RUST magazine: RUST#39

FANTIC CABALLERO
Are these not two of the
best looking bikes to have
come to the market in
2018? Got to hand it to
Fantic, they’ve simply
nailed the scrambler and flat track
styling – and those funky twin-pipe
mufflers are a masterstroke. For a massproduction
motorcycle this is good
stuff.
Bearing in mind these are effectively
entry-level bikes, to suit learners, then
the design and styling is all the more
impressive. After all, would a newbie
really understand that US flat trackers
historically ride on 19” wheels? Probably
not, but this helps illustrate Fantic’s
desire for authenticity. Similarly, the
modern rendition of the Caballero
– such a success for Fantic in the 1970s
and 80s as a 50cc learner enduroscoot
– is a wonderful homage. And
judging by the reaction of us so-called
experienced riders – yeah, these Fantics
qualify as more than just learner bikes.
MUCH-LOVED PAST
Of course these are modern days, so
while the designs echo of a muchloved
past, these bikes need to be fully
regulations compliant in specification
for today. That means safe, quiet and
as clean as they can go on emissions.
That translates into ABS on the disc
brakes, fuel injection (on the 250s) and
water-cooling and sufficient muffling
(stylishly rendered by Arrow) to keep
them virtually inaudible. And for utility’s
sake, unlike the old days we’re talking
electric (not kick-) starters, plus digital
dashes. But as well, there’s all the extra
quality flourishes, from the 41mm USD
w
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