MOTO MORINI X-CAPE
Kicking things off is the newest addition to the Kiwi adventure market , in every sense – the Moto Morini X-Cape . Based around a 649cc parallel-twin , the Moto Morini joins the growing list of Italian machines that are looking more at style and practicality rather than all-out performance in their mission to get the world on two wheels . Power is listed as 59hp ( 44kW ) at 8250rpm with 56Nm of torque at 7000rpm , putting the 213kg ( dry weight ) Moto Morini in the same ballpark as the LAMS Japanese 650 offerings in terms of power to weight . However , where the X-Cape really stands out is with its ancillary parts . Suspension comes in the form of a large , adjustable 50mm
Marzocchi fork up front attaching the 19-inch tubeless spoked wheels to the steel trellis chassis . Braking is , of course , backed by ABS ( which is switchable ) with Brembo calipers doing the hard yards to pull the bike to a stop . The cockpit has the rider seated behind a 7-inch TFT dash with phone connectivity , an easily adjusted windscreen , with seat height being as low as 820mm . The X-Cape will be Moto Morini ’ s first model to join the New Zealand market , with distributor Europe Imports expecting the first examples to arrive in March . Pricing will be announced closer to the bike ’ s arrival on our shores .
OUTSIDE THE BOX Who ’ s it actually for ? Entry-level adventure tourers The competition : Suzuki V-Strom 650 LAMS , 2022 Kawasaki KLR650
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