From the 650 to the 700: What Has Changed

The X-Cape 700 is the Euro 5+ evolution of the X-Cape line Moto Morini launched in 2021 as its first model after the brand’s revival. Displacement grows from 649 to 693 cc through a longer stroke with unchanged bore. Output rises from 60 to 70 hp, while torque increases from 54 to 68 Nm.

New features include a slipper clutch, a revised 2-into-1 exhaust system, an integrated front dashcam, and two riding modes—Road and Offroad—selected by a thumb switch. Carried over are the Marzocchi fork, KYB rear shock, Brembo brakes, 7-inch TFT with navigation, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, center stand, hand guards, and engine protection. The price rises from roughly EUR 7,499 to EUR 8,099.

Engine: 693 cc, 70 hp, Kawasaki Lineage

The liquid-cooled 693 cc DOHC parallel twin, like the 649 cc engines used in the Seiemmezzo and Calibro families, has Kawasaki roots and is manufactured by Zhongneng in China. Bosch fuel injection, a six-speed gearbox, chain final drive, and Euro 5+ compliance are standard. The new slipper clutch helps prevent rear-wheel lock during aggressive downshifts. The new 2-into-1 exhaust sits low in the chassis, helping centralize mass while preserving ground clearance off-road.

The engine works very well on dirt, and power delivery is convincing both on pavement and off-road. Through the midrange and upper-midrange it is silky smooth and free of intrusive vibration, and it handles highway speeds without difficulty. Moto Morini says the power curve was deliberately tuned to be linear, with the emphasis on the midrange.

Riding Modes Without Traction Control—the Critical Point

The X-Cape 700 offers two riding modes: Road and Offroad. In Offroad mode, rear-wheel ABS can be disabled. What the modes do not change is the engine map. More unusually, the motorcycle has neither different throttle maps for the two modes nor traction control. Moto Morini’s official reasoning is that the power delivery is precise enough for the motorcycle to work equally well on road and dirt, making TC unnecessary.

That is a defensible philosophy for an adventure bike intended for moderate rather than hardcore off-road use. But riders who expect an electronic safety net on wet gravel or in mixed conditions will not find it here. For riders comfortable without traction control, the Brembo brakes and chassis become the real safety features.

Chassis: 50 mm Marzocchi and KYB Suspension—the Core Strengths

Marzocchi supplies the 50 mm USD fork with 175 mm of travel and full adjustment for preload, rebound, and compression damping. The KYB rear monoshock provides 165 mm of travel, with an easily accessible preload adjuster and adjustable rebound. The chassis uses a conventional tubular steel frame with an aluminum swingarm. The handlebar offers three positions, while the windshield can be adjusted one-handed without tools. For an adventure tourer at this price, the suspension specification is above average. A Yamaha Ténéré 700 costs around EUR 11,500 for a broadly comparable chassis concept.

Handling is light and agile, and the Morini inspires confidence even on rain-soaked, rutted gravel roads. The relatively low center of gravity, helped by the low-mounted exhaust and scooped seat, contributes to that impression. The limitation is clear: 175/165 mm of travel is sufficient for moderate adventure-touring terrain, but not for ambitious off-road riding.

Brakes: Brembo Two-Piston Calipers, Switchable Rear ABS

Brembo supplies two-piston floating calipers—not radial units—working on twin 298 mm front discs, plus a single rear disc. Bosch ABS includes a rear-wheel switch-off function controlled through the riding-mode button. That is entirely adequate for an adventure tourer in this performance class. Radial-caliper sport-bike feel is not part of the brief.

Ergonomics: Scooped Seat, 820–845 mm, Accessible for an Adventure Bike

Seat height is 845 mm with the standard seat or 820 mm with the available low seat. The distinctive feature is the concave seat pocket combined with the tall fuel tank, which makes the motorcycle feel lower than the numbers suggest. The rider sits more “in” the motorcycle than on top of it. The disadvantage is restricted freedom of movement while seated, which matters on an enduro-style machine where body position is often shifted around.

Standing ergonomics are comfortable and neutral, with plenty of room to move. The tall windshield provides good protection for all-day touring. The standard footpegs use rubber inserts; steel pegs are available as accessories. A broader platform and more aggressive grip would be preferable for regular off-road use.

Equipment: Dashcam, Navigation, TPMS and More, All Included As Standard

The 7-inch color TFT includes standard map navigation with app connectivity, an excellent feature at EUR 8,099. New on the 700 is an integrated front dashcam that records automatically when the ignition is switched on and allows footage to be accessed through the app. TPMS is standard, as are two USB ports. Hand guards, engine protection, and a center stand are also included—items that often cost extra on rivals. Factory accessories include aluminum side cases, an aluminum top case, heated grips, crash bars, different seats, and an SC-Project titanium exhaust.

Price and Competition

The German price is EUR 8,099 including ancillary charges. A Yamaha Ténéré 700 is around EUR 11,500 with a 690-class parallel twin, more riding-mode functionality, and less standard equipment. A BMW F 800 GS starts around EUR 11,000 with an 895 cc parallel twin and more electronics. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is around EUR 5,800 with a 452 cc single and substantially lower weight. The Honda XL750 Transalp is around EUR 11,500 with a 755 cc parallel twin, six-axis IMU, and E-Clutch according to the source.

For EUR 8,099, the X-Cape 700 includes a Marzocchi fork, Brembo brakes, navigation, dashcam, and TPMS as standard. In equipment-per-euro terms, it is an aggressive package.

Verdict

The Moto Morini X-Cape 700 is a well-conceived adventure tourer for riders who do not have extreme off-road ambitions but want more than a large road bike. The fully adjustable Marzocchi fork, Brembo brakes, navigation, TPMS, and dashcam for EUR 8,099 are the main arguments. The lack of traction control despite two riding modes and the 241 kg ready-to-ride weight are the key limitations. Overall, it succeeds as an adventure tourer with a few clear weaknesses.

Quick Check

+ Fully adjustable 50 mm Marzocchi USD fork with 175 mm travel; adjustable KYB monoshock with 165 mm; Brembo brakes; Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR on tubeless 19/17-inch wire-spoke wheels—all standard.

+ 7-inch TFT with standard map navigation + integrated front dashcam, new for the 700 + TPMS + two USB ports + center stand + hand guards + engine protection: aggressive equipment package for EUR 8,099.

+ Engine works very well on gravel and pavement; silky smooth through the midrange; agile handling; confidence-inspiring on wet gravel roads; successful adventure-touring setup.

+ Three-position adjustable handlebar; windshield adjustable one-handed without tools; 820–845 mm seat height depending on seat; slipper clutch; switchable rear ABS; three-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

+ EUR 8,099 including ancillary charges in Germany; 70 hp, 68 Nm; 18-liter tank; approx. 170 km/h top speed.

 

– No traction control despite two riding modes, Road/Offroad: modes only alter ABS setup and do not use different engine maps; no electronic safety net in wet conditions.

– 241 kg ready to ride: heavy for a 700-class middleweight adventure bike; source calculates payload at only around 164 kg.

– Brembo two-piston floating calipers rather than radial units; 175/165 mm suspension travel is enough for moderate dirt but too short for ambitious off-road riding.

– Rider sits deep in the seat pocket, limiting seated movement; standard footpegs use rubber inserts—steel footpeg upgrade recommended for dirt use.

– Stationary noise not published; confirm Tyrol compatibility with dealer. Moto Morini dealer network in Germany remains limited.

 

Technical Specifications: Moto Morini X-Cape 700 (2026)

Brand / Model: Moto Morini X-Cape 700, successor to X-Cape 650; Euro 5+; Moto Morini founded 1937 and owned by Zhongneng Vehicle Group / ZNEN since 2018; design and development in Trivolzio, Lombardy; production in China

Engine: Liquid-cooled DOHC parallel twin, 693 cc; Kawasaki lineage; manufactured by Zhongneng/CFMoto; eight valves; Bosch fuel injection; new slipper clutch; new 2-into-1 exhaust system; six-speed; chain drive; Euro 5+

Power: 70 hp / 51.5 kW at 8,500 rpm

Torque: 68 Nm at 6,500 rpm

Top Speed / Consumption: Approx. 170 km/h; approx. 4.4 L/100 km

Fuel Tank / Range: 18 liters; approx. 350–400 km

Riding Modes / Electronics: Two riding modes: Road + Offroad via thumb switch; no different engine map; no traction control; Bosch rear ABS switchable in Offroad mode

Frame: Tubular steel frame; aluminum swingarm

Fork: 50 mm Marzocchi USD; 175 mm travel; fully adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression

Rear Shock: KYB monoshock; direct mounting; 165 mm travel; remote preload adjuster; adjustable rebound

Front Brakes: Brembo two-piston floating calipers, not radial; twin 298 mm discs; Bosch ABS

Rear Brake: Single disc; Bosch ABS with rear switch-off

Wheels: Tubeless wire-spoke wheels; 19-inch front / 17-inch rear

Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; 110/80-19 front; 150/70-17 rear

Ergonomics: 820 mm low seat / 845 mm standard; scooped seat; three-position adjustable handlebar; comfortable standing ergonomics; restricted seated movement

Weight: 213 kg dry, manufacturer figure; 241 kg fully fueled

Equipment: 7-inch TFT color navigation with standard maps and app connectivity; integrated front dashcam; TPMS; two USB ports; hand guards; engine protection; center stand; one-hand adjustable windshield; full LED lighting

Stationary Noise: Not officially published; confirm Tyrol compatibility with dealer

2026 Colors: Red Passion; Carrara White; Black Ebony

Factory Accessories: Aluminum side cases; aluminum top case; heated grips; crash bars; aluminum engine protector; different seats; SC-Project titanium exhaust

Warranty: 3 years, unlimited mileage; authorized Moto Morini dealer servicing required

Price: Germany EUR 8,099 including ancillary charges; Austria EUR 8,890