The Moto Morini X-Cape is a striking addition to India’s burgeoning adventure motorcycle market, blending Italian design flair with robust engineering tailored for diverse terrains. Launched by Moto Morini, an Italian brand with a rich heritage dating back to 1937, the X-Cape marks the company’s ambitious foray into the Indian market under the stewardship of Adishwar Auto Ride India Pvt. Ltd., the same group responsible for retailing Benelli and Keeway motorcycles. Introduced in 2022, this middleweight adventure tourer has quickly garnered attention for its bold aesthetics, versatile performance, and competitive pricing, positioning it as a compelling alternative to established Japanese and European rivals. With a focus on delivering a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability, the X-Cape caters to riders seeking a motorcycle that can handle both long highway stretches and rugged trails.
The X-Cape’s arrival in India comes at a time when adventure touring is gaining traction among enthusiasts, fueled by a growing appetite for exploration and the increasing popularity of mid-capacity ADVs (adventure bikes). Priced competitively after a significant reduction in 2024, the X-Cape stands out as one of the most affordable options in the 650cc segment, making it an attractive proposition for riders looking to upgrade from smaller displacement bikes. Available in two primary variants—Standard and X—the motorcycle offers a mix of premium features, solid build quality, and a potent engine, all wrapped in a package that exudes road presence. This detailed product overview will delve into the technical specifications, design elements, advanced features, pricing across metro cities, and how the X-Cape stacks up against its close competitors.
Technical Specifications
The Moto Morini X-Cape is engineered to deliver a blend of power, efficiency, and durability. Below is a comprehensive table outlining its technical specifications, sourced from reputable platforms like BikeDekho and BikeWale, ensuring accuracy as of April 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, inline 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC |
| Displacement | 649 cc |
| Max Power | 60.83 PS (59.17 bhp) @ 8250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 54 Nm @ 7000 rpm |
| Bore x Stroke | 83 mm x 60 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel System | Fuel Injection |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 23.92 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 liters |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Length | 2190 mm |
| Width | 905 mm |
| Height | 1390 mm (Standard) / 1415 mm (X variant with higher seat) |
| Wheelbase | 1470 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 175 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 215 kg (Standard) / 230 kg (X variant) |
| Seat Height | 810 mm (Standard) / 835 mm (X variant) |
| Front Suspension | 50 mm Marzocchi fully adjustable USD forks, 160 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | KYB monoshock, adjustable for preload and rebound, 150 mm travel |
| Front Brake | Dual 298 mm discs, Brembo 4-piston calipers, Bosch dual-channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | Single 255 mm disc, Brembo 2-piston caliper, Bosch dual-channel ABS |
| Tyres (Front/Rear) | 110/80-19 (F) / 150/70-17 (R), Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR (tubeless) |
| Wheels | Alloy (Standard) / Spoked (X variant) |
| Top Speed | 175 kmph (claimed) |
These specifications highlight the X-Cape’s capability as a versatile adventure tourer, with a focus on performance, safety, and rider comfort.
Design and Build: Exteriors and Interiors
Exteriors
The Moto Morini X-Cape’s exterior design is a testament to its adventure-ready ethos, combining aggressive styling with functional elements. The front fascia is dominated by a split LED headlight setup, flanked by a tall, adjustable windscreen that enhances aerodynamics and rider protection on long rides. The sharp, angular lines of the fuel tank and side panels give it a muscular stance, while the 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel configuration ensures stability across varied surfaces. The Standard variant features cast alloy wheels, ideal for urban and highway use, whereas the X variant comes equipped with wire-spoked wheels, better suited for off-road excursions. Both variants sport Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tubeless tires, offering excellent grip on tarmac and gravel alike.
Available in three striking color options—Smoky Anthracite, Carrara White, and Red Passion—the X-Cape exudes a premium vibe. The minimalist tail section, complete with a small luggage rack, adds practicality without compromising aesthetics. The bike’s 175 mm ground clearance ensures it can tackle uneven terrain, while the robust steel frame provides structural integrity. Riders have noted the bike’s imposing road presence, often comparing it favorably to more expensive ADVs in its class.
Interiors
While motorcycles don’t have “interiors” in the traditional sense, the X-Cape’s rider interface and ergonomics deserve mention. The seating position is upright and commanding, with a well-padded split seat designed for long-distance comfort. The Standard variant offers a seat height of 810 mm, making it accessible to a wide range of riders, while the X variant raises it to 835 mm to accommodate its off-road focus. The handlebar is adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune their posture, and the control switches are backlit for easy operation in low-light conditions.
The centerpiece of the X-Cape’s “interior” is its 7-inch TFT display, a standout feature in this segment. This full-color screen offers Bluetooth connectivity, integrated navigation (via a paired smartphone), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), providing real-time data at a glance. The display is crisp and legible even under direct sunlight, a boon for riders on extended journeys. However, some users have pointed out that the lack of advanced rider aids like traction control or riding modes might feel like a miss given the tech-heavy dashboard.
Advanced Features
The Moto Morini X-Cape is packed with features that elevate its appeal in the mid-capacity ADV segment. The adjustable windscreen is a highlight, allowing riders to customize airflow based on speed and weather conditions—a rarity at this price point. The all-LED lighting system, including headlights, taillights, and indicators, ensures excellent visibility, with the backlit switchgear adding a touch of convenience during night rides. The dual-channel ABS from Bosch, paired with Brembo brakes, offers confident stopping power, crucial for both highway cruising and off-road braking.
The 7-inch TFT console is more than just a display—it’s a hub for connectivity and information. With Bluetooth, riders can sync their phones for calls, music, and navigation, while the TPMS keeps tabs on tire health, a feature that’s particularly useful for off-road enthusiasts. The bike also includes a USB charging port, ensuring devices stay powered on long trips. However, the absence of a slipper clutch or advanced electronic aids like cornering ABS might disappoint tech-savvy riders accustomed to fully loaded competitors.
Variants
The X-Cape is offered in two distinct variants, each catering to slightly different riding preferences. Below is a table detailing the variants and their key differences.
| Variant | Key Features | Wheel Type | Seat Height | Kerb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-Cape Standard | Alloy wheels, road-focused setup | Cast Alloy | 810 mm | 215 kg |
| X-Cape X | Spoked wheels, off-road capable, higher seat | Wire Spoked | 835 mm | 230 kg |
Both variants share the same engine, suspension, and feature set, with the primary distinction being the wheel type and slight variations in weight and seat height. The Standard variant is ideal for riders prioritizing highway touring and urban commuting, while the X variant appeals to those venturing into off-road trails.
Price in Metro Cities
The Moto Morini X-Cape’s pricing has been a game-changer, especially after a price drop of up to Rs. 1.31 lakh in 2024, making it the most affordable 650cc adventure bike in India. Below is a table of on-road prices in major metro cities, based on data from BikeWale and BikeDekho as of April 2025 (prices include ex-showroom cost, RTO charges, and insurance, and may vary slightly due to local taxes).
| City | X-Cape Standard (On-Road Price) | X-Cape X (On-Road Price) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs. 7,09,156 | Rs. 7,62,000 |
| Mumbai | Rs. 7,52,284 | Rs. 8,05,000 |
| Bangalore | Rs. 7,53,214 | Rs. 8,06,000 |
| Pune | Rs. 7,47,167 | Rs. 8,00,000 |
| Chennai | Rs. 7,45,918 | Rs. 7,98,000 |
These prices reflect the bike’s competitive positioning, undercutting many rivals in the segment while offering a feature-rich package.
About the Bike
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Moto Morini X-Cape lies a 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, a powerplant that delivers a healthy 60.83 PS at 8250 rpm and 54 Nm of torque at 7000 rpm. This engine, compliant with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, is paired with a 6-speed gearbox, offering smooth shifts and a responsive throttle. Riders have praised its low- and mid-range grunt, making it adept at tackling city traffic and steep inclines alike. On highways, the X-Cape cruises comfortably at triple-digit speeds, with a claimed top speed of 175 kmph, though sustained high-speed riding can generate noticeable engine heat—a common critique among users.
The bike’s ARAI-claimed mileage of 23.92 kmpl is respectable for its class, and with an 18-liter fuel tank, it promises a range of over 400 km on a full tank, ideal for long-distance touring. However, real-world mileage varies, with users reporting 18-20 kmpl in city conditions and up to 23 kmpl on highways, depending on riding style and load. The lack of a slipper clutch means downshifts require careful modulation to avoid rear-wheel hop, a minor drawback in an otherwise refined powertrain.
Ride and Handling
The X-Cape’s chassis is built around a sturdy steel frame, complemented by premium suspension components. The 50 mm Marzocchi USD forks up front are fully adjustable, offering 160 mm of travel, while the KYB monoshock at the rear provides 150 mm of travel with preload and rebound adjustability. This setup strikes a balance between plushness on highways and control on rough terrain. The 175 mm ground clearance ensures it clears most obstacles, though it’s not as high as some dedicated off-road machines.
Weighing in at 215 kg (Standard) and 230 kg (X variant), the X-Cape is on the heavier side, which can be felt in tight traffic or when maneuvering off-road. However, once underway, the weight contributes to stability, especially at higher speeds. The Brembo brakes with dual-channel ABS inspire confidence, delivering progressive bite and excellent feedback. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires further enhance grip, though some riders recommend swapping them for knobbier options for serious off-roading.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Ergonomics are a strong suit for the X-Cape, with an upright riding posture that reduces fatigue on long rides. The seat is well-cushioned, and the pillion perch is spacious enough for a co-rider, complete with grab handles for added security. The adjustable handlebar and windscreen allow for personalization, catering to riders of varying heights. However, the seat height—810 mm for the Standard and 835 mm for the X—may pose a challenge for shorter riders, especially when fully loaded or on uneven ground. Taller riders, on the other hand, find the triangle of handlebar, seat, and footpegs perfectly suited for all-day comfort.
Practicality and Ownership Experience
With an 18-liter fuel tank and a small tail rack, the X-Cape is designed for practicality. Aftermarket accessories like panniers and top boxes can further enhance its touring credentials. However, ownership comes with caveats. Service costs are reportedly higher than average, with users citing Rs. 9,000-11,000 for routine maintenance, and spare parts like brake shoes can be pricey (up to Rs. 18,000 in some cases). The dealer network, while expanding, remains limited compared to Japanese brands, which could affect after-sales support in smaller cities.
Close Competitors
The Moto Morini X-Cape faces stiff competition in India’s 650cc adventure segment. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest rivals:
Kawasaki Versys 650
- Engine: 649cc, 66 PS, 61 Nm
- Price: Rs. 8.83 lakh (on-road, Delhi)
- Key Advantages: More power, refined gearbox, broader service network
- Drawbacks: Higher price, less feature-rich
- Comparison: The Versys offers superior refinement and brand reliability but lacks the X-Cape’s advanced features like the TFT display and adjustable windscreen, and it’s significantly pricier.
Triumph Tiger Sport 660
- Engine: 660cc, 80 PS, 64 Nm
- Price: Rs. 10.5 lakh (on-road, Delhi)
- Key Advantages: Higher performance, premium build, rider aids
- Drawbacks: Expensive, less off-road focus
- Comparison: The Tiger Sport 660 is a step up in power and sophistication but targets a more premium audience, leaving the X-Cape as a value-for-money alternative.
Honda NX500
- Engine: 471cc, 47 PS, 43 Nm
- Price: Rs. 6.65 lakh (on-road, Delhi)
- Key Advantages: Lighter (196 kg), cheaper, Honda reliability
- Drawbacks: Less power, smaller engine
- Comparison: The NX500 is more beginner-friendly and affordable but can’t match the X-Cape’s power or feature set, making it less suited for serious adventure touring.
Suzuki V-Strom 650XT
- Engine: 645cc, 70 PS, 62 Nm
- Price: Rs. 9.5 lakh (on-road, Delhi)
- Key Advantages: Proven reliability, better off-road capability
- Drawbacks: Dated design, higher cost
- Comparison: The V-Strom offers a slight edge in power and off-road prowess but lacks the X-Cape’s modern features and aggressive pricing.
Verdict
The Moto Morini X-Cape is a compelling package for adventure enthusiasts in India, blending Italian style with practical engineering at a price that undercuts most rivals. Its 649cc engine delivers ample performance, while features like the 7-inch TFT display, adjustable windscreen, and Brembo brakes add a premium touch. The Standard variant excels as a highway tourer, while the X variant extends its reach into off-road territory, making it versatile enough for diverse riding needs. However, its weight, limited electronic aids, and higher service costs are areas where it trails competitors like the Kawasaki Versys 650 or Triumph Tiger Sport 660.
For riders seeking a feature-rich, value-driven ADV with a distinctive character, the X-Cape is a standout choice. Its price drop to Rs. 5.99 lakh (Standard) and Rs. 6.49 lakh (X) ex-showroom has made it the cheapest 650cc adventure bike in India, broadening its appeal. While it may not match the refinement or service ecosystem of Japanese brands, the X-Cape’s blend of performance, style, and affordability makes it a worthy contender in the mid-capacity ADV arena. Whether you’re cruising through metro cities or exploring uncharted trails, the Moto Morini X-Cape promises an adventure worth taking.
