Kawasakis Versys 650 gets a new competitor in the type of the Moto Morini X-Cape 650. We put them head-to-head to see which is the much better road-biased experience tourer.The Kawasaki Versys 650 has ruled over the middleweight adventure tourer sector in India for several years now, and with good factor. Its shown to be a comfy and refined mile muncher from among the most reputed names in the game, and it has actually likewise emerged victorious from our earlier comparison with the Triumph Tiger Sport 660. Its reign is being challenged yet again, this time by a new entrant in the Indian scene.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: design and featuresEnter the Moto Morini X-Cape 650. And on very first look, its absolutely dressed to impress. The X-Cape 650 is a significant bike that has the stance of a Dakar rally bike, consisting primarily of flat panels concentrated at the tall front-end. The style is unique, some might say quirky, but theres no denying that its an appealing bike. The Versys 650 likewise has a striking design and the updates it received previously this year have actually made it appear sharper than in the past. Still, on its little 17-inch wheels, the Versys does suffer a bit from a lack of proportion. The signature Kawasaki Lime Green paint is attractive too, however despite that, its the Moto Morini that certainly gets more attention out on the roadway. Excellent start for the Italian then.Morinis larger screen gets a cool graphic in off-road mode.Another location where the X-Cape beguiles the Versys is equipment. While both feature TFT screens, LED lights, adjustable suspension at both ends, adjustable windshield, traction control and dual-channel ABS, the Moto Morini likewise gets a USB port, a bigger 7.0-inch screen, trip modes (Road and Off-road) and a baggage rack as basic over the Versys. Our X-Cape test bike also came with the optional crash guards. Up until now so great for Moto Morini, but things begin to swing in the Kawasakis favour as quickly as we get into the saddle.Versys screen is comprehensive however appears a bit too small.The Versys 650 has a softer seat, a more upright riding position and a lower-set and narrower handlebar in contrast to the X-Cape. The Morinis seat is on the firm side and coupled with the wide and high-set handlebar, seating ergos are not as comfortable as on the Versys, although standing ergos are much better. Its lower seat height also means that much shorter riders will need to stretch to reach the bars and this will definitely be felt in the riders forearm while doing fars away. However, the X-Capes wide handlebar does supply great take advantage of in traffic.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: engine and gearboxOnce you get going, the Versys immediately feels more energetic which does come as a surprise offered how closely theyre matched in the engine department. Both bikes make use of a 649cc, parallel-twin engine and hence have identical bore and stroke figures of 83mmx60mm. The X-Capes CF Moto-sourced system (which as far as we can inform is a certified variation of the Kawasaki motor) makes 60hp and 54Nm, while the Kawasaki puts out a healthier 66hp and 61Nm. The Versys likewise weighs 14kg less, however the distinction in the feel of the efficiency is even higher than the numbers would recommend. In our performance tests, the Versys 650 did 0-100kph in 4.78 sec while the X-Cape is over a 2nd slower (5.97 sec), putting it on par with the KTM 390 Adventure. The Kawasaki betters the Moto Morini in regards to in-gear acceleration as well.X-Capes engine size and design are extremely comparable to the Versys. As for how they feel in the real world, the Versys has much better bottom-end grunt and feels punchier at the top of the rev variety too, with the X-Cape having a more linear power delivery. The Versys also trumps the X-Cape in terms of heat management and improvement, although our X-Cape was yet to have its first service, which preferably would make it a bit smoother. The Moto Morini does sound nicer of the 2, however.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: underpinningsBoth also use a 6-speed transmission, but its the Versys unit that feels more precise and has a lighter clutch lever action. The X-Capes transmission is also great, but it can feel clunky at lower speeds. As for the brakes, both have more than adequate stopping power on deal however its the Versys Nissin systems that offer more feel.Both motorcycles get adjustable suspension at both ends to tune the set-up. Suspension is a crucial aspect of any long-distance adventure tourer and in this regard, the Versys emerges on top. In their stock settings, the Kawasaki has the plusher flight and it does a much better job of rounding off sharp bumps. The Morinis set-up feels stiffer at lower speeds, but enhances as you pick up the speed. Whats great though is that both motorbikes get adjustable suspension at both ends, so there is scope to tune the set-up. Team Greens middleweight tourer likewise impresses with its handling, as it feels sharper and more agile than the X-Cape, which, on the other hand, feels its weight when you start chucking it around. The tires are a location where both these motorcycles fall short. The Kawasakis road-biased Dunlops have good grip but provide little feedback, while the Morinis semi-knobby Pirellis arent suited for its touring capabilities, and it would have fared better with more road-biased tyres.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: fit and finishIn terms of build, the Moto Morini feels largely well assembled, with panels gaps being consistent. However, our test bikes lights began to fog up and the windshield developed a rattle in less than 1,000 km. The backlit switchgear too feels good to run, although the high beam switch felt lightweight without a clear feeling of engagement. The Kawasaki, meanwhile, simply feels better assembled and quality of materials are a notch higher.The Kawasakis engine feels punchier and more refined.Wind protection is likewise crucial for experience tourers and here both bikes are closely matched. While the Kawasakis screen offers marginally better protection, it is a two-hand process to change it. And though the Morinis windshield can be changed by one hand, the system is quite cumbersome to operate.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: verdictYou have to hand it to Moto Morini, as the X-Cape 650 really seems like a nice motorbike that has a great deal of things going for it. It is particular to discover takers in our market, provided its style, individuality and features. It just costs Rs 16,000 less than the Versys 650, which just feels like a more rounded road-touring plan, as it excels in the majority of departments, and given that its been a proven product for years, makes it really tough to beat for any competitor, let alone one that has actually just gotten in the market. But as far as road-focused ADV tourers go, the Kawasaki Versys 650 continues to reign supreme and is the middleweight experience tourer we had actually put our money on.SpecificationsKawasaki Versys 650Moto Morini X-Cape 650Rating8/107/10Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 7.36 lakhRs 7.20 lakhEngineLiquid-cooled, 649cc, parallel-twinLiquid-cooled, 649cc, parallel-twinPower66hp at 8,500 rpm60hp at 8,250 rpmTorque61Nm at 7,000 rpm54Nm at 7,000rpmGearbox6-speed6-speedWheelbase1415mm1480mmSeat height845mm810-835mmGround clearance170mm175mmFuel capacity21 litres18 litresKerb weight219kg233kgFront suspensionUSD forkUSD forkRear suspensionMonoshockMonoshockBrakes (f/r) 300mm discs/250mm disc298mm discs/255mm discTyres (f/r) 120/70-ZR 17/160/60-ZR 17110/80 -19/ 150/70 -17 Acceleration0-60kph2.48 s2.9s0-100kph4.78 s5.97sRoll-on acceleration20-50kph1.73 s2.40s30-70kph2.87 s3.95s50-80kph2.51 s3.58 s.

Kawasakis Versys 650 gets a brand-new competitor in the kind of the Moto Morini X-Cape 650. The X-Capes large handlebar does offer good leverage in traffic.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: engine and gearboxOnce you get going, the Versys right away feels more energetic and that does come as a surprise provided how closely theyre matched in the engine department. The Moto Morini does sound nicer of the two, however.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: underpinningsBoth also utilize a 6-speed transmission, but its the Versys system that feels more accurate and has a lighter clutch lever action. And though the Morinis windscreen can be adjusted by one hand, the mechanism is rather troublesome to operate.Kawasaki Versys 650 vs Moto Morini X-Cape 650: verdictYou have to hand it to Moto Morini, as the X-Cape 650 truly feels like a nice motorcycle that has a lot of things going for it. As far as road-focused ADV tourers go, the Kawasaki Versys 650 continues to rule supreme and is the middleweight adventure tourer we d put our money on.SpecificationsKawasaki Versys 650Moto Morini X-Cape 650Rating8/107/10Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) Rs 7.36 lakhRs 7.20 lakhEngineLiquid-cooled, 649cc, parallel-twinLiquid-cooled, 649cc, parallel-twinPower66hp at 8,500 rpm60hp at 8,250 rpmTorque61Nm at 7,000 rpm54Nm at 7,000rpmGearbox6-speed6-speedWheelbase1415mm1480mmSeat height845mm810-835mmGround clearance170mm175mmFuel capacity21 litres18 litresKerb weight219kg233kgFront suspensionUSD forkUSD forkRear suspensionMonoshockMonoshockBrakes (f/r) 300mm discs/250mm disc298mm discs/255mm discTyres (f/r) 120/70-ZR 17/160/60-ZR 17110/80 -19/ 150/70 -17 Acceleration0-60kph2.48 s2.9s0-100kph4.78 s5.97sRoll-on acceleration20-50kph1.73 s2.40s30-70kph2.87 s3.95s50-80kph2.51 s3.58 s.