have become a decade ago. The engines feel familiar, but the X-Cape’s body, suspension and build are arguably better.

A 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combo speaks to a balance of off-road readiness and on-road manners. And the 33.3-inch seat height makes it accessible without sacrificing ground clearance. Up front, the adjustable 50mm Marzocchi forks and a KYB rear shock handle general use suspension duties better than you may imagine. Brembo brakes with Bosch ABS round out a very respectable spec sheet.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review brembo Brembo brakes at a price that won’t break the bank!

• On the Road: Confidence, Comfort and Features

The X-Cape 650 truly comes into its own once you hit the road. From the first twist of the throttle, the bike feels composed and easygoing. Power delivery is smooth and linear, with just enough grunt to keep things interesting but never overwhelming. The exhaust is quiet, but the airbox lets you know when it’s working hard. It won’t win drag races, but it will put a smile on your face in the twisties or when overtaking slower traffic. It’s also quite capable of carrying luggage for extended rides.

Cruising between 60–80 mph is where the X-Cape feels happiest and even better when carving twisty mountain backroads. The bike remains planted, and the suspension handles potholes and expansion joints with confidence. Even fully loaded with side cases, camping gear, and a tank bag, it never felt unsettled. This is not to say the X-Cape’s suspension is perfect, but the quality of the factory components is fantastic and nicely adjustable for its price point.

After a couple thousand miles, I can say the seat comfort is better than expected. It’s actually one of the most comfortable OEM stock seats for this class of bike. Nine-hour days in the stock saddle weren’t a problem. The saddle is broad and supportive, and the upright ergonomics make long-distance riding a breeze. The tall windscreen—adjustable with a simple locking lever—does a decent job directing air flow, although riders taller than 6 feet may notice buffeting at highway speeds.

• Off the Beaten Path: Adventure-Ready… to a Point

The X-Cape isn’t trying to be a KTM 890 Adventure R or Yamaha’s Tenere 700, but it’s surprisingly capable when the pavement ends. Thanks to the 19-inch front wheel, longer travel suspension, and decent ground clearance, gravel roads and forest tracks are completely within its comfort zone.

Traction control is absent, but with a well-tuned throttle and manageable power, it’s not missed very much. The tubeless spoke wheels are skinned with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs, a good choice, providing solid grip on mixed terrain. Deep sand and mud may push the X-Cape past its limits, but on fire roads, hardpack trails, and moderate water crossings, it’s a lot of fun.

Standing up on the pegs reveals ergonomics that are passable but not perfect for technical terrain or taller riders. A bar riser may help reduce the standing hunch a bit. The wide tank flares and the slightly rear-set peg placement remind you of the bike’s touring bias. If you spend most of your time in the saddle, this won’t be a problem.

The skid plate works more like a rain and rock guard for the engine. One problem with the X-Cape and Versys 650 are the lack of a full-cradle frame to mount real skid plates. Instead, both utilize hangers as skid plate attachment points, not designed for heavy beatings. We do not recommend pivoting this skid plate on logs.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review skidplate The skid plate works more like a rain and rock guard for the engine.

Ultimately, at over 500 lb. and 6.9 inches of front wheel travel, it is not a trail bike. As long as riders keep expectations in line with reality the X-Cape suspension and geometry handles rough roads better than some alternatives. It’s really more of a cross-tourer or, for what it says on the bike’s rear side panels, “Adventouring.”

• Electronics: All the Bells and Whistles

Moto Morini has clearly taken the time and effort to get most the basics right for electronics. The TFT dash is intuitive and easy to read in bright sunlight, even with “older eyes.” What I’d really like to see are more themes or customizable displays. Or, providing screens with dedicated content areas that could display selectable info like voltage, temperature sensors, oil pressure or DTCs.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review screen Bright, easy to read gauges with some really useful information.

To be honest, I didn’t make much use of the native phone connectivity function, but not for lack of trying. It’s a feature I know the bike is ready for, but still needs development. Instead, I suggest going with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Switchgear is backlit, tactile, and thoughtfully laid out with build quality on par with Japanese middleweight designs. Navigating the limited menu structure takes a bit of getting used to, but is logical and intuitive. Everything is done on the left hand with up, down, select, back, B, A, B, A, select, start (Gen-X gamers will get that one).

MotoMorini XCape650 Review switch Quality back-lit switchgear with an easy to navigate menu.

The stock LED lighting on the X-Cape is also nice, especially the headlights. The X-Cape 650 has one of the best high/low beams I’ve seen in a long time. It is bright and evenly lit with a clean upper termination line that won’t instantly blind oncoming traffic. Effective lighting is probably one of the most important safety factors to night riding, a problem we often hear about.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review lights The X-Cape 650 sports some of the best stock headlights around.

• Fuel Economy and Maintenance

Over about 2,000 miles, I averaged around 50 mpg with loaded side and top cases, translating to a real-world range of 200 miles from the 4.2-gallon tank with spirited riding. On the road it’s good to consider looking for gas at around 150 miles.

Oil changes are straightforward, with accessible drain and filter placement. While you can get official Moto Morini filters, there are good aftermarket alternatives available. Service intervals and parts availability are improving as Moto Morini expands its North American presence. As of this writing, support is being ramped up with better dealer coverage and online parts ordering options. Moreover, they have an active social media presence and have been known to support their growing fan base of riders online as active participants in group pages, which includes phone support.

• X-Cape 650 “SE” Package: A Worthy Upgrade?

Moto Morini’s offers a $1,800 extra fully equipped “SE” trim, which includes a 3-piece luggage set, crash bars, large windscreen, handguards and skid plate—all installed at the dealer. My favorite feature is the SW Motech locking aluminum panniers and top box, which are worth the money if you’re looking to travel or commute. They’re well built with a lid seal that is robust and seamless. I rode in several hours of heavy rain at speed and everything remained 100% dry. The cases are easy to install and remove, but using case-liners would make more sense.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review luggage First-class hard luggage comes with the SE package. Several hours of hard rain and not a drop inside!

The crash bars provide both engine and upper fairing protection. While they add weight, they protect some of the many upper plastics while providing attachment points for other gear.

Last, but not least, are the tall windscreen and handguards. While the tall windscreen keeps more air off the rider at high speed, I personally prefer better visibility and usually ride with shorter screens. The handguards are more like wind and rain guards as they lack a rigid metal structure needed to safeguard your hands from being whacked when sweeping by branches and other objects a little too closely.

So for $1,800 it’s worth it if you want a travel-ready bike; not just for the hardware value, but the installation work as well. However, if you’d rather customize your bike, then the base model offers a growing aftermarket support. What would make the SE package a must have? OEM heated grips and upgraded mirrors!

• Quirks and Downsides

No motorcycle is perfect, and the X-Cape does have a few quirks. The Versys 650 had a notable “klunk” when it went into gear, and the X-Cape is no different. It’s not a defect or problem, just part of the engine’s character.

The pegs are a little cramped for big boots. The heel guards behind the footpegs flare out to the point that riders who place the peg on the balls of their feet may run out of space. For general touring I didn’t find this a problem but it’s something to be aware of.

X-Cape 650 models lack a center stand, which makes routine maintenance more difficult. I ended up using a folding swingarm support bar for chain maintenance. This works for now but it’s a hassle that’s thankfully addressed in newer 700cc versions, which now offers a center stand as standard equipment or factory add-on.

Accessing the upper front panel behind the windscreen (where so many important wires are neatly tucked away) is simple but requires removal of a screw under the upper center panel. Those with OEM crash bars, have a support piece blocking this screw and may need to get creative with other solutions if regular access is needed.

Lastly, while the suspension is good for the price, aggressive off-road riders may require more damping adjustability and fork travel. Thankfully, there’s already some good aftermarket suspension upgrades available.

• Verdict: A Genuine Contender with Big Value

The Moto Morini X-Cape 650 impressed in nearly every category that counts. It’s reliable, comfortable, well-built, and remarkably versatile. Whether you’re carving mountain switchbacks, commuting through city streets, or chasing the horizon on weekend escapes, the X-Cape delivers a ride that feels composed and confident. For new riders stepping up from smaller machines, it offers room to grow without intimidation. For seasoned adventurers, it provides a sharp looking, low-fuss platform with modern features that works. While there’s always room for refinement, the X-Cape delivers more than its price suggests.

Moto Morini has achieved something rare: a motorcycle that looks upscale, performs consistently, and remains refreshingly accessible. It earns its place through balance, character, and a quietly confident Italian flair. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that invites exploration and makes every ride feel like a small adventure, the X-Cape 650 is worth more than just a test ride—it’s worth considering as a long-term companion.

MotoMorini XCape650 Review barn Going to enjoy my Moto Morini for many miles to come!

PROS:

Sharp looks with great overall value
Tubeless rims, fully adjustable suspension, comfy saddle
Large, easy to read screen with useful information
Comfortable stock saddle

CONS:

Buzzy mirrors
No center stand
Phone connectivity needs work

• 2024 Moto Morini X-Cape 650 Specifications

Engine & Performance

Engine Type: 649cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel twin
Bore x Stroke: 3.27 in. x 2.36 in. (83mm x 60mm)
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Power: ~60 hp @ 8,250 rpm (44 kW)
Torque: ~40 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm (54 Nm)
Fuel System: Bosch EFI
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Top Speed: ~105 mph (170 km/h)

Dimensions & Capacities

Length x Width x Height: 86.6 x 35.4 x 54.7 in. (2200 x 900 x 1390mm)
Wheelbase: 58.7 in. (1490mm)
Seat Height: 32.3 in. (33.3 in. optional) (820mm/845mm)
Ground Clearance: 7.5 in. (190 mm)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 4.8 gallons (18 liters)
Dry Weight: 469 lb. (213 kg)
Wet Weight (approx): 516 lb. (234 kg)

Chassis & Suspension

Frame: Steel trellis
Swingarm: Aluminum
- Front Suspension: 50mm Marzocchi USD fork, Fully adjustable (preload, compression, rebound), 6.9-in. travel (175mm)
Rear Suspension:
- KYB monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound, 6.5 in travel (165mm)