The Fantic Caballero 700 is the new flagship of the revived Italian brand from the 70s and 80s. The stylish scrambler uses a very well-known engine from Japan.
- High-quality bike
- Good chassis
- Proven engine
Table of Contents
Noble Design
But the Caballero 700, which costs 10,000 euros, is made of completely different stuff than its Japanese siblings, and you can see that at first glance: the mix of traditional style elements and modern additions looks harmonious and underlines the puristic look. The raised double silencer on the right-hand side, spoked wheels with coarse tires and the long tank are accompanied by chic milled triple clamps and footrest plates, a golden upside-down fork and a carbon fiber cover for the exhaust system. When you sit down, you get that typical scrambler feeling on the straight seat at a height of 83 centimeters. Both legs can safely reach the ground thanks to the slim waist, and the extremely wide, tapered handlebar forces you to lean your upper body slightly forward with your knees at a relaxed angle. In front of the meaty handlebars, a puristic, round color TFT display provides easy-to-read information on everything you need to know; there is no room for anything superfluous.
In the test: 74-hp Yamaha engine
When the first two-cylinder in Caballero history is ignited, a pleasant, rumbling but by no means aggressive sound fills the air. In addition, the work done by Fantic on the airbox, exhaust system and intake system makes the Caballero Yamaha twin feel more spontaneous than its Japanese friends. This makes it a little rough when you accelerate , but the structurally identical drive produces more pressure at the bottom and in the middle without running out of air at the top. Operating the well-graded six-speed gearbox requires a lot of forearm muscle in the long run, and the throttle could also be smoother. With its 74 hp, the Fantic is almost overpowered in the tight corners of the Prosecco hills , and the new electronic package effectively and sensitively irons out any driving inconsistencies. The Caballero has three driving programs available that control the intervention of the lean-angle traction control and the cornering ABS: While all systems are active in “Street”, the rear ABS and traction control are deactivated in “Offroad”, and all parameters can be set to your own taste in “Custom”. The mode selection has no effect on the finely tuned engine character.
Good handling, top brakes
The solid chassis is faced with numerous challenges on the sometimes badly battered road surfaces between Venice and the Dolomites . The tubular space frame around the engine accommodates a powerful 45 Marzocchi fork at the front, which not only looks good, but also handles the washed-out ruts and potholes very well. At the rear, a central spring strut from the same manufacturer takes care of the wheel guidance, with adjustable preload but not quite as sensitive as the front. With 15 cm of spring travel at the front and rear, the comfort is pleasant, but anything but sedan-like. This means that the Caballero also meets sporty demands despite the lack of adjustment options. Its 175 kilos – without fuel, mind you – can be brought and kept on course very precisely with ease using the wide handlebars. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires are also helpful, and despite the coarse profile, they roll extremely well and neutrally even in the wet. The unpretentious country road performance is rounded off by reliable Brembo stoppers with good controllability and the late, gently regulating Conti ABS.
Technical data Fantic Caballero 700
We use Fantic’s official website to get all technical details quickly and accurately.
| Manufacturer’s Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Motor | Liquid-cooled four-stroke two-cylinder engine, 689 cc displacement, 54.4 kW/74 hp at 9000 rpm, max. torque 70 Nm at 6500 rpm; four valves/cylinder, dohc, one balance shaft, injection, six-speed gearbox, chain |
| Performance and consumption | Top speed 192 km/h, 4.4 l/100 km |
| Chassis | Tubular trellis bridge frame; 45 mm USD telescopic fork at the front (not adjustable), 150 mm travel; LM double-sided swing arm at the rear, central spring strut (preload adjustable), 150 mm travel; wire-spoke wheels; tires 110/80 R19 (front) and 150/70 R17 (rear). 320 mm single-disc brake at the front, 245 mm single-disc brake at the rear |
| Assistance systems | Cornering ABS, cornering traction control, both switchable |
| Dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1460 mm, seat height 830 mm, weight ready to drive without petrol 175 kg; tank capacity 13.0 l |
| Price | 9990 euros plus additional costs |
Conclusion: Dynamic Scrambler
With the new Caballero 700, the Fantic makers are credibly quoting their own past, but adding a huge dash of zeitgeist and a whole new level of dynamics to the purist scrambler concept. The adapted CP2 engine power and modern electronic equipment create a harmonious driving experience with fine components, high-quality details and good workmanship justify the price of 9990 euros. Unfortunately, the bike is only available in small numbers for the time being.
