Moto Morini X-Cape 650 Review: The Best Budget Adventure Motorcycle?
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
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This thing looks amazing. I don’t usually like adv bikes for styling. But kudos to MM for the design.
It's a nice looking bike (especially for the price) but you'd have to look at the dealership availability and spare parts/reliability aspect too. Compared to the Honda NC500X which is no doubt quite capable but perhaps a bit on the bland side but has Honda build quality and backup.
Yeah honda inline twins are hard to beat!
It's a Kawasaki 650 twin clone, engine parts are available no worries. Cfmoto
@@chrispekel5709 That's super reassuring. I love how the Kawi 650 engine been used in quite a lot of other brand's 650cc bike.
Good afternoon, I bought my x-cape in May and I'm super satisfied, I wanted to give you a big applause for your video, it showed professionalism and impartiality! Many reviews make stupid comparisons, such as: x-cape vs tuareg, teneré, triumph... because everything I said is in line with my opinion about X-cape. gained another follower. greetings.
does it feel heavy on dirt?
Looks absolutely beautiful - it has the look that the new Transalp should have had!! Pity we do not have any dealers in Scandinavia, would have been a super candidat for me!!
Excellent review, all the information clear and non bias, i enjoy your ability to be balanced and honest.
Πάρα πολύ ωραία παρουσίαση! Όμορφα πλάνα και εύστοχα σχόλια. Η μοτοσυκλέτα είναι απλά πανέμορφη!! Χαιρετισμούς από Ελλάδα!
Did 260 miles the other day.. seat very comfortable and 206 miles before reserve fuel light came on
I had the opportunity to ride one of these at the ABR festival, first off I absolutely love the look of the bike, it’s amazing. I did a few miles on the road and it handled really well and didn’t feel underpowered to me, it did however come across as not being built particularly well and this was more apparent when I took it on some light off road tracks, I don’t want to be too hard on it but it felt like it was going to fall apart! It’s definitely not up to any type of off road riding, my conclusion was that your money would be better off on the Yamaha T7 or as said in the video the Kawasaki/Suzuki
Nice review. This is on my shortlist for 2023👍
The screen integration into the dash looks really clean
I know people still give Chinese stuff alot of stick, but to be honest nearly everything is built in China, even big name brands have half there stuff built in China, I think it'll be a nice bike.
For the price , bells & whistles it has to offer, it's a great deal. Looks good too. The only question is how good are the after sales and service.
Great video Bob, , the hike sounds very interesting at that price. Thank you for the advice
That grey and black style hits me in the right spot, i currently own a 2017 Kawa Versys x300, the grey one, and i absolutely love the style and the colors.
Haha same here! I own one of the very very few Versys x-300s in Switzerland and love her! I generally think ADVs look nice and in my opinion this Moto Morini is absolutely blazing!
But 230kg with only that little extra power... Why would I? To me the x-300 is the best combination of all features and numbers on the market currently.
Hi Bob, tried one of those last week, a test bike, in portugal (in Algarve) and the impressions were similar to yours.
Got comfortable with it just after a few minutes, felt it a bit heavy, lacking agility, but compensates in everything else, even the engine surprised me in low rpms and after 5k rpm, even though this one had already a SC Project exhaust, so the gurgling and the deep sound added some extra fun to it!
Brakes are great too, progressive but strong and giving good feedback, even the rear one.
Agree with the clutch semi-heaviness, but I got used to my ex- V2 1000 Aprilia Futura, where the clutch was 2x heavier, so you get used to this one easy, I guess.
Would get one straight away, if I could.
Love ur videos, man, great job you're doing there!
Great looking bike and all paint colours suit the bike. Liking the tech it comes with.
I think you nailed its competition well with the CB500X, Versys 650and VStrom 650.
2 year warranty is good.
Biggest concern would be the dealer network, servicing and parts.
3 years warranty
Great review as usual! I like this bike it reminds of the older sport touring motorcycles, which I am a big fan of. The other bikes that you mentioned don't have the beauty of this bike. Will they sell this in the US? I do not know much about this manufacturer but I like what I heard and see. Thanks
Definitely an eye catching up to date style to it.
Like the look,
However the hp like you mentioned little bit low for a two up tour , I like the ability to open the throttle and not have to change down 2 or 3 gears reving the backside out of it ,
love the price, and look of it, can live with the power, but the weight... same as my current ride, with 95bhp
That’s the truth, even my 1200-GS (2012) with 110 hp/120 nm has about 229 Kg, bought used for 7.6 K € 💪🏻
Nice info I definitely like this bike and you shared a lot of information that I was a little unsure of. I feel a little better good video.
Hi. if i see correctly you have the helmet LS2 MX701. Could you share what camera mount you have on it?
Nice looking machine, really great design 👍 thank you for that interesting movie and review
Motobob, Good day from Oregon, USA. I just came across this video. Thanks for putting this video out. I never have heard of Moto Morini, but I do like the look of it (lack of a ridiculously large or overhanging front fender). Never been a fan. I do like the Yam Tenere'-looking front head light/nose fairing for this segment of ADV bikes. I never have ridden off-road or trails. I am interested into getting mild trail/dirt access for exploring places I can not get to on my road bikes.
The sound I hear from your voice is rather muffled or just not clear. I don't know why. Viewer feedback. I hope it helps.
Update: I apologize about the sound comment. I think it is my headset I am using. There are other channels I use it on and it sounds just as muffled. ( I am currently listening to Radioheads 'I might be wrong' track and it is just as muffled as your voice.
If only the design is retro centered such as Himalayan, this will be under my radar to purchase too
Maybe I missed it, what is the seat like for all day comfort (it's a tourer)?
I dig it. Will it be sold in the US?
I'll keep my red XR for off-road. Nice tarmac easy gravel cruiser though.
Rode one a few weeks ago and its ok. Did you notice the heat from the engine ? Was a very hot day when i rode it. Think for the money its a great well built bike , with good quality finish, and will sell well if people test ride them..
Didn’t notice the heat at all tbh!
Yeah I have one and the heat is an issue in the summer. It's going to need decatting ideally
I looked at it in the Edinburgh dealership,and its a superb bike for the money.
What is the clutch on all three 650cc models ?? Assist / slipper, etc. ??
Thanks.
One motorbike that you certainly don't have on your list is the Voge 650 DSX. List price in the UK (I think) is similar to or below the Moto Morini but you can easily work out a very good price with the dealers as I did beginning f the year. It has slightly less horsepower but more torque at lower rpm and I think that's not unimportant on this type of bike. Thanks for the video...
for how much did they sell it?
@@kloppskalli currently for 6400€ incl. delivery costs. I got mine a bit below that
Hello and thanks for this video ! Don't you think the KTM 390 Adventure R could also be a competitor? Granted....mono vs twin.....but pricepoint and kg/HP ratio quite similar.....would love to have your comments since I am considering both.....Thanks !
So many good ratings to the ktm.But for both I guess,you don't know how long will it last.Morini look way better,KTM sure got the better spare parts when you need them.
Me I like the inline twin. Inline engines are inherently stronger than V engines all day. Notice tractor engines are almost always inline? All the famous inline 6's, from BMW to jeeps 4.0 to the chevy stove bolt 6. Besides on a motorcycle there's the issue of the back cylinder not cooling as well. Why have 2 cam drives to maintain (V) when only one is needed? I'm with the moto morini here. Suzuki- get your v Strom fixed!
great bike hands down
TFT dash looks nice
I’m not an ADV guy, but I think this looks very nice. Good value for money, but won’t have the reliability or dealer network of a Honda or Yamaha.
When I read the "Best Budget Adventure Tourer" I was bracing myself for another lovefest over the Himalayan. Pleasantly surprised.
Looks awesome
The tec looks nice
I think the looks may grow on me! What warranty length does it have? What's its mpg? Also, how long are the service intervals? These everyday items need to be looked at, and I am surprised this was not covered in this review!
It's the same as a ninja 650 / ER6 engine so it's the same as those. The older generation ones
nice looking bike, looks like a budget multistrada
A 650 w/60hp is a decent compromise if you're a newer rider. Less intimidating,, but the bulk is a factor if you're of smaller stature. I'd consider the Vstrom as my primary choice(I'm a PO),, and
the Versys as the secondary.
I don't think we'll see the MM in the States.
Cheers 🍻, G
cb500x is like 40 kilos wet weight lighter
The Royal Enfield Interceptor, a hugely popular bike, generates 47hp and has similar weight. So 60hp is not too bad.
It looks like Moto Morini has launched in the USA and are putting together their dealer network as we speak.
Interesting you say its closest to the Versys 650, because it has the Versys 650 engine!
I'd definitely buy this bike today over anything else if I had the money.
The motorcycle looks aweaome... Bt wat i was wondering was, what if u could share the name of the music played in the begining, whats the name of the music anyone!?😁👍
Beautiful Bike!!!! Love it Want One!
That is a nice looking bike and if I had to choose from your suggestions it would be between the V Strom and the Moto Morini. However I think the Benelli TRK502 could also be in the mix here too.
the only reason I didn't choose the TRK502X and waited more was because it was a pig weight wise. it must tip the scales around 240kg wet and if feels even larger. I dunno how this one will feel, have to test it too
TRK502 is plain tooooooo heavy
@@henrylee8366 it is such a bummer since the new mv agusta explorer 5.5 will be a revamped trk, and even heavier. Do people not ride in dirt anymore??
@@notesonwheels I live in China, and TRK502 is produced by QJ motor, everyone around me hate QJ's bikes. 502 sells well only because it is quite big at its displacement range. The handling is poor and too heavy. If you want a budget road oriented ADV, check out the moto morini X-cape, better in every way.
@@notesonwheels And the "MV August 5.5" is just a buffed QJ 360° twin. Not a good choice. We don't even like it in China.
Bob, with my hard won money and if I was on a budget I'd buy a trk 702 mate that or wait for the new Honda transalp 750
I think I spotted tyre pressure monitoring which at massively more the Africa Twin doesn’t have.
Would you buy Moto Morini X-Cape 650 or Aprilia Shiver 900, if they have same price, new ?
I know these bikes are for different purposes, but I am interested in value for money between these two.
Shiver for the engine
@@motobob Thank you
Waiting for this to come to India.
I do like your reviews. However, I am often surprised at the comments reviewers make today on power, especially from one I identify as a happy Triumph Street Twin owner of similar power specs.
So often the comments imply merely 'adequate' power and how it may disappoint with a pillion on board. They often even dismiss the ability to carry one. Our expectations since the 70s and 80s have become unrealistic and the gradual increase in expected power, and torque, contributed to the loss of fun on many bikes.
I'd propose 60bhp is perfectly adequate for 95% or more of situations, challenging in a fun way, and I do speak from experience that 100+bhp generally unusable except on the track or powering down a continental main route (and who wants to sit on dual carriageways given the choice!). For the most part, speed limits, traffic restrictions and simple safety prevent sane riders from really using the full performance of even some mid capacity bikes. Sure, it's good to have a bit more at times, but equally boring to have the ease rather than challenging the rider to obtain the skill to extract something from an engine.
It may be fair to recognise the effortless two-up nature of modern 1000+cc bikes, churning out 100+bhp and top speeds WELL in excess of 100mph but even these are sometimes criticised as enough.
I'm not advocating the transcontinental travels on scooters or Honda Cubs, but I had the pleasure of hosting Ted Simon at a club meet years ago - his legendary travels on a smaller Triumph required much less power, albeit solo. Echoed by so many other intercontinental travellers on low performance machines, many are often couples, across the continents. I've quite enjoyed the round world travels in recent times of a couple on a VStrom 650 appearing more than capable.
In contrast, I can't recall a reviewer saying that a large big bike is simply too big (and I do mean those which can be measured as an all rounder). In the UK - and probably most places - the mid range class offers the best compromise, but you rarely hear/read a reviewer saying a buyer may be better off in many respects with a bike like this Morini, or a VStrom 650, on more enjoyable roads, or instead of a Tiger 1200 or Z1000, for good all round pleasure.
Rode this bike for a week. It's okay for the price I guess. It does a great job on the road with some impressive handling, but too weak and heavy off-road. Dashboard is laggy, I was unable to pair the phone and the tyre pressure sensors were useless as they always gave wrong (lower) pressure. And the engine fault light came on randomly for no reason, I guess the wiring is less than perfect. Some issues could be solved with future software upgrades I presume. Ultimately, it's a great looking machine for the price it comes for.
Was it restricted?
@@chrispekel5709 no, regular version
@@vkarmanskiy fair enough. When you say randomly for no reason - that doesn't make sense. Was it giving a code to a problem that doesn't exist?
Not a dealer just interested in this bike if it comes to Australia.
It's still got a better power to weight ratio than a cb500x
I have a feeling the exhaust is cramping the engine as my 650nk makes more power with the same engine as this bike
@@chrispekel5709 I had this bike rented for a week and the very first day this engine warning light came on, even though there was nothing obviously wrong with the bike. Anyhow, to be pedantic, brought her back to the dealership just to be sure and they found nothing either after reading the ECU history. That light came on and off a few times again but the bike was fine. Eventually, after a big rain that light was gone for good.
I have been watching your stuff for a while now, you seem like an intelligent and reasonable guy. I am in a market for 'reasonable to live " with adv. No I will not go to Sahara like most of us, but Romania, Bulgaria are the "targets". In this review you mention the hp few times, please these numbers are almost mining less to a regular guy. The way the engine makes power, the fueling, the gear ratios are what makes a bike a good one or a bad one. The truth here is that withstanding the price entry point, we are fed bikes that are too large, too heavy and too powerful. I am lucky and the cost is not a factor, the choices for me right now are the 300 Rally or the CBX500. One is bit too small and too off road oriented, the other is the opposite. Vstrom seems too clunky and unsexy. This bike here, that I saw for the first time in this vid, is awesome looking. You said next to nothing about the fit and finish as well as any maintenance history and dealer support. So in the end, your vid is the same as all the main stream vids, I think you can do better than that.
The headlights that the Transalp should have !
What bag lugage are u using im looking for my morini aswell!
Moto Morini offers hard side cases and a top case. Along with several other accessories.
The overall styling is great but the actual logo text looks cheap and nasty for some reason. Not a deal breaker though, I like upright ergo super commuter/light tourer bikes so this looks cool to me
Are the wire spoke wheels tubeless - like the Zontes?
yes they are
By pure coincidence i was looking at one of these in a dealership in the South Of France, just this afternoon. It looks like a well put together bike and I appreciate the review. My big question, however, is the company itself. I have no issue with a bike being made in China but it appears to me like Moto Morini have been far from stable over the past ten years, or so. Does anyone know who is behind the brand now and how likely are they to still be operating in five years time? I hope a positive response could be on offer, though until I am sure I feel that my money would head towards something like a CFMoto, even if not exactly in this category.
sorry for my English, but yes, the Morini has been acquired by the Chinese "Mandarin". However the headquarters are still in Pavia, Italy and with regard to the x-cape it is fully engineered in italy by the engineer Massimo Gustato. With regard to the engine instead, that is correct, it is made by CFMoto and we can say it is pretty similar to the Kawsaki Versys' one. Let's not forget CFMoto make engines for KTM as well, so they are quite reliable. I am having a lot of fun with the x-cape and after about 3000 km the engine is even better.
This is a cfmoto mate.
Even if the brand goes defunct you'll be able to get parts as it's the same platform as the cfmoto IMHO - just maybe not plastics!
What about the CFMoto 650MT?
Look great
Nice bike, but like so many of the bikes from the East they're designed for smaller riders - with a payload capacity of only 180 kg, even if you alone are 90 kg with full equipment, and if the panniers PLUS luggage is about 30 kg total, that leaves only 60 kg for the pillion. Ok, it's workable for those of us who are more...ahem..."stout"...but we'd basically have to travel only with undies if we've got a pillion. Maybe someone reading this will know...would payload be increased with a stronger rear shock or is it a frame thing?
Wats it like compared to the KLR650 would be interesting to see ❤
The KLR 650 is a gutless wonder.
No ambient temperature on the dash ????
I would get an old Transalp 650.Nice vid though
What about the SWM
Is this motorcycle sourcing its engine from CF Moto?
...how much is Vstrom650 or Versus650 over there?
£7999 V-Strom, 8199 Versus
I think the Yamaha 650 is the price leader, even though the Morini does have some interesting design cues.
…which 650 Yamaha?
Check out MOTOBOB being diplomatic! "The Versys is a bit of an acquired taste." 🤣
IMO the updated KTM 390 ADV 2023 with Spoke wheels is going to be the king of budget light ADVs.
Pitched in a Versys to buy one of these and would not swap back ! Done plenty of 400 mile days on it , something I couldn't do on the Versys because of the terrible seat angle . Bike hasn't missed a beat since I got it and seems to be the bike I wanted the Versys to become , V Strom was a contender but its so fugly I couldn't buy it ....now if they put the styling off the 1050 on it that'd be different !
It's funny how people worry about the reliabilty of these bikes but don't understand this is a clone of the older versus platform lol
It seams real cool
How about payload ?
Fairly certain this is another clone motor of the Versys 650, and having had one of the Kawasakis my thoughts would be the motor personality isn't well matched to the looks of the Moto Morini. A handsome looking bike for sure, but the 180 degree crank (as noted in the video) doesn't offer the most exciting personality - perfectly functional motor if copied from the Versys, but just lacking that something extra. Was the case for me at least, didn't keep the Versys 650 too long as it was an easy bike to like but a hard one to truly love
Yes it's a Versys engine and frame, easy to spot on if you know where to look for. There is no other engine like that
@@saddlesore_adventures seems like there are quite a few bikes popping up recently using this Versys copied setup, guess not too surprising as it is well known design at this time
@@keithhunt5389 cfmoto builds the engine, they have been doing it since 2011. They're good copies
@@keithhunt5389 I believe they bought the tooling when Kawasaki moved to the newer platform, which is why so many Chinese built bikes on this platform have been made. There's also the 650mt or adventura as it's known in the US. That's an ugly bike though, this one looks awesome
@@chrispekel5709 the Morini is definitely a nice looking bike! I've no doubts they are building a good copy of the motor, have read up on CFMotos history with a variety of Western bike makers. The Versys motor is a great all around motor, well suited to many types of use, though my own experience I found it a bit dull in terms of character - my Versys 650 did anything I needed it to do, but I never "clicked" with the bike
Wish there was a more modern v-twin clone motor out there that could have been paired to this Morini, the motor from the SV650/VSTROM 650. Don't think I've ever seen anything like this from a Chinese manufacturer?
The weight is probably gonna be a deal-breaker for me, but I do like the looks of it.
Doesn't weigh much more than T700
Nice looking
just got up to 1000 miles on my Versys x300, while yes small for the USA/ UK power hungry market/ it is a step up from my Sanyang 125 of 30 years ago, and my touring style china 150cc scoot of 10 years ago. Main use/ commuting/ and so far it seems fine for avoiding all those murderous folks on 4 wheels. *no they don't see you,,, never think they ever will. / or like the Croods, the story will end with that hand slap on the wall. My manual says, for paved and unpaved roads/ not offroad. Still a fun moto.
Why a 19 inch front than a 21 inch?
Cf moto adv?
A 21" in the front and I would be sold on it.
It's actualy a remodeled Kawasaki versys 650 ! The engine mechanicaly is 1:1, only fueling system and side covers differ. The frame - same thing. The only difference is the swing arm with central mount of the shock ( oppose to side mounted in versys ).
I woul really expect you to notice that profoundly instead of charming about a "new bike" ... :(
Love the look but I dont know about power
In the whole package is also the service, parts... not covered
Wait for the Honda Transalp
Why can't get get cool stuff like this in the US?!
So beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
Well thats weird but, the closest rivals (and you didn't even mention them) are Aprilia 660 and Benelli TRX 700.
Suzuki got lazy with their V-strom 650, so Chinese bikes are flooding in to fill the vacuum.
The dash does look better than the one on my Tiger 850.
Super hot bike pitty can't seem to find the in Australia
Gorgeous bike, no doubt and the best looking of the ones shown here....but, if this is going to be your only bike and you are also going to commute with it, reliability because a huge deciding factor. Italian bikes are not super reliable but especially if they were assembled in China, it becomes a big question mark for reliability and a concern, at least for me.
That bike looks amazing. But +13hp and +80 lbs over the CB500x makes it look pretty unattractive. I think 450 lbs should be the max benchmark for these 500-700cc bikes
820 mm seatheight is great for shorter people who dont want a Honda CB 500 X
“Lightweight tourer…” with 230kg?! Think not
It’s a porker! Heavier than the CRF1100L Africa Twin!
Old enough to be Ronan's old man , I'd be happy wit it Bob . I think it looks better than the Yamaha and Honda and lets face it , you guy's will crash most of the production run proving its better than a Royal Endfield Lol . I want one . . .
일단 디자인 만큼은 비슷한 급의 일본바이크 메이커보다 좋다고 생각됩니다 다만 as부분에서 좀 신경쓰이는
While I might use a Chinese phone I'm reluctant to buy a Chinese motorcycle, there's a few too many reported problems for my taste. BUT, it does indicate how overpriced some of the Japanese alternatives are..
They're pretty good these days, this platform has been around since 2011 so they've ironed out all the bugs...well you'd hope so
Is the X Cape motor same as the CF moto 650…a Versys 650 clone?
Yes.
Incoming Suzuki V-Strom 700 is waving 👋