The Moto Morini X-Cape 1200, a big-bore adventure motorcycle, is now listed as a new arrival on the brand's US website. This Italian-designed bike, produced under Chinese ownership, features high-end components and a competitive price. Its release follows a delay linked to tariffs on Chinese bikes.
Moto Morini, an older Italian motorcycle marque acquired by China's Zhongneng Vehicle Group over a decade ago, has brought its X-Cape 1200 to the US market. The bike is now marked as a “New Arrival” on the company's US website, according to a report from Adventure Rider on March 17, 2026. It slots between middleweight European and Japanese models priced around $8,000-$9,000 and premium bikes with engines over 1,000cc, thanks to its $12,999 MSRP and advanced features for the segment. The 1,200cc engine, designed by long-time Moto Morini engineer Franco Lambertini, produces 125 horsepower at the crank and includes a quickshifter. High-end equipment comprises Pirelli Scorpion STR tires, Brembo Stylema brake calipers, a six-axis IMU managing switchable ABS and traction control, and a 7-inch TFT display for electronics oversight. The X-Cape 1200 appeared at AIMExpo in 2024, with expectations for a 2025 US release. However, tariffs on Chinese-made bikes likely caused the delay. A temporary reprieve in those tariffs appears to have enabled its current availability. Moto Morini has maintained much of its Italian mechanical and aesthetic design despite the ownership change, offering competitive specs and pricing.
