I was intrigued when Moto Morini, a storied Italian brand reborn under Chinese ownership, dropped the X-Cape 650 into the U.S. market. Priced at $7,999 and dripping with Mediterranean flair, this mid-sized adventurer promises premium specs without the premium price. But does it deliver where it counts? Let’s dive into unfiltered owner experiences to find out.
What Owners Love About the X-Cape 650
1. From Italy with Flair: A Head-Turner on Any Trail
The X-Cape 650’s design is its first knockout punch. Owners rave about its sharp, angular lines and that “blood-red paint job that looks like it belongs on a Ducati showroom floor.”
One rider joked that at gas stations, curious onlookers ask, “Is that a limited edition?”—a testament to its uncommon presence.
The LED lighting and chiseled bodywork give it a modern edge, while the 7-inch TFT display (with smartphone-linked navigation) adds a tech-forward vibe. For riders tired of cookie-cutter ADV styling, this Italian stallion stands out.
2. Budget-Friendly Adventure? Hell Yes
The X-Cape 650 packs Marzocchi upside-down forks, a KYB rear shock, Brembo brakes, and Bosch ABS—components you’d typically find on bikes costing thousands more.
Compared to rivals like the $10,999 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the $14,799 Honda Africa Twin, the Morini’s price tag is a siren song for budget-conscious adventurers. Even the TFT display and dual USB ports feel like luxuries at this price point.
3. Power and Poise
The 649cc parallel twin—licensed from Kawasaki—delivers 60 horsepower and 42.5 lb-ft of torque. While it won’t rip your arms off, owners praise its buttery-smooth power delivery.
“It’s no fire-breathing monster, but it’s effortless on highways and surprisingly peppy in the twisties,” shared a rider from Utah.
The engine’s reliability (a Kawasaki pedigree) also eases fears about untested mechanics. For light off-roading or daily commutes, it’s more than capable.
4. Comfort for the Long Haul
Adventure riders know that a bad seat can ruin a trip. Thankfully, the X-Cape’s wide, well-padded saddle earns universal praise.
“I did 300 miles in a day, and my backside wasn’t screaming for mercy,” laughed one owner.
Adjustable handlebars and footpegs accommodate taller riders, while the windscreen (which you can tweak mid-ride) cuts wind noise at speed. Even the riding position strikes a Goldilocks balance—upright enough for visibility, sporty enough for control.
What Owners Don’t Love About the X-Cape 650
1. City Riding’s Achilles Heel
At 470 pounds dry, the X-Cape isn’t featherweight. “In traffic, it feels like wrestling a grizzly,” groaned a commuter from Seattle.
The top-heavy feel worsens with a full 4.8-gallon tank, making low-speed maneuvers a test of patience.
The clutch pull is another gripe—stiff enough to leave your left hand cramping in stop-and-go chaos. Off-road? One owner said, “If you’re tackling serious dirt, get a lighter bike.”
2. Reliability Risks
Moto Morini’s U.S. comeback is fresh, and its dealer network is still sprouting. Early adopters report hiccups like “air bubbles in the fuel line causing hard starts” and a test bike that “ran hotter than a desert noon.”
While the Kawasaki-sourced engine reassures many, the “Made in China” badge gives pause. “Will parts be available in five years?” wondered a skeptical buyer. For now, the brand’s long-term rep is a roll of the dice.
3. Resale Woes
Italian bikes aren’t known for holding value, and the Morini’s niche status amplifies this. “Try selling a Chinese-built Italian bike in Iowa,” chuckled an owner.
While Yamaha and Honda have decades of trust, Morini’s U.S. revival is too new to predict resale. For buyers planning to upgrade soon, this uncertainty stings.
4. Feature Gaps
The X-Cape skips tech that’s becoming standard—like traction control or cruise control. Its “off-road mode” merely disables rear ABS, leaving power delivery untouched.
“It’s 2025; even budget bikes have ride modes,” grumbled an ADV veteran. The fuel gauge also irks riders—it only lights up when the tank’s nearly empty, forcing old-school mileage math.
Where the X-Cape Shines (and Stumbles)
Moto Morini X-Cape 650 TFT Console
On and Off the Beaten Path
Highway cruising? The X-Cape is a dream—stable at 80 mph, with a plush suspension soaking up bumps.
Light gravel or fire roads? It’ll handle them with grace. But push into rocky singletrack, and the weight becomes a liability.
“I bottomed out the suspension on a steep descent,” admitted an Arizona rider. Adjusting the Marzocchi forks helps, but this isn’t a Dakar-ready machine.
Owners swear by two things: tweaking suspension settings for your load and slapping on crash bars ASAP. Plastic scratches easily, so PPF (paint protection film) is a smart investment. For modders, popular upgrades include the SC-Project exhaust (“adds growl and shaves pounds”) and ADV-R seats for marathon days.
X-Cape 650 vs. The Competition
| Model | Price | Engine | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moto Morini X-Cape 650 | $7,999 | 649cc | 470 lbs |
| Yamaha Ténéré 700 | $10,999 | 689cc | 452 lbs |
| Honda Africa Twin | $14,799 | 1084cc | 507 lbs |
| Kawasaki Versys 650 | $9,199 | 649cc | 476 lbs |
The X-Cape wins on style and value but trails in off-road chops and brand cachet.
FAQs: Real Owners Answer
Q: Is it reliable?
“So far, so good—just keep an eye on the fuel lines.” – 2,000-mile owner
Q: Off-road capable?
“Think ‘dirt roads,’ not ‘Moab rocks.'” – Utah adventurer
Q: Fuel economy?
“I get 48 MPG. About 240 miles per tank.” – Texas commuter
Should You Buy It?
The X-Cape 650 isn’t perfect—it’s heavy, the clutch is a workout, and Moto Morini’s U.S. footprint is tiny. But for riders craving Italian design on a ramen budget, it’s a revelation.
This bike deserves a test ride if you prioritize asphalt adventures, value, and standing out in a crowd. Just don’t expect it to replace your KTM on gnarly trails.
