The Moto Morini X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is turning heads in the adventure motorcycle world, and it’s not just because of its flashy gold rims. This Italian-born, Chinese-backed bike combines rugged capability, modern tech, and a price tag that undercuts the competition, making it a serious contender for riders who want a versatile mid-sized adventure bike without breaking the bank. With a storied history and a fresh take on what an adventure bike can be, the X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is ready to carve its name into the American market.
A Fresh Take on Adventure Riding
Moto Morini, a brand with roots stretching back to 1937 in Bologna, Italy, has seen its share of ups and downs. Founded by Alfonso Morini, the company built a reputation for crafting distinctive V-twin motorcycles before facing liquidation in 2010. Fast forward to 2012, when China’s Zhongneng Vehicle Group acquired the brand, giving it new life. Now based in Milan, Moto Morini is making waves again, and the X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is proof they’re back with something to prove.
Image credit: Moto Morini
Unlike the well-known Japanese brands—Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha—that dominate the mid-sized adventure bike market with models priced around $11,000 or less, Moto Morini offers a compelling alternative. The X-Cape 700 Gold Edition delivers a blend of style, performance, and value that’s hard to ignore, especially for riders who want a bike that can handle both pavement and dirt without costing a fortune.
Power and Performance That Packs a Punch
At the core of the X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is a 693cc parallel-twin engine, built by CFMoto and inspired by Kawasaki’s proven 650cc design. This engine pumps out a solid 70 horsepower, giving the bike enough grunt to tackle highways, backroads, and light off-road trails with confidence. It’s not just about raw power—the engine’s design ensures smooth delivery, making it approachable for riders who want versatility without overwhelming performance.
Image credit: Moto Morini
The bike’s chassis is built for adventure, with a rugged frame that balances durability and agility. A 19-inch front wheel paired with a 17-inch rear wheel makes it road-oriented but capable of handling gravel or fire roads. The suspension, featuring a Kayaba monoshock at the rear and a Marzocchi fork with 50mm inverted shanks up front, provides a comfortable ride on pavement and enough control for off-road excursions. Add in Brembo brakes with Bosch detachable ABS, and you’ve got a setup that inspires confidence whether you’re carving corners or navigating loose terrain.
Gold Edition: Where Style Meets Function
What sets the Gold Edition apart from the standard X-Cape 700 is its upgraded feature set, designed to add comfort and flair without pushing the price into premium territory. The most eye-catching upgrade is the tubeless spoked wheels, finished in a striking gold anodized coating. These rims aren’t just for show—they’re built to handle the rigors of adventure riding while giving the bike a bold, distinctive look.
Beyond the wheels, the Gold Edition adds practical features that make long rides more enjoyable. Heated handgrips and a heated seat—yes, a heated seat on an adventure bike—bring a touch of luxury to the experience, especially for riders who venture out in cooler weather. While the heated seat might seem like overkill for hardcore off-roaders who spend most of their time standing on the pegs, it’s a game-changer for those who log more miles on pavement or tackle multi-day trips. The seat itself is notably plush, offering a level of comfort that stands out in the adventure bike category.
Image credit: Moto Morini
A proper traction control system and a center stand round out the upgrades. The traction control ensures better grip in tricky conditions, while the center stand is a practical addition for parking on uneven surfaces or performing maintenance on the go. For riders who plan extended adventures, the bike can also be fitted with hard luggage, making it a capable companion for multi-day journeys.
Tech That Keeps You Connected
The X-Cape 700 Gold Edition doesn’t skimp on modern technology. A 7-inch TFT display serves as the bike’s command center, delivering key information like speed, gear position, and fuel levels in a clear, colorful format. The display also pairs with a smartphone app for real-time navigation, a feature that’s becoming a must-have for adventure riders. Whether you’re exploring unfamiliar backroads or navigating city streets, this setup keeps you on track without needing a separate GPS device.
An adjustable windscreen adds another layer of practicality, letting riders fine-tune airflow for comfort on long highway stretches. Additional tech touches include full LED headlights for better visibility, backlit handlebar controls for easy operation at night, and dual USB chargers to keep devices powered during extended trips. For riders who like to stay connected, the bike offers music and phone connectivity, making it easy to stream tunes or take calls on the go.
Affordable Adventure Without Compromise
One of the X-Cape 700 Gold Edition’s biggest selling points is its price. Available in Italy for €7,940 (roughly $8,600), it undercuts many of its Japanese competitors while offering a comparable—or even superior—feature set. For comparison, the standard X-Cape 650, already a strong value at $7,999 in the U.S., proves Moto Morini’s commitment to affordability. While the Gold Edition hasn’t yet hit American shores, its pricing suggests it will remain well under the $11,000 mark set by brands like Honda and Yamaha, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious riders who don’t want to sacrifice quality or features.
The bike comes in three color options—red, white, and black—each paired with those signature gold rims. This combination of style and value makes the Gold Edition a standout choice for riders who want a bike that looks as good as it performs without emptying their wallet.
Who’s It For?
The X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is designed for riders who want a do-it-all motorcycle. It’s ideal for those who spend most of their time on paved roads but want the option to hit gravel trails or fire roads when the mood strikes. The bike’s road-oriented 19/17-inch wheel setup and comfortable saddle make it a great choice for long-distance touring, while its off-road capabilities ensure it can handle light dirt without breaking a sweat.
The Gold Edition’s luxe features, like the heated seat and grips, cater to riders who value comfort on extended rides, while the traction control and ABS provide peace of mind for those tackling varied terrain. It’s not a hardcore enduro bike—its 234kg (515 lbs) wet weight makes it better suited for road touring with occasional off-road detours—but it’s a versatile machine that can handle a wide range of riding scenarios.
What Riders Are Saying
Early reviews of the X-Cape 700 praise its balance of performance and affordability. Testers have called it a “fabulous little bike” that delivers Italian style and solid build quality at a price that’s hard to beat. The 7-inch TFT display has been highlighted for its clarity and functionality, especially when paired with the navigation app. Riders also appreciate the bike’s smooth power delivery and comfortable ergonomics, making it a strong contender for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
Some reviewers note that the X-Cape 700 leans more toward road touring than serious off-road riding, but that’s not necessarily a drawback for its target audience. For riders who want a stylish, capable bike that can handle a bit of gravel without requiring the skills of a seasoned enduro rider, the X-Cape 700 hits the mark.
Looking Ahead
While the X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is currently available in Italy, American riders are eagerly awaiting its arrival in the U.S. market. In the meantime, the X-Cape 650 offers a taste of what Moto Morini brings to the table, with a slightly smaller 649cc engine and a starting price of $7,999. Both models showcase the brand’s ability to blend Italian design with practical engineering, all while keeping costs down.
Moto Morini’s resurgence is a story worth following. With a growing lineup that includes everything from scramblers to baggers, the brand is carving out a niche in the competitive motorcycle market. The X-Cape 700 Gold Edition, with its bold styling, modern tech, and budget-friendly price, is a clear sign that Moto Morini is here to stay—and ready to challenge the big names in adventure biking.
For riders looking for a mid-sized adventure bike that offers more bang for the buck, the Moto Morini X-Cape 700 Gold Edition is worth keeping an eye on. It’s a bike that combines the best of both worlds: the rugged spirit of adventure riding and the comfort of a long-distance tourer, all wrapped in a package that’s as stylish as it is affordable.
