BEAUTY & The BEAST

On one hand, we have the Triumph Tiger Sport 660, which is all polished and refined, and, on the other hand, we have the Moto Morini X-Cape 650X, which is all loud and brash. The question is - which one trumps the other?

- DHRUV PALIWAL

The Indian motorcycling scene has significantly evolved in recent years, and one positive development to have emerged from this evolution is the rise of adventure motorcycles or ADVs. Whether big or small, all motorcycle manufacturers have been obsessed with producing them, as Indian consumers have exhibited an insatiable appetite for these machines.

One example of an ADV to have born out of this trend is the Moto Morini X-Cape 650X. We rode it a few months ago, but at the time, there was no real rival to pit it against, for it was in its pack of other Morini bikes. However, things are different now, for we decided to pit it against the Triumph Tiger Sport 660 to see how this new ADV from an Italian brand fares against British aristocracy.

AT A GLANCE

When I first saw the Moto Morini from a distance, I mistook it for a Multistrada, which speaks volumes about its impressive road presence. In addition to its large shape, its body is adorned with cuts and creases that lend it an edgy appearance, which complements its long face. The bike is undeniably quite big, which is particularly noticeable when it’s placed next to the Triumph. In fact, the Tiger Sport 660 looks like a kid next to it – there is no beating the X-Cape 650X in terms of size! To put things differently, the Moto Morini looks like a ripped boxer preparing for his next fight, while the Triumph looks like a buttoned-up Englishman savouring his evening tea. Aesthetically, they are worlds apart, which means different people will have different preferences.