A Revitalized Brand’s Most Compelling Adventure Bike Finally Reaches Our Shores

This powerful new motorcycle beautifully blends Italian design, versatile capability and rider-friendly tech.

Close-up of a motorcycle engine cover with "V2 CORSA CORTA EVO" embossed on the metallic surface.

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As you might guess from GP’s own coverage over the past couple of years, adventure motorcycles are gaining in popularity by the day.

So is competition in the space, which ultimately benefits the riders, as brands jockey for our dollars with ever more compelling options.

Red and black Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 adventure motorcycle with windshield on gray background. — The new X-Cape 1200 fits a surprisingly robust blend of compelling features into a $12,999 package.

The latest comes from a name with a smaller footprint in the US, but that could be about to change.

Because Moto Morini’s glorious new X-Cape 1200 just rolled up on our shores with plenty of power, poise and purpose.

Features galore

Founded in Bologna in 1937, Moto Morini has been on something of an ownership roller coaster since the mid-’80s.

However, since its acquisition by Zhejiang, China-based Zhongneng Vehicle Group early last decade, the brand has picked up momentum (and manufacturing assistance) while retaining the attractive Italian design at its core.

Red and black X-Cape 1200 motorcycle with rider wearing black and white gear on a road. — Assisted shifting, broad power and generous torque promise to make road riding fast and fun.

That quality is very much on display with the 2027 X-Cape 1200, which marries seamless contours and clean lines with surprising power and tech under the hood.

The beating heart is the legendary Franco Lambertini-designed Corsa Corta V-Twin, a liquid-cooled 1,187cc beast making 129 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and max torque of 78.2 ft. lb. at 7,000 rpm, translating to a top speed of 136 mph.

Rider in black and white gear on a red Macni 1200 V2 motorcycle on a grassy path. — Ample suspension teams with modern rider-assistance tech to help you stay upright off the beaten path.

This motor is known for its broad usable power band, with gear shifting eased by a bi-directional Quick Shifter and a Slipper Clutch.

Keeping everything under control are Brembo brakes with switchable ABS, not to mention a six-axis IMU feeding into lean angle traction control and cornering ABS.

Close-up of a motorcycle headlight with white LED accents, red and gray body panels, and "Moto Morini" branding. — The integrated camera is handy for content creators and could be critical in the case of an accident.

Smoothing out the ride are KYB inverted forks with 6.7 inches of travel, while the KYB rear suspension unit offers 6.3 inches of travel.

What’s most impressive to me with this bike, however, is a bevy of premium touches you might not expect from a big-bore ADV with a starting price of $12,999.

These include an integrated 1080p DashCam, a height-adjustable windscreen and full LED lighting headlights, cornering lights, running lights, tail light and blinkers.

Motorcycle digital dashboard showing off-road mode, neutral gear, 0 km/h speed, 216 km odometer, and 47°C temperature. — While some ADVs adopt vertical screens, the X-Cape 1200’s is classically wide and packed with handy features.

The bike also features a 7-inch color TFT that pairs with your phone and provides access to music, navigation, ride modes and key data and more, all controllable via the backlit control panel on the left handlebar.

Admittedly a big bike, with a dry weight of 523 pounds and a seat height of 33.1 inches, it’s not the most approachable ADV around.

Black textured motorcycle seat with a silver emblem on a white bike frame labeled "1200" with red and black accents. — Cushy, heated seats are backed up by passenger grab handles that can also be used to secure luggage.

However, the 6.5-gallon fuel tank holds gas behind the side fairings, an engineering touch that lowers the center of gravity, making handling feel just a bit lighter and easier.

Rounding out the appeal, you’ll find comfort for the long haul in the form of cruise control, heated handgrips and heated seats for you and, yes, your passenger too.

Availability and pricing

The 2027 Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 is available now in Carrara White and Italia Red, starting at $12,999.

Red and black Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 motorcycle with visible engine and exhaust system.

2027 Moto Morini X-Cape 1200

Starts at $12,999

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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