A "Trail Cafe Racer" Version of the 650 X-Cape
For this endeavor, with the support of SIMA, the French distributor of Moto Morini, Cafe Racer Only decided to undertake a specific customization of the X-Cape. This motorcycle was considered to have a style somewhat distant from the "Cafe Racer" spirit promoted by the portal. Therefore, it was decided to imbue it with more authenticity by giving it a "Cafe Racer" touch, drawing inspiration from its successful counterpart, the 650 SCR Seimmezzo in its Navy Green version.
A few sketches and discussions were enough to give birth to a new style, the "Trail Cafe Racer", an ideal motorcycle for comfortable long-distance rides while fully embodying the spirit of Custom Culture! To oversee the 3D mock-ups created by Vincent Barse, coordinate the various artisans involved in the preparation, assemble, and refine the entire project, Cafe Racer Only called upon our workshop to bring a high-end finish to the customization.
A Styling effort
While the team was highly satisfied with the overall road performance of the X-Cape, their focus shifted to its aesthetics. The goal was to capture the aesthetic essence of the Navy Green version of the Scrambler 650 Seimmezzo, reinterpreting its dominant hues graphically.
The main chromatic codes used on the fairing as well as on various parts and accessories are matte black, green, and silver-gray. The primary graphics and typography of the 650 Seimmezzo have been integrated, prominently featuring the numeral 6.5, which now also adorns the sides of the X-Cape.
To enhance the aesthetic harmony between the two models, numerous parts of the X-Cape were painted in matte black, mirroring the style of the 650 Seimmezzo. The engine guard, passenger handles, and rear top case mounting plate now match the hues of the Scrambler. The touring windshield was slightly tinted black on its reverse side to mimic the black windscreen of the Scrambler. The engine protection bars were partly retained in black but accented with silver-gray on the front portion of the fairing to align parallel with the front fender and visually extend the sides of the motorcycle.
To match the original "Gold" color fork of the Scrambler and to recall this chromatic feature, the team decided to equip the X-Cape with stunning golden rims from the limited "Gold Edition" series available in Italy. Regarding the tires, the team opted for Continental TKC 70, an ideal choice combining occasional off-road use and dynamic road handling, with performance capabilities of up to 240 km/h (We are in Andorran plates...). With its new spoke rims, the X-Cape thus embraces the spirit of early rally trail bikes.
A major element of the preparation was the custom-made saddle, entrusted to Yaya Brush upholstery, renowned in Southern France and located in Sausset-les-Pins, with whom we work regularly. The challenge was to replicate the saddle of the 650 Seimmezzo, a bold challenge brilliantly met by the workshop. This remarkable work immediately brings a Cafe Racer touch to the X-Cape, while offering exceptional comfort thanks to the use of high-density foam ensuring optimal support.
It was logical that both Moto Morini models benefit from a "Cafe Racer" sounding exhaust system. The team thus enlisted the services of IXRACE, a long-standing partner of SIMA, to equip both motorcycles with two approved exhaust lines with different finishes. Thus, the exhaust outlets are matte black for the Scrambler and bright aluminum for the trail. This modification led to increased power, significant weight reduction, and a raw sound, enhancing the personality of both Moto Morini models. For the X-Cape, a low exhaust system was preferred over a high one for increased versatility in terms of luggage attachment.
While hard cases are common on large trails, Cafe Racer Only’s customizations called for more authentic luggage. To meet this demand, the team opted for a complete set of soft bags from Longride, based on the original Moto Morini hard case system. As a long-standing partner, this Belgian manufacturer offers a range of Super Patriot SB bags made from thick French canvas, waterproof and with an authentic style. The saddlebags, attached by straps (or available with a Sidekick clip system), offer a capacity of 20 liters (31 liters when expanded). They are complemented by a 33-liter saddlebag, the Grand Traveller, from the same collection, allowing for a stylish and fully-loaded road trip. This same set was installed on the Scrambler with a readjusted Shad support. Additionally, we added a handcrafted metal plate under the right saddlebag to protect against heat from the exhaust system.
Elegance and performance
Clean, efficient, and discreet, this customization highlights the customization potential of the X-Cape. Praised by many experts as one of the Mid Size trails offering one of the best "quality/price/equipment" ratios on the market, the Moto Morini 650 trail further confirms that it is an excellent platform for customization for those who dare! A beautiful achievement that we are proud to have been a part of!