We were told last year that Moto Morini is working on a new family based on the Bialbero CorsaCorta V-twin, but thanks to the first images we now also know what to expect in the coming year. The X-Cape 1200 is the first model to be added to the range.
It is an open secret that since the takeover by the Chinese at Moto Morini, people have been working hard on a new generation of the legendary 1.187cc V-twin, with which Morini returned in 2006 in the form of the Corsaro 1200 with a sledgehammer. put on the map.
The Corsaro 1200 had a peak output of 142 hp, making it the strongest engine in the sporty Naked segment at the time, but even more impressive was the explosive way that power was delivered to you. Even in third gear, the Corsaro launched its front wheel into the air. And that at a time when no one had heard of traction control, let alone wheelie control.
The Corsaro, which was marketed in various versions, was followed by the retro-classic 9.5, the all-rounder Granpasso 1200 and a Granferro 1200 as a counterpart to the Hypermotard was also in the pipeline, but the latter model never made it to production. achieved. Before that, Morini was already bankrupt again.
In 2011, two Milanese entrepreneurs made a vain attempt to revive Morini, but the resurgence only really took off after the illustrious brand was bought by the Chinese Zhongneng Vehicle Group in 2018.
After barely three years, the X-Cape 650 was presented, a very fresh mid-range Allroad that turned out to be damn good value for money, less than a year later the 650 platform was supplemented with the Seiemmezzo STR and Seiemmezzo SCR. It was during the introduction of that Seiemmezzo that we were told that a new 1200 platform based on the CorsaCorta V-twin would be launched in 2024, followed by a new ‘900’ platform in 2026.
The first model based on the Bialbero CorsaCorta 1,187cc V-twin (we know, it’s quite a mouthful) is the now unveiled X-Cape 1200, which can effectively be seen as the successor to the Granpasso 1200. Morini has not released more than this picture, so the specs are still a guess for the time being.
That does not alter the fact that we can take a shot across the bow. Based on the Granpasso it is likely that the 87° V-twin will have a top power output of around 120 hp, although we will not be surprised when that turns out to be around 140 hp (or maybe even more) to to be more in line with the GS and KTM Adventure.
What can be deduced from the photo is that not the slightest parts have been used with the X-Cape 1200. The Brembo M50 Monobloc calipers are state-of-the-art in this segment, with the spoked wheels (19″ at the front and 17″ at the rear) the tough character is further underlined. The design has a clear family resemblance to the X-Cape 650.
The question remains when the engine will be officially presented, but given that it will be put on the market as a 2024 model, it would not surprise us if that turns out to be this fall.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.