Moto Morini's new X-Cape 700 adventure bike takes aim at the established competition priced at £6799

Moto Morini have launched an updated version of their parallel-twin X-Cape adventure bike, upping the capacity to 693cc, and undercutting the Yamaha Ténéré 700 by thousands.

Building on the X-Cape 650 that arrived for 2022, the £6799(+otr) 700 will arrive in dealers from June and has been launched in order to meet more stringent Euro5+ regulations. It brings with it a claimed increase in power, an adjustable riding position, a slipper clutch, and more.

Housed in a steel trellis chassis, the new 693cc parallel twin motor takes over from the old 649cc unit in the original. Bore size remains the same 83mm as before, however the stroke has been increased from 60 to 64mm.

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There’s also a revised exhaust design, with the new standard can protruding further up the right-side of the motorcycle.

As a result, the bike now produces a claimed 69.1bhp at 8500rpm – up from 59bhp at 8250rpm as before. Peak torque is now also made 500rpm lower, with an increased 50.2lb.ft (up from 39.9lb.ft) said to arrive at 6500 revs.

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These numbers bring the Morini closer to models from more established brands, including the £10,900 Aprilia Tuareg 660 (79.1bhp), £10,999 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (83.1bhp), and £10,404 Yamaha Ténéré 700 (72.4bhp).

All three might offer more punch and tech, but the hefty savings are likely to turn some heads – especially when you consider the Morini also comes with switchable ABS, dual USB charging sockets, hand guards, and a seven-inch colour TFT display as standard.

Tipping the scales at a claimed 213kg dry, with none of its 18 litres of fuel on board, the Morini promises 190mm of ground clearance to cover some trails, plus an adjustable seat height between 820 and 845mm.

Braking power is supplied by Brembo, with 175mm of front wheel travel on offer thanks to a pair of 50mm upside down Marzocchi forks, adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression.

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There’s also 165mm of movement at the back end, with the KYB monoshock providing preload and rebound changes.

Those opting for the spoked wheel version instead of cast wheels will also get a remote preload adjuster for easier alterations, along with a centre stand as standard, plus an in-built dashcam recording footage directly to your mobile phone, should it be needed.

Both the spoked and cast wheel options will be shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres – a firm favourite amongst off-road testers here at MCN. The cast options will arrive later in the year, with both rim styles coming with a 19in front and 17in rear.

To make your Morini your own, the handlebars can also be adjusted between three positions, and there are a wide range of accessories to dip into.

This includes a rally exhaust, heated grips, high and low engine guards, an aluminium sump guard, plus hard and soft luggage. It’s yours in either red, white, or black – with the latter scheme available with spoked are cast wheels.