Meatier Morini on the way: Italian firm tease big-bore V-twin ADV bike

Published: 11 January 2023

Updated: 11 January 2023

Italian-styled, Chinese-built Moto Morini have been flaunting a large-capacity V-twin adventure bike concept on social media, which appears to borrow a version of an engine previously found in the brand’s Milano roadster and Corsaro super naked.

There are no official details, barring a message from the firm that says: “Let’s gradually unveil the new look and enhanced V-engine ADV which is still in testing,” as well as a hashtag that suggests the bike could be called the X-Cape 1200.

Morini have previously stated that a 1200 platform is on the way, with the UK country manager confirming this to MCN on the recent press ride of the Seiemmezzo 650 roadsters.

A closer inspection of this engine’s architecture appears to show it to be a variation of the 1187cc lump previously found in the firm’s large capacity nakeds, with ‘1200’ and ‘V2’ found embossed on the covers.

This motor previously produced a claimed 137bhp and 93lb.ft in the Corsaro. Elsewhere, it takes styling cues from the smaller 649cc X-Cape already on sale, with the teaser shots also revealing radial Brembos, upside-down forks, LED lighting and what looks to be a hydraulic clutch.

There are also spoked rims in off-road friendly sizes, wrapped in premium Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres.

It’s also likely to receive a TFT dash hidden behind the tall nose fairing, given the unit’s inclusion on the smaller X-Cape.

Moto Morini confirmed to MCN that this is not a production ready prototype and that it remains in development.

That said, the homologation number plate hanger and reflectors, quality of finish, plus indicators and mirrors, suggests it is more than merely a pipe dream and is well on the way to being produced.