Moto Morini X-Cape 700 Targets Middleweight ADVs
Moto Morini’s new X-Cape 700 brings more power, smart upgrades, and unbeatable value to the crowded middleweight adventure bike segment.
The middleweight adventure bike segment is packed tighter than ever, with heavyweights like the Triumph Tiger 900, BMW F900GS, Honda XL750 Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom 800, Ducati Desert X, and Yamaha Ténéré 700 vying for riders’ attention. Breaking into this fiercely competitive arena isn’t easy, but Moto Morini is stepping up to the challenge with its boldest offering yet: the X-Cape 700.
Building on the solid foundation of the X-Cape 650, which entered the scene in 2022, the new X-Cape 700 brings more displacement, more power, and smarter upgrades, all while maintaining a price tag that seriously undercuts the competition.
More Power, Same Adventure-Ready DNA
At the heart of the X-Cape 700 lies a new 693cc parallel-twin engine. While it retains the 83mm bore of the 650, a longer stroke boosts output to 69 horsepower at 8,500 rpm—10 more ponies than its predecessor—and 50.2 lb-ft (68 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm. That’s a notable performance increase, delivered lower in the rev range for more accessible power on- and off-road.
For comparison, the Yamaha Ténéré 700’s CP2 engine pushes 72.4 horsepower and the same torque figure, but the X-Cape 700’s much lower price point makes it an incredibly attractive alternative for budget-conscious adventurers.
Rugged Build, Thoughtful Upgrades
Structurally, the X-Cape 700 sticks with a steel trellis frame, paired with an aluminium swingarm. A 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, shod in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, balance road and trail performance. Buyers can opt for spoked wheels across all colourways, or alloy wheels if they choose the Black Ebony model.
Suspension is adventure-grade: Marzocchi 50mm USD forks at the front offer 6.8 inches (175 mm) of wheel travel, while a KYB rear monoshock handles 2.5 inches (65 mm) of travel, both adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression. Ground clearance sits at a respectable 7.4 inches (190 mm), ready to tackle rough terrain. Brembo brakes handle stopping duties, ensuring confidence across all conditions.
Another welcome touch is an adjustable riding posture, courtesy of an adjustable handlebar and seat height (32.2–33.2 inches), helping tailor the fit for different riders and riding styles.
Modern Tech and Practical Features
The X-Cape 700 doesn’t skimp on technology either. Riders get a seven-inch colour TFT display, dual USB ports, switchable ABS, and hand guards all as standard. A centre stand also comes included—often an extra-cost option on rivals—and the spoked wheel versions even offer a remote preload adjuster and an optional integrated dashcam that records directly to your phone.
A range of official accessories, from luggage solutions to engine guards and heated grips, ensures riders can easily kit out the X-Cape 700 for serious long-distance travel.
Value That’s Hard to Ignore
Priced at £6,799 in the UK (approximately RM40,900) and around US$9,038 (RM43,100), the Moto Morini X-Cape 700 offers undeniable value in today’s inflationary market. Initially slated for a $7,999 MSRP in the U.S. (around RM38,200), it positions itself as a highly affordable alternative in the middleweight adventure segment—although ongoing tariff hikes and import duties are likely to influence its final retail pricing in certain markets.
Sure, some competitors boast more cutting-edge tech or slightly sharper performance numbers, but Moto Morini’s proposition remains compelling: a full-fledged adventure bike experience at a fraction of the cost.
The X-Cape 700 is proof that Moto Morini isn’t just surviving in the crowded middleweight ADV market—they’re daring to disrupt it.
