If you’ve been searching for a middleweight adventure motorcycle that punches far above its price tag, the Moto Morini X-Cape 700 deserves your full attention. Priced at just $8,299 USD, this Italian-designed, Chinese-built machine delivers an astonishing array of premium components, thoughtful tech features, and long-distance comfort—yet it’s not without its quirks.
In this in-depth, hands-on review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 2026 Moto Morini X-Cape 700: from its upgraded 693cc engine and tubeless spoked wheels to its surprisingly soft rear suspension and missing traction control. Whether you're comparing it to the Honda Transalp 750, Suzuki V-Strom 650, or even budget options like the NX500, this guide will help you decide if the X-Cape 700 is the right adventure companion for your next journey.
What Is the Moto Morini X-Cape 700?
The Moto Morini X-Cape 700 is a middleweight adventure tourer born from a unique blend of Italian design and Chinese manufacturing. Originally an iconic Italian brand founded in 1937, Moto Morini was acquired in 2018 by the Zongshen (ZN) Vehicle Group, a major Chinese automotive and motorcycle conglomerate. The result? A bike that looks like it belongs in Milan but costs like it rolled off an assembly line in Chongqing—and that’s not a bad thing.
For under $8,300, you get:
- A 693cc parallel-twin engine (70 hp, 50 lb-ft torque)
- Fully adjustable Marzocchi 50mm forks
- Brembo brakes with dual 300mm front discs
- A 7-inch full-color TFT display with navigation and dash cam
- Tubeless spoked wheels (19” front / 17” rear)
- USB-A + USB-C charging ports
- 3-year unlimited-mileage warranty
That’s a spec sheet that would make bikes costing $2,000–$3,000 more blush.
What’s New on the X-Cape 700 vs. the 650?
Moto Morini didn’t just slap a bigger engine on the old X-Cape 650—they re-engineered nearly every aspect of the bike:
This isn’t a minor update—it’s a complete evolution.
Engine & Performance: Strong Mid-Range, But Watch for the Flat Spot
The heart of the X-Cape 700 is its 693cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin, derived from the Kawasaki Versys 650 platform (a known reliability benchmark). It produces 70 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably quicker than the outgoing 650.
On the road, the engine feels relaxed at highway speeds (65–75 mph), with minimal vibration—except at idle and above 6,000 RPM (around 80 mph in 6th gear), where some buzz creeps in.
However, there’s a notable flat spot between 2,000–4,500 RPM. Below 5,000 RPM, throttle response feels sluggish. But once you cross that threshold? The bike surges forward with real enthusiasm.
“It’s not night-and-day faster than the 650—but the extra 10 hp and 8 lb-ft are absolutely noticeable, especially in roll-on acceleration and mountain climbs.”
The 6-speed transmission is buttery smooth, and the new slipper/assist clutch makes low-speed maneuvers effortless. A quickshifter would’ve been a welcome addition, but it’s forgivable at this price.
Suspension & Handling: Great on Pavement, Compromised Off-Road
On-Road Handling: A+
With a 19-inch front wheel, neutral ergonomics, and high-quality suspension, the X-Cape 700 shines on tarmac. The Marzocchi 50mm forks offer full adjustability (preload, compression, rebound), delivering confidence through corners and stability at speed. The chassis feels planted, predictable, and surprisingly sporty.
Grade: A
Off-Road Reality: Manage Your Expectations
This is not a hardcore off-roader like the KTM 890 Adventure R. With just 6.5 inches of rear travel and a softly sprung KYB monoshock, the rear end bottoms out frequently on rough trails—even with preload maxed out.
The 19-inch front wheel is better than a 17-inch but can’t match the bump-swallowing ability of a true 21-inch ADV front. Ground clearance is adequate for fire roads but insufficient for technical terrain.
Off-Road Suspension Grade: C
Off-Road Handling Grade: C+
Pro Tip: If you plan serious off-roading, consider upgrading the rear shock or sticking to graded dirt roads.
Tech & Features: Unbeatable at This Price
Here’s where the X-Cape 700 truly stuns:
- 7-inch Full-Color TFT Display: Bright, intuitive, and packed with data (gear position, fuel level, trip computers, clock).
- Integrated Dash Cam: Records your rides via a companion smartphone app.
- Built-in Navigation: Turn-by-turn directions right on the dash.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Rare even on $12k bikes.
- Dual USB Ports (A + C): Both water-resistant and easily accessible.
- Adjustable Windshield: Can be raised/lowered on the fly.
- Tubeless Spoked Wheels: A huge win for adventure riders—no inner tubes to patch!
Compare this to the Honda NX500 ($7,399), which lacks even a basic LCD screen, or the Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT, which offers analog dials and zero connectivity—and the X-Cape 700’s value becomes undeniable.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Built for the Long Haul
At 33.3 inches (845 mm), the seat height is approachable for riders 5’7” and taller. The reviewer (5’10”, 32” inseam) reported excellent ground reach and a natural, upright riding position.
- Seat: Plush for short-to-medium rides; may soften over very long distances.
- Wind Protection: Good leg coverage, but the narrow windshield (8 inches wide) causes significant helmet buffeting above 60 mph. A wider aftermarket screen is highly recommended.
- Mirrors: Large, stable, and minimally buzzy.
- Handlebars: Perfect sweep and height for standing or sitting.
For highway touring, the X-Cape 700 is surprisingly capable—just don’t expect cruise control (it’s absent).
Weight & Practicality: The Elephant in the Room
At 526 lbs (238 kg) wet, the X-Cape 700 is heavier than most rivals:
- Honda Transalp 750: ~485 lbs
- Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT: ~475 lbs
- Honda NX500: ~430 lbs
This impacts:
- Low-speed maneuverability
- Drop-and-lift effort (rated C– in the review)
- Power-to-weight ratio: ~7.5 lbs/hp vs. Transalp’s ~5.5 lbs/hp
The center stand, while useful for maintenance, drags frequently off-road, scraping on ruts and dips—a design flaw for serious trail use.
Safety & Rider Aids: Minimal but Functional
The X-Cape 700 offers switchable ABS—but with caveats:
- No off-road ABS mode
- No option to disable rear ABS only (front ABS always reactivates after key cycle)
- No traction control (a growing standard in 2025–2026)
For a bike with this much tech, the lack of TC is disappointing. Still, the Brembo brakes deliver strong, predictable stopping power—even during emergency 80-to-0 tests.
Rider Aids Grade: D (solely due to missing TC)
Warranty & Maintenance: A Major Win
Moto Morini backs the X-Cape 700 with a 3-year, unlimited-mileage warranty—a rarity in the motorcycle world. Even better, the valve service interval is 26,000 miles (42,000 km), slashing long-term ownership costs.
Competitor Comparison
Verdict: If you prioritize features and value, the X-Cape 700 wins. If you want light weight and brand trust, consider Honda or Suzuki.
Pros & Cons Summary
✅ Pros
- Unbeatable value at $8,299
- Premium components (Marzocchi, Brembo, TFT)
- Tubeless spoked wheels
- 3-year unlimited warranty
- Excellent road handling
- Thoughtful details (dual USB, TPMS, dash cam)
- Stylish Italian design
❌ Cons
- Heavy for its class (526 lbs)
- Rear shock bottoms out off-road
- Engine flat spot (2k–4.5k RPM)
- No traction control
- Narrow windshield causes buffeting
- Center stand drags off-road
- Limited dealer network in the U.S.
Final Verdict: Who Is the X-Cape 700 For?
The Moto Morini X-Cape 700 isn’t perfect—but it’s revolutionary for its price. It’s ideal for:
- Budget-conscious adventurers who want premium features without premium pricing
- Highway tourers seeking comfort and tech
- Weekend explorers tackling fire roads and gravel paths (not rock gardens)
- Riders who value warranty coverage and low maintenance costs
If you can live with its weight and suspension limitations, the X-Cape 700 offers more motorcycle per dollar than almost anything else on the market in 2026.
“For riders willing to trade Japanese brand cachet for Italian flair and Chinese affordability, the X-Cape 700 is a compelling—and surprisingly capable—choice.”
Should You Buy the Moto Morini X-Cape 700?
Yes—if:
- You want maximum features under $9,000
- You ride mostly on-road with occasional dirt
- You appreciate long warranties and low maintenance
- You’re okay with a growing (but still limited) dealer network
No—if:
- You demand lightweight agility or hardcore off-road performance
- You require traction control or advanced ABS modes
- Brand reputation and resale value are top priorities
Either way, the Moto Morini X-Cape 700 has raised the bar for what a sub-$9k adventure bike can be—and that’s worth celebrating.
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