I've found something interesting at the BHR site (a small french company which imports the Chinese BHR dirt bikes, unhappily no street legal.) The drawings of Zongchen 450 engine entrails for listing the spare parts. It's pretty simple and straightforward. The camshaft is on ball bearings. The rocker arms are with rollers. And it's pretty simple to check the valves clearances. The crankshaft and the piston look definitely modern, and subtle detail the connecting rod seems to have on the drawing a length of 1.8 times the stroke, the classical good length. The stroke is very short 64 mm but that keeps the piston speed under the fateful 20 meters per second at 9000 RPM. The connecting rod is in one piece and it's sold with the crankshaft pin. In fact seeing the drawings and spares references all the engine is on ball bearings like a 2 stroke, or like the twin XS 650 Yamaha (1970-1985 I had one...). Something surprising they have the spare parts for a kick !! and the electric starter. I've found that the alternator on the Fantic gives a beefy 300 watts, you can add electrical amenities. bhr-moto.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MOTEUR-450-R-ZS.pdf if you want to see the drawings. BHR sells the enduro version of the 450 6100€, carbureted and no street legal. Carbureted there is no hope of homologation at Euro5. A decent looking motocross carbureted 450 with the Zongchen engine costs in China 3320 € as I've checked on Alibaba with several companies, cheaper that smells the scam. The decent 300 are at 2800€. The 1500-1600€ are the 250 air cooled. An example www.lextramoto.com/LXT450R-Motocross-p.html and www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Lextra-450cc-4-stroke-LXT450R-Motocross_1600499291330.html After adding the individual shipping (around 1100 € from Shangaï), customs taxes and clearance fees (around 4 to 500 €), plus the sales taxes 20 % in France over all that you arrive at around 6000 € for an individual importation of a carbureted no street legal motocross bike without any warranty. That puts in perspective the 7800€ of an injected Euro5 street legal with lights, ABS and big brakes, plus warranty and spare parts by a legal company which at the difference of Uber or MacDo pays its taxes in Italy, as it's easy to control.
Awesome comment Pablo! So much information and so many good insights about the engine's workings! Thank you! I bret you and my friend John would love to have a chat about mechanics xD
Excellent review. The Fantic Caballero Rally is a very interesting bike, well born and its defects are relatively easy to correct. The most important fact is that the bike has good quality suspensions, any offroad guy knows that changing poor or impossible to tune suspensions is a costly affair. Also the interesting is the dynamic behavior, you can lighten the front, slide the rear, save a situation with just a feet and do not feel embarked by the inertia of a mammoth. Other interesting fact the Caballero stays simple, like the 700 Teneré, so electronics are kept to the bare minimum, and the gadgetry is absent. On a 40 hp bike, if you are rational you do not need it. The Zongcheng 450 engine is also a very interesting engine; as it fills a hole between the small monos and the twins for a light trail bike. I wonder why Suzuki never installed an injection on the DRZ 400, or why Honda has produced a CRF450 L with so many problems to expensively solve... Remain some unknowns and questions about reliability, and I'm going to try to give some elements I've found in the web. Happily I've found something interesting. Two German guys have made more than 15000 km sometimes in the hard way (in winter and snow or a 7000 km trip in 8 days...) with 2 Caballeros Rally, the have kept a very serious journal, and they have some interesting things in their site as a luggage rack. The very methodical journal berotec.de/motorcycle-diary/?lang=en Their YT channel ua-cam.com/users/BEROTECGmbHvideos They have subtitles in many languages. Very complete videos. I'll leave you discover all that. It's for guys interested by the Fantic wanting to form a rational opinion. I buy a bike like I buy a tool for a precise purpose, it must do the job. If it's pretty better, if not I do not care. I'm not romantic with bikes. Very personal conclusion I share with myself. The offf road guys, Offroad Off course, MX test and Berotec, like The Caballero Rally. The reliability is rather good, the Berotec show the point to take care of. If I was in age and condition I would buy a Fantic Caballero to go traveling with a light simple bike as I did with the 400 XR. As I did always I would add my essential engine instruments: temperature of water and oil (pressure of oil on some problematic bikes) and a voltmeter.
Amazing comment Pablo! I will pin it to the top because it was so useful and complete! I will check your links later (i am travelling with the family right now :) )
I have two friends with this bike. It's super easy to drive on and offroad. The only place where you "feel" the compromise is the highway. For the rest it has enough power to have real fun. As a bike to do "one day rides". This bike is almost a 10/10 for me to drive. The cons: - The damn plastic you mentioned. - The first gear is a bit too long, but nothing terrible. - The price is a bit too high. But at least they cut corners in things like the dash and not in the suspension.
Love mine, it’s the shorter scrambler version. They’ve become extremely difficult to get since the chip shortage. If mine was ever stolen or written off I’d have no hesitation in buying the exact same bike - I can’t remember thinking that about any bike I’ve owned in over 40 years of motorcycling. Most fun bike I’ve ever ridden.
@@simonthomas5367 I’ve taken it on some easy tracks over the moors - nothing technical, but I’m a rank novice at off road. I found it easy to use and stable on rocks/ruts.
@@simonthomas5367 For what most want to do - a bit of off road -it’s perfect. I do quite long days out with friends 150 miles or so with mixed riding. The problem with most off road bikes is they aren’t pleasant when riding to an off road destination and that’s where the Fantic is a winner, it really does it all without any fuss. It’s fun on and off road.
Loved the way you closed the video regarding the unknowns about reliability. I would love to see another video after a few years narrating the experience the owner had with the bike aging, parts availability and brand support, and pointing on camera what went wrong (if anything), and how the bike hold its features after some years. In fact, same goes for all the bikes you have reviewed over the years. Afterwards long-term user experiences with both the bike and the brand, are quite hard to find, and eventually that's a biggie for we riders.
I will try to give such update in a few months! Maybe I could do the same about the AJP PR7 I reviewed a few months ago... these "underdog" bikes definitely need some reliability feedback, after all, "the unknowns" are its biggest (if not only) flaws :) Thanks for wacthing and commenting Josep! :D
Love your channel. Very good review. As for engine reliability, we put the 250cc Zong Shen to the test. I was the factory roadracer for CSC motorcycles in the US. We raced the 250cc version for 2 years straight pulling the top end down at the end of the 2017 season. The motor never saw south of 8500rpm on the track and never overheated even in +100 degreeF conditions. Also, the valve checks are frequent, but the screw-type adjusters makes it super easy. I will call it bullet-proof.
This is a review we needed to see years ago. Great job! The importance of this bike is the concept of a lightweight scrambler that is performant (enough) and stylish (as it should be these days). The concept big name manufacturers stubbornly refuse to recognize as important. Kudos to Fantic for creating this unique bike. I’d definitely buy one if it was sold in Ukraine.
Couldn't agree more.... and because big brands are refusing to develop "dual-sports" and "scramblers" that are actually good, they are opening their flanks to fantic, kove, colove, voge, etc etc...
Agree with you. Big makers are not interested in this type of bike because of the benefits they provide. Better to release a T7 and sell it for 11 grand although it weights too much for the dirt. The production cost of that Yamaha might similar to the cost of the Caballero.
As a potential buyer, this is a refreshingly balanced test without the hype. It tells me that the basics are right....provided it's intended use plays to the Caballero's strengths. It's not a bike with many electronic gimmicks, which suits me, though my ageing eyes will find reading the speedo a challenge. There is a question about the long run reliability of the engine. It's Chinese , not Japanese.... but then Loncin (Chinese) have been supplying BMW with engines for at least 10 years and their latest 850 twin is made there. It all depends on the design and quality control. Only time will tell, but if the design is by Ricardo, one of the most respected names in the engine business, the basis should be solid. What I particularly like is the way Fantic have tuned the engine for torque (Nm) - pulling power - rather than peak power (BHP). Less sexy, but it delivers good acceleration in gear, over a wide rev range, without changing gear - much more relaxing, with fewer vibes, and it can get you out of trouble eg. when overtaking. A look at the BHR site, discovered by Pablo, is revealing. Their version of the engine delivers 43BHP at 9000rpm and 37Nm at 7000rpm, while Fantic manage 39.5BHP at 7100rpm and 43Nm at 6000rpm. That's a big gain in torque for a small loss of power... and at far lower revs. This may sound nerdy, but you will realise what it means when you ride the bike.
I just did a test ride on this bike this morning and I second what it's been said in the review. The bike feel super easy to ride, it's light and quick and fun to ride. It's like being a kid on your first bicycle, in the best way possible ;)
Great review as usual. You should hire the guy who provided the pinned comment, Pablo, if you ever talk more about 450cc bikes! He nails it, especially the bit about the suspension. Dead right. The most I have spent on any bike has been on suspension upgrades. Very interesting little bike indeed. Nice to see the channel support growing! Keep it up Diogo!
for me you do the best reports on bikes on the net, because it's fun to look at, also & mainly, because it's realistic. You take attention to what is important to a normal rider, weight, high, vibrations & so on...congratulation & best go on from Fabrice / france
I know if I was looking for a Unicorn bike it would near if not at the top of the list. Light, fast enough (Hwy), good looking, reasonable power (off road), 43hp from a 450cc is fine. Hope it stands the test of use and time and that the aftermarket steps up support (luggage, skid plate and such). Excellent review, DG.
For 2025,the 500 comes with a 460cc Italian made engine with twin cams,increased power, new dash,and slimmer right exhaust panel...good value in today's market!
This bike will come to Brazil soon. I'm quite happy with it. Here we have a serious problem with motorcycles targeted for theft and more "classic" motorcycles like this one do not arouse interest in thieves. It is basically everything I look for in a motorcycle: Light, agile, strong, economical and not interesting for thieves, I can use it on a daily basis and to hit the road and trails until moderate. I hope it comes at an honest price and doesn't give resale problems to whoever buys it. Himalayan is very interesting too, but it has a slow engine for Brazilian roads. I really enjoyed your review, congratulations!
Great review ! I think seeing a 500cc single cylinder, fuel injection ,6 speed , simple maintenance, simple bike it's already a very good thing in today's market Thanks for sharing 🏍️
Nice review--i just wrote Caballero asking if they have or will have in 2023 a dealer here in Thailand. People love scramblers here and ADV bikes. I ride a Honda Rally i have modified and its perfect except i would rather have a Fantic Rally. The looks, the suspension and a bit more power. The luggage should be fairly easy to get a metal tube frame made up at least here in TH it would be simple and cheap. Otherwise get a Mosko moto Reckless 40's or maybe 80's and some exhaust heat shields and off you go. I have soft waterproof luggage on my Honda Rally and its perfect especially offroad. I love the style now i just need someway to get my hands on one here because i don't really want a bigger heavier mid sized adventure bike, they are overkill for me.Everyone is wanting a 400-500cc ADV bike. I would actually be happier with a 500cc scrambler style bike i can offroad on so i can go out on a date with a girl and also do some cross country riding...its my unicorn bike.
Bom vídeo. Arranja também uns testes da Macbor Eight Mile 500 Scrambler e da Voge300 Rally. São duas opções bastante interessantes. Parabéns pelo óptimo trabalho...
Hola desde España.... Esta moto es u a clásica Todo Terreno de los 70 (con las mejoras actuales como inyeccion, monoamortiguador, horquilla invertida....). Es preciosa, clásica y tiene potencia y peso suficientes para el enduro light. Yo ya la tengo y estoy muy contento.
Very sad we don't get the caballero with the rear suspension you have. The rear wheel is holded by a pair of welded tubes,and that makes the bike look so cheap. We saw some of them but quickly they all disappear from the streets. It's sad because the bike you tried is much better than the one we saw here. Great reviews as always. Keep up with the good job. Cheers from Chile.
How do you feel this bike versus something like the Honda CRF300L, the Himalayan 450 or the CFMoto 450MT? Looking for some bike to do ultralight moto camping while having fan in the way. Himalayan and CFMoto feels so big to have fun with, while 300L feels not powerful enough. How do you see it
Очень интересный пепелац.внешний вид схож с дукати скремблер.мне нравится скремблеры они что то среднее между классическими дорожниками и эндуро.поэтому и посматриваю в их сторону.из за их универсальности. Жаль что объем бака маловат чтоб ездить на большие расстояния
In Portugal its about 8500! I was wrong in the video...very wrong :( 6500 its the "Scrambler" version, not the Rally version :o Thank you for watching!!
This was super interesting. Looking for my first offroad capable bike, and tried the Himalayan 450. Is the Caballero Rally 500 more or less capable offroad than the Himalayan 450? It's a lot lighter, but looks less like an adventure bike. Thanks!
Ciao Diogo, this one or the CFMoto 450 MT? I like the old school look of the 500 Rally but also the modern look of the 450 MT. Normal use for me will be commuting (up to 2*30 km a day), light shopping with rucksack, short pleasure rides to local cafe’s and very little light offroad trips 😎 NB: Price difference here in DK is quite high, as 500 Rally is 3000 € more than the 450 MT 🙄
I really really liked the Fantic! I think it will be an easier bike both around town and on off-road. Its more light-weight and easy going :) Both are good!
Excelente review parabéns! Prometeram o lançamento dela no Brasil este ano, mas nada ainda... talvez ela não beba a gasolina daqui. Estava esperando a RE lançar a Himalayan 450 cc , mas só em 2025. Acho que vou comprar uma Himalayan 411 enquanto isso. . . Mas meu sonho é a Scrambler XE 1200cc da Triumph. Já fez o review dela? E a Triumph Scrambler 400cc? Parece uma concorrente direta da Caballero. Tem previsão para fazer review das scrambler da triumph? Pelo que vi a XE é uma verdadeira aventureira!
How are you compare the caballero rally vs dr650/drz400. I'm going a lot of highway, but i don't want havey bike. Right now I'm with a 390 duke with offroad tires. I saw the new cf moto, it's way way heavier than what i like. another option will be the new beta alp x. I haven't seen a review yet. So I'll ask you about the caballero. All of them are avaliable in my country as new. With the dr, i felt it's havey and not comfortable, so ill need to build it. But tha fantic caught my eyes. Thanks a lot 🙏
Thank you for the fine video! Sometimes I read about 41hp or more. Fantic says only 39,5 hp. Are there different versions of the engine? does anyone knows here?
I'm looking at a 2023 Caballero Explorer in Lisboa with under 1000kms, same price as a new 452 Himalayan or 450MT on the road. Focus is gravel/dirt roads exploring and run to town (10kms) on backroads instead of using the car. With the new CF Moto and upgraded Enfield on the table, would you still go for the Fantic? Obrigado!
Hello! Great videos, especially the ones about the XT! If you had to choose between the XT660R and the Caballero, which one would you choose? As the Kove 450 Rally is also coming to the scene with the same engine as the Caballero. Also which one of the both is more relaxed on the highway?
Interesting bike, thanks for the review! Seems like it would be a popular bike if they made a more practical version (larger fuel tank, easier to stand on, and an easier way to add luggage).
What a great and fun-to-watch video! My first "bike crush". Does anyone of you know the height of the caballero rally? Not the seat height - it's the total height and width I am desperately looking for. Thanks
And what about scram 411(a little bit diffrent than himalayan)? You can buy 2022 r. (new one) for 2/3 of caballero price. I like caballero more but the price 🙄
@@OFFroadOFFcourse yeah, I saw that one :) like your chanel. And you're right, they are different. I ended up with Scram, will see... Waight is not graeat for sure 🙄
Always from our German Duo Berotec we have the answer to two questions: - Can I ride during the winter with a Caballero? ua-cam.com/video/hhEecgmz-68/v-deo.html (a good test for the electrical system) - Is the Caballero able for off road discovery? ua-cam.com/video/63jWCjRzBYs/v-deo.html
It’s a really lovely bike, I’m just put off by the price, cheap feeling plastics and most of all the fuel range. It has like 50 miles less than what I’d want as a minimum which is a real shame. The explorer version looks like it has a bigger tank but I’m not so sure. It’s also quite a bit more expensive which in my mind is not justifiable for how cheap some of the materials feel.
@@OFFroadOFFcourse ahhh sorry ... difficult to make out on my phone screen, just noticed the drips from the end of the hose. Glad it's all well n good ☺
Whyyy it doesn't have a 21 inch front wheel :(. Diogo what do you think? Does it make a real difference? I'm an owner of 310gs and I find it front digging in the sand very easy, is the 21 inch as important as I think?
I also usually dislike 19" because i believe it makes a big difference... However, that problem didnt even crossed my mind once when using the caballero. Its not a performance rally bike, but its so so easy to ride i dont think the 19" is a problem. I never tried the 310gs to compare :( Have you tried the crf300l?
thank you for your video, you make it very interesting. I am 1.70cm tall, do you think I can handle the bike without any problems? it is my first experience.
No, thank you for watching! :D From all the bikes on the market, this is problably the easiest one (with more performance) for someone who is small. If you have the money, go for it, you wont regret it I believe :D
mais um review top obrigado. mas top top era teres um aamigo com uma old schoold xt600 para colocares aqui um review que assim ainda estou a ponderar trocar a minha cb500 por uma, nota só por a xt ser para fazer uns rides offroad 😉
I think the line that separates chinese built engines and european made ones gets thinner every day. Most things are actually made on china, but when they are made according to european specifications (like fantic is, i believe) the the results are good.
I believe almost anything can be bought here: www.fantic-shop.de or this one: www.salonedelledueruote.com The map comes with the racing exhaust, but the local dealer might be able to install you the map if you ask for it (even without the "official" exahust). The flywheel sounds like a better investment though... its something simple that has the potential to completely change the bike (but I dont know, never tried on this one)
Hmmm... Good question! The crf is probably better handling veeery big obstacles that requite high ground clearance, and overall its taller suspensions will make difficult offroading a bit easier...however, i think that in most not-so-diffcult situations the caballero will be faster and more fulfilling... I really had a lot of fun with it. On the road i also prefer the caballero definitely. There is more of everything :)
@@francescospagna5643 i got along really well with this one, especially because of the adjustable suspensions, you can set it the way you like it...and then the engine is very fun and makes it easy to go fast.. had a great time with it honestly :)
@@pauloestevao2693 nao nao, mea culpa! O video é que devia tar bem feito, nao a descriçao que ninguem lê nem devia ter que ler :p Pena o youtube nao deixar editar as coisas, nem fosse colar um sticker por cima, um ou audiozinho de 5 segundos :/
Mudaste a minha prespetiva da mota, é uma mota muito polivalente e de boa qualidade além disso mais capaz do que eu imaginava, não me importava de ter uma se não tivesse a minha XT600, excelente review! Cumprimentos
Hey Paulo. Is a LS2 "Pioneer". They dont make it anymore, now you have the "Pioneer Evo". This one is not a very special helmet...its just a helmet, and it was rather cheap (
@@OFFroadOFFcourse First of all thanks for your fast reply!😃 What Cross or Adventure helmet do you recommend? Something in carbon might not be worse...
@@pauloestevao2693 Honestly I can't recommend anything... I am a low-cost kind of person, so I only had like 7 helmets in my whole life, all of them cheap, all of them from "underdog" brands... so I can't talk from experience :D
@@pauloestevao2693 como quase só faço offroad onde tudo se risca, estraga, enxe de pó e suor etc etc nunca me apeteceu largar os euros em coisas mt fancy :p
Fica aqui algum feedback acerca da fiabilidade da mota ua-cam.com/video/jk4cJz9EvAg/v-deo.html ... a Honda ou Yamaha bem que podiam fazer algo do gênero.
Hello! Have you tried both? I felt the fantic way way better offroad then the 2019 390. On the road I think its potato-potato, maybe still, the fantic a bit faster (maybe!) Lets agree to disagree :P
Chinese engine is an immediate letdown. KTM's engine is made in India and has tons of problems too. Why can't we get a cheap dual sport bike with a bullet proof engine like the DRZ400, but in an updated version for the 21st century?
Your making a mistake about the engine it’s grunty and robust. 3 years in and my dealer has never had a failure and these bikes get used hard. I’d take the Zongshen over the KTM- and I have a 701.
@@nockianlifter661 I would also take the Zongshen over the KTM 390, but not over the KTM LC4 engine. But for this kind of money I would still prefer or actually expect a European designed and made engine... But that's all hypothetical as Fantics are not available here in Canada anyway lol
@@davidvitan3590 it is a European design, by Ricardos in the U.K. The LC4 is a different level of complexity and not without its reliability issues. The ZS unit is, for instance just a single cam with locknut style valves. The bike is ridiculously easy to service and requires very little to pull it apart. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 and the 990SMT I used to own were/are far more time intensive.
@@nockianlifter661 screw and locknut valve adjustment is awesome indeed. That makes the 5,000 km valve clearance check intervals less scary lol. And yes the LC4 has its problems and is complex. As someone who does all his own servicing I appreciate the input. But as I said they're not available in Canada anyway. I wish they were.
@@davidvitan3590 I think I might even be able to get to the valves without removing the tank, the valve cover looks as if it slides to the side giving a lot of access. Even if they were available in Canada they are currently unobtainable.
Worthless info. I can't find a Fantic dealer in Texas or ANYWHERE close to Texas. No good to brag on an Italian bike that is unavailable in the U.S.A. What a waste of video.
Hey John...this is not texas/usa specific channel man :p But yeah, i feel you, its a shame you guys dont have this bike over there, but on the other hand, you have a lot of cool motorcycles we (in europe and asia) dont, like the xr650l, klx300, wr250f, etc etc, so its not all bad :D
I've found something interesting at the BHR site (a small french company which imports the Chinese BHR dirt bikes, unhappily no street legal.) The drawings of Zongchen 450 engine entrails for listing the spare parts.
It's pretty simple and straightforward. The camshaft is on ball bearings. The rocker arms are with rollers. And it's pretty simple to check the valves clearances. The crankshaft and the piston look definitely modern, and subtle detail the connecting rod seems to have on the drawing a length of 1.8 times the stroke, the classical good length. The stroke is very short 64 mm but that keeps the piston speed under the fateful 20 meters per second at 9000 RPM.
The connecting rod is in one piece and it's sold with the crankshaft pin. In fact seeing the drawings and spares references all the engine is on ball bearings like a 2 stroke, or like the twin XS 650 Yamaha (1970-1985 I had one...).
Something surprising they have the spare parts for a kick !! and the electric starter.
I've found that the alternator on the Fantic gives a beefy 300 watts, you can add electrical amenities.
bhr-moto.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/MOTEUR-450-R-ZS.pdf if you want to see the drawings.
BHR sells the enduro version of the 450 6100€, carbureted and no street legal. Carbureted there is no hope of homologation at Euro5.
A decent looking motocross carbureted 450 with the Zongchen engine costs in China 3320 € as I've checked on Alibaba with several companies, cheaper that smells the scam. The decent 300 are at 2800€. The 1500-1600€ are the 250 air cooled.
An example www.lextramoto.com/LXT450R-Motocross-p.html and www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Lextra-450cc-4-stroke-LXT450R-Motocross_1600499291330.html
After adding the individual shipping (around 1100 € from Shangaï), customs taxes and clearance fees (around 4 to 500 €), plus the sales taxes 20 % in France over all that you arrive at around 6000 € for an individual importation of a carbureted no street legal motocross bike without any warranty.
That puts in perspective the 7800€ of an injected Euro5 street legal with lights, ABS and big brakes, plus warranty and spare parts by a legal company which at the difference of Uber or MacDo pays its taxes in Italy, as it's easy to control.
Awesome comment Pablo! So much information and so many good insights about the engine's workings! Thank you!
I bret you and my friend John would love to have a chat about mechanics xD
Excellent review. The Fantic Caballero Rally is a very interesting bike, well born and its defects are relatively easy to correct. The most important fact is that the bike has good quality suspensions, any offroad guy knows that changing poor or impossible to tune suspensions is a costly affair.
Also the interesting is the dynamic behavior, you can lighten the front, slide the rear, save a situation with just a feet and do not feel embarked by the inertia of a mammoth.
Other interesting fact the Caballero stays simple, like the 700 Teneré, so electronics are kept to the bare minimum, and the gadgetry is absent. On a 40 hp bike, if you are rational you do not need it.
The Zongcheng 450 engine is also a very interesting engine; as it fills a hole between the small monos and the twins for a light trail bike. I wonder why Suzuki never installed an injection on the DRZ 400, or why Honda has produced a CRF450 L with so many problems to expensively solve...
Remain some unknowns and questions about reliability, and I'm going to try to give some elements I've found in the web.
Happily I've found something interesting. Two German guys have made more than 15000 km sometimes in the hard way (in winter and snow or a 7000 km trip in 8 days...) with 2 Caballeros Rally, the have kept a very serious journal, and they have some interesting things in their site as a luggage rack.
The very methodical journal berotec.de/motorcycle-diary/?lang=en
Their YT channel ua-cam.com/users/BEROTECGmbHvideos They have subtitles in many languages. Very complete videos.
I'll leave you discover all that. It's for guys interested by the Fantic wanting to form a rational opinion. I buy a bike like I buy a tool for a precise purpose, it must do the job. If it's pretty better, if not I do not care. I'm not romantic with bikes.
Very personal conclusion I share with myself. The offf road guys, Offroad Off course, MX test and Berotec, like The Caballero Rally. The reliability is rather good, the Berotec show the point to take care of. If I was in age and condition I would buy a Fantic Caballero to go traveling with a light simple bike as I did with the 400 XR.
As I did always I would add my essential engine instruments: temperature of water and oil (pressure of oil on some problematic bikes) and a voltmeter.
Amazing comment Pablo!
I will pin it to the top because it was so useful and complete! I will check your links later (i am travelling with the family right now :) )
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!, nice research!!! your 2 comments were pretty useful thank you very much!!!
I have two friends with this bike. It's super easy to drive on and offroad. The only place where you "feel" the compromise is the highway. For the rest it has enough power to have real fun.
As a bike to do "one day rides". This bike is almost a 10/10 for me to drive.
The cons:
- The damn plastic you mentioned.
- The first gear is a bit too long, but nothing terrible.
- The price is a bit too high. But at least they cut corners in things like the dash and not in the suspension.
I agree 100%
That could have been the whole review 😁
Love mine, it’s the shorter scrambler version. They’ve become extremely difficult to get since the chip shortage. If mine was ever stolen or written off I’d have no hesitation in buying the exact same bike - I can’t remember thinking that about any bike I’ve owned in over 40 years of motorcycling. Most fun bike I’ve ever ridden.
@Richard S It stole mine.
Did you ever take it off road? Any good?
@@simonthomas5367 I’ve taken it on some easy tracks over the moors - nothing technical, but I’m a rank novice at off road. I found it easy to use and stable on rocks/ruts.
@@nockianlifter661 Nice one, thanks. I'm the same level! This looks more than competent off road though. And such a great looking bike.
@@simonthomas5367 For what most want to do - a bit of off road -it’s perfect. I do quite long days out with friends 150 miles or so with mixed riding. The problem with most off road bikes is they aren’t pleasant when riding to an off road destination and that’s where the Fantic is a winner, it really does it all without any fuss. It’s fun on and off road.
Loved the way you closed the video regarding the unknowns about reliability. I would love to see another video after a few years narrating the experience the owner had with the bike aging, parts availability and brand support, and pointing on camera what went wrong (if anything), and how the bike hold its features after some years.
In fact, same goes for all the bikes you have reviewed over the years. Afterwards long-term user experiences with both the bike and the brand, are quite hard to find, and eventually that's a biggie for we riders.
I will try to give such update in a few months! Maybe I could do the same about the AJP PR7 I reviewed a few months ago... these "underdog" bikes definitely need some reliability feedback, after all, "the unknowns" are its biggest (if not only) flaws :)
Thanks for wacthing and commenting Josep! :D
Love your channel. Very good review. As for engine reliability, we put the 250cc Zong Shen to the test. I was the factory roadracer for CSC motorcycles in the US. We raced the 250cc version for 2 years straight pulling the top end down at the end of the 2017 season. The motor never saw south of 8500rpm on the track and never overheated even in +100 degreeF conditions. Also, the valve checks are frequent, but the screw-type adjusters makes it super easy. I will call it bullet-proof.
This is a review we needed to see years ago. Great job! The importance of this bike is the concept of a lightweight scrambler that is performant (enough) and stylish (as it should be these days). The concept big name manufacturers stubbornly refuse to recognize as important. Kudos to Fantic for creating this unique bike. I’d definitely buy one if it was sold in Ukraine.
Couldn't agree more.... and because big brands are refusing to develop "dual-sports" and "scramblers" that are actually good, they are opening their flanks to fantic, kove, colove, voge, etc etc...
Agree with you. Big makers are not interested in this type of bike because of the benefits they provide. Better to release a T7 and sell it for 11 grand although it weights too much for the dirt. The production cost of that Yamaha might similar to the cost of the Caballero.
As a potential buyer, this is a refreshingly balanced test without the hype. It tells me that the basics are right....provided it's intended use plays to the Caballero's strengths. It's not a bike with many electronic gimmicks, which suits me, though my ageing eyes will find reading the speedo a challenge.
There is a question about the long run reliability of the engine. It's Chinese , not Japanese.... but then Loncin (Chinese) have been supplying BMW with engines for at least 10 years and their latest 850 twin is made there. It all depends on the design and quality control. Only time will tell, but if the design is by Ricardo, one of the most respected names in the engine business, the basis should be solid.
What I particularly like is the way Fantic have tuned the engine for torque (Nm) - pulling power - rather than peak power (BHP). Less sexy, but it delivers good acceleration in gear, over a wide rev range, without changing gear - much more relaxing, with fewer vibes, and it can get you out of trouble eg. when overtaking. A look at the BHR site, discovered by Pablo, is revealing. Their version of the engine delivers 43BHP at 9000rpm and 37Nm at 7000rpm, while Fantic manage 39.5BHP at 7100rpm and 43Nm at 6000rpm. That's a big gain in torque for a small loss of power... and at far lower revs. This may sound nerdy, but you will realise what it means when you ride the bike.
Very well said. A very full curve of torque is more interesting in real life than hp.
I just did a test ride on this bike this morning and I second what it's been said in the review. The bike feel super easy to ride, it's light and quick and fun to ride. It's like being a kid on your first bicycle, in the best way possible ;)
Great review as usual. You should hire the guy who provided the pinned comment, Pablo, if you ever talk more about 450cc bikes! He nails it, especially the bit about the suspension. Dead right. The most I have spent on any bike has been on suspension upgrades. Very interesting little bike indeed. Nice to see the channel support growing! Keep it up Diogo!
Fantic, please make a light ADV based on the Caballero! Pleaseeeeee!
for me you do the best reports on bikes on the net, because it's fun to look at, also & mainly, because it's realistic. You take attention to what is important to a normal rider, weight, high, vibrations & so on...congratulation & best go on from Fabrice / france
First time I’ve watched your channel. Very good reviewer . I searched for reviews of this bike. Great video. Best wishes from Scotland . 🏴🥃🤘
Hey man, thanks for watching and for such a nice comment! I did enjoy this bike :)
I know if I was looking for a Unicorn bike it would near if not at the top of the list. Light, fast enough (Hwy), good looking, reasonable power (off road), 43hp from a 450cc is fine. Hope it stands the test of use and time and that the aftermarket steps up support (luggage, skid plate and such).
Excellent review, DG.
Thanks for watching (has always :D)
The price i said on the review is wrong though..its ~8000, not 6500 :(
@@OFFroadOFFcourse DANG! $6500 - good deal, $7000 - OK, still fair, $8000 - OUCH, too much.
@@hazcat640 i have to agree... Maybe its the fair price, but i dont think the market is ready to accept fantic as "a 100% trustworthy brand" yet :o
For 2025,the 500 comes with a 460cc Italian made engine with twin cams,increased power, new dash,and slimmer right exhaust panel...good value in today's market!
8:26 …. So much disregard…. for the nature perhaps?😂😂😂…. Jokes aside, fantastic review Diogo, all topics nicely covered and humor never forgotten😎
heheh, thank you!
This bike will come to Brazil soon. I'm quite happy with it. Here we have a serious problem with motorcycles targeted for theft and more "classic" motorcycles like this one do not arouse interest in thieves. It is basically everything I look for in a motorcycle: Light, agile, strong, economical and not interesting for thieves, I can use it on a daily basis and to hit the road and trails until moderate. I hope it comes at an honest price and doesn't give resale problems to whoever buys it. Himalayan is very interesting too, but it has a slow engine for Brazilian roads. I really enjoyed your review, congratulations!
Great review ! I think seeing a 500cc single cylinder, fuel injection ,6 speed , simple maintenance, simple bike it's already a very good thing in today's market
Thanks for sharing 🏍️
Nice review--i just wrote Caballero asking if they have or will have in 2023 a dealer here in Thailand. People love scramblers here and ADV bikes. I ride a Honda Rally i have modified and its perfect except i would rather have a Fantic Rally. The looks, the suspension and a bit more power.
The luggage should be fairly easy to get a metal tube frame made up at least here in TH it would be simple and cheap. Otherwise get a Mosko moto Reckless 40's or maybe 80's and some exhaust heat shields and off you go. I have soft waterproof luggage on my Honda Rally and its perfect especially offroad.
I love the style now i just need someway to get my hands on one here because i don't really want a bigger heavier mid sized adventure bike, they are overkill for me.Everyone is wanting a 400-500cc ADV bike. I would actually be happier with a 500cc scrambler style bike i can offroad on so i can go out on a date with a girl and also do some cross country riding...its my unicorn bike.
This looks like an awesome honest bike! Wish we had them here.
Great well balanced and informed review of a very interesting bike, it is very tempting, thanks Diogo 👍🏼
Mais um excelente review, obrigado Diogo
Obrigado eu por veres, Jorge :D
Bom vídeo. Arranja também uns testes da Macbor Eight Mile 500 Scrambler e da Voge300 Rally. São duas opções bastante interessantes. Parabéns pelo óptimo trabalho...
Ja tou de volta da Voge 300 rally! Ate ja fiz um pequeno video de introduçao ao tema :D
L'inglese maccaronico è sempre fantastico...😜 Grazie per il video !
Great review, thank you, I am seriously considering buying one of these. Thanks again
I wish we could have this bike in Canada. Looks of the triumph scrambler but very capable off-road and light. Nice vid,
Well done sir, great review!
Hola desde España.... Esta moto es u a clásica Todo Terreno de los 70 (con las mejoras actuales como inyeccion, monoamortiguador, horquilla invertida....). Es preciosa, clásica y tiene potencia y peso suficientes para el enduro light. Yo ya la tengo y estoy muy contento.
nice review, honest and useful. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting ^^
Very sad we don't get the caballero with the rear suspension you have. The rear wheel is holded by a pair of welded tubes,and that makes the bike look so cheap. We saw some of them but quickly they all disappear from the streets. It's sad because the bike you tried is much better than the one we saw here. Great reviews as always. Keep up with the good job. Cheers from Chile.
Hallo! Thanks for the Video. Can U maybe say where I could buy the panel that's has this one? I think is very well done
Excelente review como sempre!
Cumprimentos
Muito obrigado por veres! :D
How do you feel this bike versus something like the Honda CRF300L, the Himalayan 450 or the CFMoto 450MT? Looking for some bike to do ultralight moto camping while having fan in the way. Himalayan and CFMoto feels so big to have fun with, while 300L feels not powerful enough. How do you see it
Now do one for the 700cc Fantic!
I wish! I've never even seen one! :P
Очень интересный пепелац.внешний вид схож с дукати скремблер.мне нравится скремблеры они что то среднее между классическими дорожниками и эндуро.поэтому и посматриваю в их сторону.из за их универсальности. Жаль что объем бака маловат чтоб ездить на большие расстояния
Hahahahaha in Greece that bike costs 8245 !
(Great review, as always.)
In Portugal its about 8500!
I was wrong in the video...very wrong :(
6500 its the "Scrambler" version, not the Rally version :o
Thank you for watching!!
That's a very nice bike! Ur reviews are fun and true. Will u do a review of the Desert Sled ducati scrambler? Cheera
I think they made the Explorer iteration for more café\trips thing..
This was super interesting. Looking for my first offroad capable bike, and tried the Himalayan 450. Is the Caballero Rally 500 more or less capable offroad than the Himalayan 450? It's a lot lighter, but looks less like an adventure bike. Thanks!
Ciao Diogo,
this one or the CFMoto 450 MT?
I like the old school look of the 500 Rally but also the modern look of the 450 MT.
Normal use for me will be commuting (up to 2*30 km a day), light shopping with rucksack, short pleasure rides to local cafe’s and very little light offroad trips 😎
NB: Price difference here in DK is quite high, as 500 Rally is 3000 € more than the 450 MT 🙄
I really really liked the Fantic! I think it will be an easier bike both around town and on off-road. Its more light-weight and easy going :) Both are good!
Excelente review parabéns! Prometeram o lançamento dela no Brasil este ano, mas nada ainda... talvez ela não beba a gasolina daqui. Estava esperando a RE lançar a Himalayan 450 cc , mas só em 2025. Acho que vou comprar uma Himalayan 411 enquanto isso. . . Mas meu sonho é a Scrambler XE 1200cc da Triumph. Já fez o review dela? E a Triumph Scrambler 400cc? Parece uma concorrente direta da Caballero. Tem previsão para fazer review das scrambler da triumph? Pelo que vi a XE é uma verdadeira aventureira!
Bom dia Gus! Ainda nao tenho previsão de quando (ou SE) vou testar essas motos...gostava, mas nem sempre em dão acesso ás bixas :D
How are you compare the caballero rally vs dr650/drz400.
I'm going a lot of highway, but i don't want havey bike.
Right now I'm with a 390 duke with offroad tires.
I saw the new cf moto, it's way way heavier than what i like.
another option will be the new beta alp x. I haven't seen a review yet.
So I'll ask you about the caballero.
All of them are avaliable in my country as new.
With the dr, i felt it's havey and not comfortable, so ill need to build it.
But tha fantic caught my eyes.
Thanks a lot 🙏
Thank you for the fine video! Sometimes I read about 41hp or more. Fantic says only 39,5 hp. Are there different versions of the engine? does anyone knows here?
I dont know, honestly... but I wouldn't also care about 1-2hp difference. In the end what you feel is the torque anyway, not the HP =)
I'm looking at a 2023 Caballero Explorer in Lisboa with under 1000kms, same price as a new 452 Himalayan or 450MT on the road. Focus is gravel/dirt roads exploring and run to town (10kms) on backroads instead of using the car. With the new CF Moto and upgraded Enfield on the table, would you still go for the Fantic? Obrigado!
Great, useful review thanks. Which handguards where they? Barkbusters? Acerbis? And did they have a metal frame inside?
Hello! Great videos, especially the ones about the XT! If you had to choose between the XT660R and the Caballero, which one would you choose? As the Kove 450 Rally is also coming to the scene with the same engine as the Caballero. Also which one of the both is more relaxed on the highway?
That plastic exhaust cover is a deal breaker for me
Interesting bike, thanks for the review! Seems like it would be a popular bike if they made a more practical version (larger fuel tank, easier to stand on, and an easier way to add luggage).
What a great and fun-to-watch video! My first "bike crush".
Does anyone of you know the height of the caballero rally? Not the seat height - it's the total height and width I am desperately looking for.
Thanks
Great review! Could you please tell me how much softer have you set your forks and shock? (Compression clicks etc.) Thank you!
Hey Diego, nice review thank you. Can you compare its vibration with some other bikes, I rode DRZ400 a lot. I wonder how it vibrates.
And what about scram 411(a little bit diffrent than himalayan)? You can buy 2022 r. (new one) for 2/3 of caballero price. I like caballero more but the price 🙄
I also have a very good review about the Himalayan 411 on my channel... they are very different bikes (with some similarities, of course).
@@OFFroadOFFcourse yeah, I saw that one :) like your chanel. And you're right, they are different. I ended up with Scram, will see... Waight is not graeat for sure 🙄
Always from our German Duo Berotec we have the answer to two questions:
- Can I ride during the winter with a Caballero? ua-cam.com/video/hhEecgmz-68/v-deo.html (a good test for the electrical system)
- Is the Caballero able for off road discovery? ua-cam.com/video/63jWCjRzBYs/v-deo.html
It’s a really lovely bike, I’m just put off by the price, cheap feeling plastics and most of all the fuel range. It has like 50 miles less than what I’d want as a minimum which is a real shame.
The explorer version looks like it has a bigger tank but I’m not so sure. It’s also quite a bit more expensive which in my mind is not justifiable for how cheap some of the materials feel.
Hi, do you know the brand of the (extra) windshield. I cannot find it on the internet.
Thanks and cheers, Stephan
I think it was made by the owner of the bike himself :o
Beautiful bike, is it available in Canada?
1:57 you got a coolant leak there mate, dripping from the radiator hose ....
No no...i just washed the bike 30secs ago, its still dripping water :) if you notice the whole bike is wet ^^
But thanks! XD
@@OFFroadOFFcourse ahhh sorry ... difficult to make out on my phone screen, just noticed the drips from the end of the hose. Glad it's all well n good ☺
"daring expedition to Starbucks" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I was surprised no one had commented on that yet xD
Whyyy it doesn't have a 21 inch front wheel :(. Diogo what do you think? Does it make a real difference? I'm an owner of 310gs and I find it front digging in the sand very easy, is the 21 inch as important as I think?
I also usually dislike 19" because i believe it makes a big difference... However, that problem didnt even crossed my mind once when using the caballero. Its not a performance rally bike, but its so so easy to ride i dont think the 19" is a problem. I never tried the 310gs to compare :(
Have you tried the crf300l?
@@OFFroadOFFcourse the crf300 is an interesting option, but is lacks power. It should be cfr400 or crf500. My bmw has 34HP and I wouldn't go lower
thank you for your video, you make it very interesting. I am 1.70cm tall, do you think I can handle the bike without any problems? it is my first experience.
No, thank you for watching! :D
From all the bikes on the market, this is problably the easiest one (with more performance) for someone who is small. If you have the money, go for it, you wont regret it I believe :D
mais um review top obrigado. mas top top era teres um aamigo com uma old schoold xt600 para colocares aqui um review que assim ainda estou a ponderar trocar a minha cb500 por uma, nota só por a xt ser para fazer uns rides offroad 😉
what do you think about this one vs Triumph Scrambler 400X?
Interesting, like the looks and the concept. Only issue is the chinese engine......
I think the line that separates chinese built engines and european made ones gets thinner every day. Most things are actually made on china, but when they are made according to european specifications (like fantic is, i believe) the the results are good.
I hope they put the cabarello engine into a dual sport
Good morning, where could I find that small optional screen? a greeting
Hello Ricardo! That one is home made, but there is one on aliexpress very similar (thats what the owner told me :) )
@@OFFroadOFFcourse muchas gracias 👍🏻
Agora um da Desert Sled!!
Could you tell me what brand the hand guards are?
I have to ask after that video I will buy a Rally :-) and will cut the Plastik :-) but please tell me what cool front roaring is this ?? Please 🙏
Where can we buy this different map ecu and flywheel?
I believe almost anything can be bought here: www.fantic-shop.de or this one: www.salonedelledueruote.com
The map comes with the racing exhaust, but the local dealer might be able to install you the map if you ask for it (even without the "official" exahust). The flywheel sounds like a better investment though... its something simple that has the potential to completely change the bike (but I dont know, never tried on this one)
@@OFFroadOFFcourse
Which local dealer gave you the infos?
The Fantic is…Fantastic
It is! It has been out of my garage for 2 weeks and i already miss it :p
Frantic have accessories for adventure riding so you can kit it out
How would you compare It to the Honda CRF 300 l?
Hmmm... Good question! The crf is probably better handling veeery big obstacles that requite high ground clearance, and overall its taller suspensions will make difficult offroading a bit easier...however, i think that in most not-so-diffcult situations the caballero will be faster and more fulfilling... I really had a lot of fun with it. On the road i also prefer the caballero definitely. There is more of everything :)
Interesting how a little scrambler Is better than some dual sports offroad, at least on average trails
@@francescospagna5643 i got along really well with this one, especially because of the adjustable suspensions, you can set it the way you like it...and then the engine is very fun and makes it easy to go fast.. had a great time with it honestly :)
I really like this bike, but it costs 11000 USD in my country and is just too much for a 450
What are your thoughts on Beta ALP 4.0?
I am sorry, I never touched a Beta in my life :( No thoughts :D
@@OFFroadOFFcourse
You should try it and the ALP 200 too!😉
But is it available to purchase in Portugal?
Yes definitely...but not for 6500...more like 7800 :o
In Portugal it does not cost €6,500.00, but more than €8,000.00!!!😃
I know :( but i was too late to edit it...its written on the description though, but nobody reads that xD
@@OFFroadOFFcourse
Mea culpa, sorry...😔
@@pauloestevao2693 nao nao, mea culpa! O video é que devia tar bem feito, nao a descriçao que ninguem lê nem devia ter que ler :p
Pena o youtube nao deixar editar as coisas, nem fosse colar um sticker por cima, um ou audiozinho de 5 segundos :/
А байками вообще легко управлять? Если сравнить с автомобилями, например)
Mudaste a minha prespetiva da mota, é uma mota muito polivalente e de boa qualidade além disso mais capaz do que eu imaginava, não me importava de ter uma se não tivesse a minha XT600, excelente review! Cumprimentos
Obrigado Miguel! Tambem fiquei muito bem impressionado com ela! Uma moto muito porreira!
What tires are they?
Hey there. They are the michelin Anakee Wild
@@OFFroadOFFcourse Thanks
10590€ in Finland..... KTM390 is 8850€... Not likely to see those here :S
Thats quite a difference...nevertheless, if you prefer off-road, then its a no brainer, the Fantic will out-perform the KTM in every way, I am sure :o
What is the make and model of your helmet?
Hey Paulo. Is a LS2 "Pioneer". They dont make it anymore, now you have the "Pioneer Evo". This one is not a very special helmet...its just a helmet, and it was rather cheap (
@@OFFroadOFFcourse
First of all thanks for your fast reply!😃
What Cross or Adventure helmet do you recommend?
Something in carbon might not be worse...
@@pauloestevao2693 Honestly I can't recommend anything... I am a low-cost kind of person, so I only had like 7 helmets in my whole life, all of them cheap, all of them from "underdog" brands... so I can't talk from experience :D
@@OFFroadOFFcourse
Pensei que já tivesses experimentado uns quantos de carbono.
Só se vê capacetes feitos de "plástico de alguidar"...
@@pauloestevao2693 como quase só faço offroad onde tudo se risca, estraga, enxe de pó e suor etc etc nunca me apeteceu largar os euros em coisas mt fancy :p
awesome....:)
Shame it isn't fitted with a DRZ400 motor...Yamaha wouldn't be pleased though!
Minha rica Ducati scrambler...
Hmm, something's wrong with the torque - it's about 40 Nm 😉
Unfortunately it's way overpriced in the UK at least ... here it is just over 8,500 euros / £7,200 ... thats a lot of money for a 450cc single!!
If they sold this in the US, they would make a killing. I had to settle with an ugly DRZ when I really would’ve rather had this
Fica aqui algum feedback acerca da fiabilidade da mota ua-cam.com/video/jk4cJz9EvAg/v-deo.html ... a Honda ou Yamaha bem que podiam fazer algo do gênero.
Subianto wani aku mbok kon wedi hahahahahahahhahahahaha rak sudi.
Plastic side part better to be metal... Looks cheap for that money.
Cheap to replace as well if you ride it hard off road.
What!!!? 160kgs wet? 😍
68nm cant be right for a 450!
Sorry but this bike is not fast at all…. The KTM 390 is much faster…
Hello! Have you tried both? I felt the fantic way way better offroad then the 2019 390.
On the road I think its potato-potato, maybe still, the fantic a bit faster (maybe!)
Lets agree to disagree :P
Chinese engine is an immediate letdown. KTM's engine is made in India and has tons of problems too. Why can't we get a cheap dual sport bike with a bullet proof engine like the DRZ400, but in an updated version for the 21st century?
Your making a mistake about the engine it’s grunty and robust. 3 years in and my dealer has never had a failure and these bikes get used hard. I’d take the Zongshen over the KTM- and I have a 701.
@@nockianlifter661 I would also take the Zongshen over the KTM 390, but not over the KTM LC4 engine. But for this kind of money I would still prefer or actually expect a European designed and made engine...
But that's all hypothetical as Fantics are not available here in Canada anyway lol
@@davidvitan3590 it is a European design, by Ricardos in the U.K. The LC4 is a different level of complexity and not without its reliability issues. The ZS unit is, for instance just a single cam with locknut style valves. The bike is ridiculously easy to service and requires very little to pull it apart. The Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 and the 990SMT I used to own were/are far more time intensive.
@@nockianlifter661 screw and locknut valve adjustment is awesome indeed. That makes the 5,000 km valve clearance check intervals less scary lol. And yes the LC4 has its problems and is complex. As someone who does all his own servicing I appreciate the input. But as I said they're not available in Canada anyway. I wish they were.
@@davidvitan3590 I think I might even be able to get to the valves without removing the tank, the valve cover looks as if it slides to the side giving a lot of access. Even if they were available in Canada they are currently unobtainable.
"made by zongshen"... radiator leaking! Chinese crap.
Nothing is leaking man, I just washed the bike 2min ago :P (that shot is actually still in the washing station)
Worthless info. I can't find a Fantic dealer in Texas or ANYWHERE close to Texas. No good to brag on an Italian bike that is unavailable in the U.S.A. What a waste of video.
Hey John...this is not texas/usa specific channel man :p
But yeah, i feel you, its a shame you guys dont have this bike over there, but on the other hand, you have a lot of cool motorcycles we (in europe and asia) dont, like the xr650l, klx300, wr250f, etc etc, so its not all bad :D