Powersports Business September 2025 | Page 23

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MOTORCYCLE

Powersports Business • September 2025 • 23

T he 2026 X-Cape 70 0 adds more power to Moto’ s distinct Italian style

The 2026 X-Cape 700 features a long-travel suspension that is tuned for excellent handling, stability, and improved rider comfort.( Photos: Moto Morini)
Italian motorcycle manufacturer Moto Morini just released its all-new and redesigned 2026 X-Cape 700, in what the company says is a leap forward into the next generation of adventure riding.
The X-Cape 700 features distinctive Italian styling, advanced technology, improved handling and rideability, high-end components, and a brand-new engine platform.
Moto Morini— which just entered the U. S. market in January 2023— says the heart of the X-Cape 700 is its 693cc liquidcooled DOHC parallel-twin engine. It delivers 70 horsepower and 50.2 lb. of torque, with smooth power delivery across the powerband. The six-speed transmission and new slipper clutch provide easy shifting and fingertip traction management. The newly designed 2−into−1 exhaust offers a deep, throaty growl without fatigue during long stints in the saddle.
The X-Cape 700 includes a glovefriendly, high-resolution 7−inch full-color TFT display with an intuitive interface and lightning-fast processor speed. The simplified thumb controls operate the interchangeable
ride modes between dirt and road. Bluetooth connectivity allows access to calls, music, helmet communications, and enhanced turn-by-turn navigation systems via a smartphone app. Additionally, the X-Cape 700 features a forward-facing
camera with smartphone connectivity and weather-tight, USB-A and USB-C ports.
The bike’ s new long-travel suspension is tuned for excellent handling, stability, and improved rider comfort. Fully adjustable, Marzocchi 50mm USD forks with 6.9
inches of travel and a new KYB rear monoshock with revised damping and 6.5 inches of travel, with an easy preload hand adjuster, as well as adjustable rebound damping.
The black tubeless spoked wheels are 19 inches in the front and 17 inches in the rear and come mounted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR premium adventure tires. The Brembo braking system with dual 298mm front discs and 2−piston calipers commands braking power and control in any condition. The switchable on / off ABS allows the rider to choose their setting for confidence and agility.
The X-Cape 700 provides real-world ADV ergonomics and rider comfort, with a seat height of 33.3 inches. The tapered handlebars offer six-point adjustments for a personalized riding position and come mounted with durable hand guards and a height-adjustable windscreen. It has contemporary bodywork, slim LED lighting, unique graphics, and colorways in Italia Red or Carrara White.
The X-Cape 700 starts with an MSRP of $ 8,299 and a three-year, unlimitedmiles warranty.

MotoPlex Fairfield brings Piaggio’ s Italian flair to Connecticut

Piaggio Group Americas officially opened its newest MotoPlex location on July 16 with the grand opening of MotoPlex Fairfield, a flagship destination representing the group’ s four iconic Italian brands: Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, and Piaggio.
The new dealership offers a premium retail and service experience tailored to riders across all disciplines— from sportbike enthusiasts to touring adventurers and firsttime scooter buyers. Positioned in one of New England’ s most vibrant motorcycle regions, MotoPlex Fairfield is designed to be more than a showroom— it’ s a cultural hub for two-wheel enthusiasts in the Tri-State area.
“ We’ re honored to welcome everyone to MotoPlex Fairfield,” says Ryan Ambrifi, owner of the dealership.“ This flagship location pairs the passion of the riding community with world-class Italian brands, a premium retail experience, and a service team focused on long-term relationships with customers.”
Piaggio Group Americas executives, including Andrea Gucciardi, president and CEO, joined local riders and clubs at the ribbon-cutting celebration.“ Fairfield County and the broader tri-state area are home to one of the most diverse and passionate riding communities in the country,” Gucciardi says.“ MotoPlex Fairfield delivers an elevated experience that reflects the craftsmanship, lifestyle, and performance of our brands.”
Attendees were treated to demo rides and meet-and-greets with Piaggio’ s sales and marketing leadership, including Michael Angeli, vice president of sales for North
Left: Piaggio Group Americas executives, including Andrea Gucciardi, president and CEO, joined local riders and clubs at the ribbon-cutting celebration.( Photos: Piaggio Group Americas) Right: Piaggio Group Americas officially opened its newest MotoPlex location on July 16 with the grand opening of MotoPlex Fairfield.( Photos: Piaggio Group Americas)
America, along with team members from marketing, sales, and dealer development.
MotoPlex Fairfield offers a full range of services, including parts, accessories, and riding gear, in a modern environment
designed to cater to both seasoned and new riders. It joins a growing network of MotoPlex locations across North America focused on delivering the full Piaggio brand experience under one roof.

Honda’ s global reach helps OEM hit 500 million-unit milestone

In May, Honda reached a cumulative global motorcycle production of 500 million units, and the company credits its contributions to worldwide communities and building mutual trust as main reasons it hit this production milestone.
Honda began full-scale motorcycle production in 1949, just one year after its founding. Honda’ s first motorcycle was the Dream D-Type. In 1963, Honda established its first overseas motorcycle manufacturing plant in Belgium and subsequently set up facilities all over the world, with production rooted in the local markets.
Honda says the key to its massive motorcycle production over the decades is its philosophy of building products close to the customer, and tailoring to each specific market it manufacturers in.
“ Of course, it is essential to produce products tailored to local needs and preferences,” says Masanori Shimazoe, general manager of Honda’ s Kumamoto factory in Japan, which serves as the
The Kumamoto factory in Japan acts as a global hub for Honda’ s motorcycle and power products production.( Photo: Honda) global hub supporting the company’ s motorcycle and power products production.“ However, to be chosen by the local people, it is also necessary to thoroughly understand that country and cultivate a sense of attachment to it.”
Shimazoe emphasized that the importance of its build-close-to-the-customer philosophy is two-fold. For one, it reduces the lead time from manufacturing to delivery from the production country. Secondly, it allows the company to be accepted by the local community.
“ Selling products locally made is not enough to gain trust. It is only by rooting ourselves in the local community and working together that we can gain acceptance,” Shimazoe adds.
Honda says in this current market, high-quality products that better suit customer preferences need to be developed, and service and brand strength are vital. Moreover, rapid response through local production becomes a key source of competitiveness.
Honda adds that its strategy is leveraging profits from mature markets to make proactive investments in potential markets, balancing its global business portfolio while aiming for long-term growth.