We ’ ve had the X-Cape for a couple of months now , and it ’ s time for a fresh perspective … Peter Elliott has been spending some time aboard the Adventourer .
Geoff , our photographer , has been using the X-Cape as his daily ride for getting to and from Kiwi Rider photoshoots , but I managed to prise the keys out of his sticky mitts and get out on the LAMS approved adventure machine to spend some kilometres aboard .
WHAT IS IT ? The X-Cape is on a solid platform ; designed by Italians , with good Japanese technology and engine , built in China . In the flesh the bike looks the business , a large tank holds over 20 litres of fuel , and it adds to a little weight up high . Not excessive , but apparent all the same .
It conforms to Euro 5 and performs admirably on the road . At first look there is an excellent 7-inch TFT display screen in front , beneath the slightly v-shaped windscreen . The screen is easy to read and navigate and is not so obtrusive that it ’ s likely to interfere with riding concentration . That adjustable windscreen is also rather narrow and I doubted its capability - but was very pleased to be proved entirely wrong . It works superbly with the wash at speed flowing smoothly over the top of my helmet , without buffeting , and the side wash leaving my shoulders without pressure [ your mileage may vary on this , as Jock experienced buffeting - Ed ]. It ’ s a great piece of kit .
42 KIWI RIDER