The revival of Moto Morini is set to step up another gear with the addition of a larger, more powerful 1200cc version of its X-Cape adventure tourer in 2023.

The fresh model - dubbed the Moto Morini X-Cape 1200 - has been teased with a series of official images from the Italian marque, with a debut slated for late 2023.

The motorcycle represents Moto Morini returning to its roots in offering large capacity models in the vein of the now discontinued Corsaro and Milan, having prioritised rebuilding its range with the more affordable 650cc X-Cape and Seiemmezzo naked.

Considered a spiritual successor to the Granpasso, the Moto Mornini X-Cape 1200 retains signatures familiar to its smaller sibling with a tall, slender profile and angular, if generic, design. Beyond the size, the most notable difference between the 650 and 1200 models is the latter’s sharper, swept-up headlights.

Riding on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the images show the X-Cape 1200 on Pirelli Scorpion STR tyres, with Brembo Stylema brakes also equipped.

Under the skin, the 1200cc engine is lifted from Corsaro and Milan but has been upgraded and is now Euro5 compliant.

The X-Cape 1200 represents the second brand-new model to emerge from Moto Morini in recent weeks, following on from the X-Cape ADV-R, a more rugged, honed adventure motorcycle that will join the range in 2023 before the 1200 hits the road.

Moto Morini on the comeback trail

The unveiling of the X-Cape 1200 is the latest step in the Chinese-financed marque’s revival following a troubled period that saw it go bankrupt as recently as 2009.

Just one of myriad storied Italian motorcycle brands to hit hard times over the years, Moto Morini went into voluntary liquidation in 2009 and all-but-ceased production for the next three years while it sold off its assets.

Eventually Moto Morini found a new owner in Eagle Bike - run by two Italian entrepreneurs - in 2012 and returned to the market with a trio of 1200cc models in the Granpasso, Corsaro Veloce and Scrambler.

In 2018, however, Moto Morini changed hands again with its sale to the Chinese firm Zhongneng Vehicle Group, launching the X-Cape 650 as the first product of its new ownership at the 2019 EICMA show.

Going on sale in 2021 to coincide with the phasing out of the Corsaro and Milan, the X-Cape 650 was joined by the Seiemmezzo 6½ later that year to give the firm a foothold in the volume-orientated mid-capacity market.

The X-Cape 1200, however, leans back into the larger capacity arena it made its name to rival the likes of the Honda CRF 1100L Africa Twin and Ducati Multistrada V2.

Moto Morini’s Chinese-financed resurrection will look to emulate the runaway success of fellow Italian firm Benelli, which has seen sales soar in Asia under major investment from QJ Motor and now lays claim to Italy’s best-selling model in the Benelli TRK 502.

Credit: bennetts

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