At the end of 2023, Moto Morini will launch the X-Cape 1200, a larger and more powerful version of the X-Cape 650.
First teaser images have already been released and now it has been spotted test riding. The model makes a production-ready impression, so that or presentation should not be too long in coming.
The relationship to the X-Cape 650 is obvious, the high, slim and mostly angular design can also be found on the 1200 version. Of course, the X-Cape is somewhat larger. What has been changed is the headlight design, which has now been pulled up more.
What the first pictures of the Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 tell us
For the engine, they went back to the 1200cc V-twin of the Corsaro and Milan, but revised to meet the Euro5 standard. This puts the X-Cape in a class with the Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin, Suzuki V-Strom, KTM 1290 Super Adventure or the Ducati Multistrada V2, even if it is not yet really clear whether the engine really has exactly 1,200cc or how much power it generates.
The V2 has been transplanted into a tubular bridge frame. The front is damped by an upside-down fork and brakes are provided by a double disc system and radially mounted four-piston calipers from Brembo. It is not yet clear whether these will be fitted as standard or only as an option.
At the rear you can see a normal two-arm swingarm and a central shock absorber. As for the wheels, it was decided to use suitable wire wheels in the sizes 19 inches in front and 17 inches in the rear.
How it looks with the equipment and the assistance systems, one does not know at present yet. However, ABS is mandatory for a release in Europe, so we can at least expect that. Presumably, LED bulbs will also be used for the lighting components.
Italian brand in Chinese hands
Moto Morini is a traditional Italian brand that got into difficulties and had to file for bankruptcy in 2009. The brand now belongs to the Chinese Zhongneng Vehicle Group.
