I see several comments here from riders about my age and experience. Have been riding for 45+ years and had a wide variety of bikes. Have never owned a Fantic but know of them and they are both acknowledged and quality (offroad) kit. Body is getting a bit too stiff to bend over the tank for clip-ons and don't really need 100+ horsepower bike for 90% of the riding I do. Have owned an XT500 earlier so am familiar with thumpers too. This could very well be the next bike I buy. Perfect for where I live in Scandinavia, very few motorways, draconian speeding fines and horrible petrol prices. Thanks for a good reveiw.
Just bumped (not literally, clearly) into a chap riding one of these on a rural Algarve road. He runs motorcycle tours in the UK, but has a home out here...He rode over from the UK. He loves it, powerful, great torque, and light.
Looks a great bike, I checked them out at motorcycle live and they do look great. Nice to see another brand available and something different. I would imagine an easy bike to maintain yourself and sounds good, you can't beat the simplicity of a single cylinder sometimes. Keep up the reviews of these alternative brands and thank you!
Must admit I’ve never even heard of this brand. Very surprised at how much I liked the look of this scrambler. The fit and finish quality showed up well on the vid. All around pleased. Quite certain it’ll find a market. 👍🏼
As a Scrambler, this bike does make a lot of sense. It's lightish (150Kg), has all the power you'd need off road, looks pretty good, and is competitively priced. If I ever want an off roady bike, I'd definitely have something like this over a heavy weight Triumph 1200cc Scrambler or Ducati 1100cc Scrambler, and I'm a Triumph fan boy ! Saying that there is a Ducati 400cc that does look sensible for off roady type riding.
My only ever experience of Fantic was in the late 70s when a mate had the beautiful little GT50 moped ,it was a time when any 16 year old with ambitions to have a "real" bike was charging about on a Fizzie but those with a few bob would lust after the little GT50 or the Puch 50 in John Player Special black and gold livery.
Fantic had a moped which was very cool in the mid seventies when we were all riding FSIEs. I like this bike a lot and as you say it seem well put together. What's more having just looked at their lovely website they have a dealer in Limoges near where I live, so I think me will take a look when next in town.
@@enricomariabarra3261 best decision ever, i have now like 3000 km on it. Not a single issue. If you get one ask the dealer for the race mapping. The machine runs so much better with it. Its really a fun bike, the handling is superb and almost everytime i come back to my bike, there are people standing there and looking at it or asking me questions 😉
Wish Fantic sold in Canada also, I am of an age when the Cabellero mopeds of the 70s were pretty cool when I was growing up in Yorkshire. My fizzy was good and reliable but the Fantic GTs and Cabs were very desirable. Thanks again TMF for bringing interesting reviews to us, my start was on twisting English roads like you show and it's great to see them with interesting bikes.
Like you, I wish Triumph would. But then again, their first generation Scrambler only had 14bhp more, had double the CCs and weighed about 50 kg more, so this is probably quicker on its power to weight. The whole of the current Bonneville range are grossly over weight. Fantic have hit the sweet spot in terms of style, weight, power and actual dynamic capability. I’m sorely tempted.
Aunque el video es de hace tres años..decir que yo tengo la Caballero 500 Rally E5 y es una maquina brutal. Es verdad que los modelos E4 tenian algunos problemas que Fantic ha solucionado en las Euro5. El motor es muy fiable y durisimo. La moto transmite unas sensaciones espectaculares. Para los que dicen que Fantic es una marca desconocida..decirles que Fantic en los años 70 ganó varios campeonatos en motocross con las Caballero de la epoca. Es una marca mitica. Saludos.
My first road bike was a lime green Fantic TI. 50cc 6 speed. 6.5 horse power I think. 1975. It cost £230 or so. They also made a chopper version which was just mad looking.
Ive had a lot of bikes over the years. In general I think most new bikes miss the mark in terms of styling. Talk about getting the design cues spot on. I cannot really find one thing I don't like about this motorcycle....... I always wanted like a proper desert bike from the seventies like a Bultaco or a BSA outfitted for off road. Great job.
Just put an order in for the Rally after selling the FJR Andy! picking it up Saturday! Thanks for the review buddy, this is probably the very same bike I rode Saturday on their demo day, I took it off-road in the fields next to Paul the bosses house, lol
I'm glad you mentioned how wide it is when standing up. Its the reason I didn't buy one as I want to green lane. I bought the 250 E Casa instead as its designed for the job. Good video as always TMF.
Hey Dynamo how are you getting on with the casa? I looked at one but thought it wouldn’t be to good to use on the road to get to the lanes? Looking at the discounted husqvarna 401 scrambler at the mo an alternative
@@iangriffiths9930 Hey Ian, it's a great off road bike but it's on roads manners leave a bit to be desired. Primarily the off road tyres are the problem. Once they're warm and you remember what they are then no problems. About 60mph the front end shakes but again that's due to the tyres. I'm happy to live with it as I bought it to go off road and the tyres definitely do that very well as does the bike too.
@@iangriffiths9930 hi Ian, just took my little boy out on it for an hour both on and off road and he loved it. With the extra weight it was more stable on the dial carriageway. We hit 70 and it got there no problem. 👍
I wish I had this sort of bike when I was 16 yo. Long time ago. But they didn’t exist then in 50cc, so I had a Kreidler; modified of course. Nice fun and go everywhere bike the Caballero, light, nimble and not overpowered. Maybe interesting also as a bike for the winter with snow etc. Looks like it can handle it.
I was very tempted by the Scrambler version when I was bike shopping for my Beta Alp 4.0 I think I made the right choice, but the Fantacs are cracking bikes!
Cracking review done in your usual (excellent) way. I have one of the originals in my collection, only similarity is the name as that looks very good quality indeed. BTW, if the speedo in mph watch out as have been caught by a mobile revenue collector there! Thanks TMF.
Yep like it. Maybe the LED headlight is a bit "modern" for it but otherwise all good. I had a Fantic Caballero in the 70's whilst still at school, man was I cool (or so I thought), 50cc 2 stroke with 6 seemingly identical gears.....good times!
Just a note on the latest E5 model. I’ve literally just bought one today, and they’ve changed all the switch gear. It’s more standard now. Less “eccentric”.
Another quality review by TMF. Good job Andy. My only dislike is the price. Maybe I am just getting old but £7000 for a basic 500cc is outrageous. What is going on in the world with the prices on bikes??? Never had to spend more than £9999 for a big litre plus machine before, now those same machines asking £20k plus. The worlds gone mental. Or my Civil Servant pay just isn’t keeping up? Lol Keep up the great work. Love all the videos you do.
Apparently when the Volkswagen polo was first launched it was £3.5k. Adjusted for inflation that would be £40k now for that basic 850cc car. At 16 i could have a brand new motorcycle. 600cc for around £4k. And a 3 bed house for £50k. Were lucky a ninja 650 is not £20k based on how house have gone up. Wages still suck.
I don't think Brexit has helped with bike prices, but I guess bikes from small manufacturers only built in small numbers are going to be more expensive. I'd be tempted at around £5.5k. I'd also be worried about servicing/spare parts and longevity.
Cracking looking bike. Looks so much more expensive than it is. Been trying to take a trip out to Krazy Horse but having trouble finding the time and nice weather. I'll let them know your coverage has enticed me all the more to go and pay them a visit.
Yes it's a great dealers- bit of a schlep for me too but really looking forward to getting out there again, really nice bikes in the showroom and a cracking restaurant to boot!
Some great cafes & restaurants as well. A interesting machine & I totally agree about it looking like a bike should. Call me old school, but I do prefer the older clock style gauges on a bike that looks like this, even a hybrid. I’m 58 & I’m sure plenty of those younger would disagree. 👍🏍🇦🇺
Looks like a good ride for the money. I'd say that the only thing I think I don't like is the speedo, would rather have the old wavy arm dials with rev counter. Apart from that, a class machine.
Agree on that, I do love old analog clocks but that's to expensive to make this days, sensor and cheap screen - there you go, on your way... On the other side, keep it simple is good all in all.
Where you stopped for a walk round there's a nice car park down the end , West Stow Lakes, where you can Ogle wildlife and get a coffee but the coffee at Krazy horse is probably better ( and free to you 😂) . You went left toward the sailing club before you turned back...
Well, I've been riding for over 40 years and I've owned or ridden just about everything, or so I thought. I've owned all sorts of odd bikes. Hodaka, Bultaco, Macco, all four of the big Japanese bikes; Honda, Kawasaki, etc.. along with a few Brits like Triumph and Norton, but I've never heard of Fantic. Just goes to show there's always something to learn.
Krazy Horse is one of my favourite destinations - excellent cafe and the bikes are lovely. I really like the look of the Fantics but my Versys 300 is a keeper for the moment. Mind you, they also sell MVs and their Turismo Veloce is on my short list for when i win the lottery!
Cor takes me back to 1976.....mate had a fantic caballero 49cc.....i had a casal trial st 50......always thought the name sounded cool...back then of course😁
This is the type of bike Royal Enfield should have been putting out . They used to have a killer Scrambler kit. Anywho, I like this Fantic Rally Scrambler, I'd ride the wheels off one and be happy as a pig in slop.
Think I test rode that very bike. Liked it, if you are in the area again carry on down that main road your were on, right on the roundabout you will hit raf lakenheath, great off road viewing area. Usually plenty of planes too.
Lol The last bike I buy could well be the same as the first bike i bought. In 1976 I bought a Fantic Caballero 50cc moped the tank shape on the 500 is definitely a nod of the heard to its heritage . Sound like a fitting end to my motorcycle carrier as the dreaded arthritis is making riding my GSA more and more difficult. I also had a Fantic K-Roo trials bike at one time, so I have a bit of history
Should've given us a shout , I was out giving driving lessons 🙂 At about 3:50 you went past Flempton golf course and if you turned right in a mile you could have got on to the Icknleld way green lane 😉
Yeah...The Chinese are definitely coming on leaps and bounds. Talking of those quality exhausts....Have Chinese copy Akrapovic silencers on my recently acquired CRK Triumph Trophy 1200 Roadster and the quality of fit and finish is as good as any genuine more well known manufacturer. Great review mate.
Andy, I exchanged my 2017 BMW G310' for a 2021 Fantic Caballero 500 FT (450cc), last July and I absolutely love it. I can't wait for the non salt stridden roads in the warmer spring months, leading into the glorious 'British Summer' months of June, July, August etc?!
Yep, this one is buy far the most realistic and proper scrambler to date. Triumph are way too heavy to consider them as scramblers. If they put there ego down and build small 250 and 400 singles then i’ll be interested.
Seen this a lot on the Interwebs - looks really great but I think they need to price it more aggressively - then maybe build-up the pricing (this is what Hynundai did - and Honda believe it or not - back on the day, before they were known quality buys). 7K is not "inexpensive" for a fairly unknown make, very basic thumper - and you're approaching prices of some better-known makes which are always the "safer" option. Lovely looking bike though - hope they do well!
MCN review October 7th reckons the 500 Scrambler, that has upgraded spec, is “a classy and affordable bit of kit” - no doubt you’ll mention that in your MCN October roundup...
If you are on the dole or minimum wage then you might not consider it as a budget bike but for the rest of us its clearly a budget bike especially when you consider the triumph street scrambler is £11k
GoodLuck WeNeedIt 6k isn’t exactly cheap but i think of it as a fair price considering what the bike offers and the quality material that is made of, but 11k for a triumph speed twin for is ridiculous. A motorcycle that costs more than a small car is a thing that i cannot understand if you consider that there’s a lot more metal, 4 wheels , extra seats , a bigger engine etc. even good quality 125’s now a not relatively cheap if you look at the Honda cub or monkey.
@@chrisredfield3240 and horrible rear spin each time you change gear. I wanted to buy the T700 as my 1st bike, but after several test rides I said no to it. It's tall, has big spoke wheels and ABS. that's all T700 offers. It has a very small tank, you have to rev it hard, top heavy and makes you sweat every time you change gear, especially while cornering. It costs where i live Just under 13k euro. With that money I bought Moto guzzi's new v85tt which is a lot of bike for 13645 euro, looks absolutely gorgeous, the build quality is next to none, shaft driven, separate transmission oil, has traction control, cruise control, air cooled, low maintenance, low cost of ownership and has that amazing V-twin. At the end of the day, Yamaha can afford to sell a bike like T700 at that price because they know that their fans gonna buy it with close eyes.
Great looking bike skimped a bit on the digital speedo. Quite a bit dearer than the RE Himalayan and not keen on the tubed tyres. Otherwise one to consider.
These are actually perfect off toad. Scramblers shouldn't really be bigger than this. Gonna get one next year for the Shropshire woods and trails as well as roads. Great review.
Make sure you drop by the Italian forum to read about all the various problems people have with this beautiful but otherwise highly unreliable bike. Some owners had to drop it off at the dealership almost every two weeks. The problems just keep cropping up. Sadly!
I totally agree, I think that the bike is lovely but 7k is just too much. I don’t care that the engine is made in China as I think a lot of parts for all the main manufacturers are made there it’s more the fact that Fantic are not a main brand so can’t really command top prices especially if they want to start shifting a fair amount of them. There not proven are they really so until Fantic start selling a few of them and proving that they are built well and are reliable it’s going to be tough to get people to part with 7k, As a lot of people have already said in the comments there are loads of bikes new and used for this type of money.
Oddly enough the bike sounds lethargic, stressed to go at roadway speeds. Maybe because it is only a single. Don’t quite understand why i have that impression, it is obviously not inline with your experience. Thanks for the review, looking forward to all of the 2020 model year, Triumph, BMW and Ducati Reviews. Also, would like to see the NIKEN GT review as a longtime touring trip review. Niken GT on a Toro Adventure!!!
Great review, great bike , expected nothing less from TMF tbh. Any updates on the benelli 502C review? Is that something you are willing/planning to do?
One of the best looking bikes I've seen in a while.
I see several comments here from riders about my age and experience. Have been riding for 45+ years and had a wide variety of bikes. Have never owned a Fantic but know of them and they are both acknowledged and quality (offroad) kit. Body is getting a bit too stiff to bend over the tank for clip-ons and don't really need 100+ horsepower bike for 90% of the riding I do. Have owned an XT500 earlier so am familiar with thumpers too. This could very well be the next bike I buy. Perfect for where I live in Scandinavia, very few motorways, draconian speeding fines and horrible petrol prices. Thanks for a good reveiw.
Just bumped (not literally, clearly) into a chap riding one of these on a rural Algarve road. He runs motorcycle tours in the UK, but has a home out here...He rode over from the UK. He loves it, powerful, great torque, and light.
Nice one!
Looks a great bike, I checked them out at motorcycle live and they do look great. Nice to see another brand available and something different. I would imagine an easy bike to maintain yourself and sounds good, you can't beat the simplicity of a single cylinder sometimes. Keep up the reviews of these alternative brands and thank you!
Must admit I’ve never even heard of this brand. Very surprised at how much I liked the look of this scrambler. The fit and finish quality showed up well on the vid. All around pleased. Quite certain it’ll find a market. 👍🏼
As a Scrambler, this bike does make a lot of sense.
It's lightish (150Kg), has all the power you'd need off road, looks pretty good, and is competitively priced.
If I ever want an off roady bike, I'd definitely have something like this over a heavy weight Triumph 1200cc Scrambler or Ducati 1100cc Scrambler, and I'm a Triumph fan boy !
Saying that there is a Ducati 400cc that does look sensible for off roady type riding.
even the ducati 803cc is 165kg which has much more to offer and you can get them about the same price old new stock
Agreed. And I have a Tiger800 but alas no U.S. models
Looks great I'm 58 looks like something to keep me biking
First saw the 125 scrambler version when I was looking for a bike for my son. I was so impressed by it, I wanted one for myself. Now I "need" the 500!
I love the high front fender and that beautiful exhaust pipe with twin silencers, it’s a stunning piece of kit.
My only ever experience of Fantic was in the late 70s when a mate had the beautiful little GT50 moped ,it was a time when any 16 year old with ambitions to have a "real" bike was charging about on a Fizzie but those with a few bob would lust after the little GT50 or the Puch 50 in John Player Special black and gold livery.
Back in the mid 70's Fantic made a Chopper.It looked really cool!
@@maxflight777 I couldn't agree more ,I'd a fizzie but lusted after the Fantic GT.
Fantic had a moped which was very cool in the mid seventies when we were all riding FSIEs. I like this bike a lot and as you say it seem well put together. What's more having just looked at their lovely website they have a dealer in Limoges near where I live, so I think me will take a look when next in town.
A great fun bike and amazing value for money. I rode that very bike in September and really enjoyed it. Looks even better in the flesh...
Yes for a bike built down to a budget it really is top notch isn't it - love the billet machined aluminium and carbon touches...
@@TheMissendenFlyer Yes, some lovely touches and at a great price too!
I just bought one, thanks for your review. The bike is really great
How do you find the bike so faar? I'm thinking of getting one myself.
@@enricomariabarra3261 best decision ever, i have now like 3000 km on it. Not a single issue. If you get one ask the dealer for the race mapping. The machine runs so much better with it. Its really a fun bike, the handling is superb and almost everytime i come back to my bike, there are people standing there and looking at it or asking me questions 😉
@@doomsday9790 thank you so much
@@doomsday9790 will the race mapping effect the warranty tough?
@@enricomariabarra3261 i dont think so, its approved by Fantic
Wish Fantic sold in Canada also, I am of an age when the Cabellero mopeds of the 70s were pretty cool when I was growing up in Yorkshire. My fizzy was good and reliable but the Fantic GTs and Cabs were very desirable. Thanks again TMF for bringing interesting reviews to us, my start was on twisting English roads like you show and it's great to see them with interesting bikes.
This is exactly what a scrambler should look like. I still wonder why Triumph don't build a 600cc Scrambler along the lines of their 1200.
Like you, I wish Triumph would. But then again, their first generation Scrambler only had 14bhp more, had double the CCs and weighed about 50 kg more, so this is probably quicker on its power to weight. The whole of the current Bonneville range are grossly over weight. Fantic have hit the sweet spot in terms of style, weight, power and actual dynamic capability. I’m sorely tempted.
Stunning bike.
Less is sometimes more.
Good analysis Mr. Flyer.
Happy travels
Aunque el video es de hace tres años..decir que yo tengo la Caballero 500 Rally E5 y es una maquina brutal. Es verdad que los modelos E4 tenian algunos problemas que Fantic ha solucionado en las Euro5. El motor es muy fiable y durisimo. La moto transmite unas sensaciones espectaculares. Para los que dicen que Fantic es una marca desconocida..decirles que Fantic en los años 70 ganó varios campeonatos en motocross con las Caballero de la epoca. Es una marca mitica. Saludos.
My first road bike was a lime green Fantic TI. 50cc 6 speed. 6.5 horse power I think. 1975. It cost £230 or so. They also made a chopper version which was just mad looking.
Ive had a lot of bikes over the years.
In general I think most new bikes miss the mark in terms of styling.
Talk about getting the design cues spot on.
I cannot really find one thing I don't like about this motorcycle.......
I always wanted like a proper desert bike from the seventies like a Bultaco
or a BSA outfitted for off road.
Great job.
Just put an order in for the Rally after selling the FJR Andy! picking it up Saturday! Thanks for the review buddy, this is probably the very same bike I rode Saturday on their demo day, I took it off-road in the fields next to Paul the bosses house, lol
Nice one Matt - congrats!
Lovely design and the green is just perfect for the British countryside
Looks like a bmw r9t and a triumph scrambler had a love child.
"It feels a bit wide when you stand up between your legs"...yep, you said so! :-) Nice looking bike, looks like and old Husky! Thanks for sharing.
John Neomaster but at least “it didn’t feel intimidating at all”.
Just like the wife ?
I'm glad you mentioned how wide it is when standing up. Its the reason I didn't buy one as I want to green lane. I bought the 250 E Casa instead as its designed for the job. Good video as always TMF.
Hey Dynamo how are you getting on with the casa? I looked at one but thought it wouldn’t be to good to use on the road to get to the lanes? Looking at the discounted husqvarna 401 scrambler at the mo an alternative
@@iangriffiths9930 Hey Ian, it's a great off road bike but it's on roads manners leave a bit to be desired. Primarily the off road tyres are the problem. Once they're warm and you remember what they are then no problems. About 60mph the front end shakes but again that's due to the tyres. I'm happy to live with it as I bought it to go off road and the tyres definitely do that very well as does the bike too.
@@iangriffiths9930 hi Ian, just took my little boy out on it for an hour both on and off road and he loved it. With the extra weight it was more stable on the dial carriageway. We hit 70 and it got there no problem. 👍
Its a good looking little thing for sure. Great memories with that brand
Yeah it's a cracker isn't it...
I do like the looks of this one Mr Flyer. Great review as always.
Cracking bike, reminds me of my new XT 500 i bought in the 80s (why oh why did I sell it)
Probably got fed up trying to kick start it
Agreed, one of my XT500's (had 2) is still out there XGF 730W, wonder who has it, it's not used very much judging by the MOT's
XTs were a nice bike though.
What a cool motorcycle, love it, and the price is great too!
Nice review TMF, cool bike and it shows how spoilt for choice we are these days...so many fab bikes!! Cheers, Steve
I wish I had this sort of bike when I was 16 yo. Long time ago. But they didn’t exist then in 50cc, so I had a Kreidler; modified of course.
Nice fun and go everywhere bike the Caballero, light, nimble and not overpowered. Maybe interesting also as a bike for the winter with snow etc. Looks like it can handle it.
Looks great, love how simple it is.
Had my test ride on Saturday. Loved it. Picking my new one up this Saturday 👍👍
Congratulations! ….and enjoy!
The Caballero and the Norton Atlas are on my list 👍🏻
Gutted they aren't doing the Norton twins
I was very tempted by the Scrambler version when I was bike shopping for my Beta Alp 4.0 I think I made the right choice, but the Fantacs are cracking bikes!
Yep , you made the right choice 👍😁
@@ripmax333 :D
Cracking review done in your usual (excellent) way. I have one of the originals in my collection, only similarity is the name as that looks very good quality indeed. BTW, if the speedo in mph watch out as have been caught by a mobile revenue collector there! Thanks TMF.
Ah, yet another cool bike not available in the states!
I saw one in San Diego 4 months ago so maybe there is a Socal importer.
move to china LOL
If China keeps buying our debt, I won’t have too. China will move here!! Lol
Yep like it. Maybe the LED headlight is a bit "modern" for it but otherwise all good. I had a Fantic Caballero in the 70's whilst still at school, man was I cool (or so I thought), 50cc 2 stroke with 6 seemingly identical gears.....good times!
MOTOBOB reviewed it a while back and he rates it too. Hate the yellow panels on its sides. Nice upload Mr Flyer
Cheers Bill....
Just a note on the latest E5 model.
I’ve literally just bought one today, and they’ve changed all the switch gear. It’s more standard now. Less “eccentric”.
Sounds like a good move!
Another quality review by TMF. Good job Andy. My only dislike is the price.
Maybe I am just getting old but £7000 for a basic 500cc is outrageous.
What is going on in the world with the prices on bikes???
Never had to spend more than £9999 for a big litre plus machine before, now those same machines asking £20k plus.
The worlds gone mental. Or my Civil Servant pay just isn’t keeping up? Lol
Keep up the great work. Love all the videos you do.
Thank you Gary!
Apparently when the Volkswagen polo was first launched it was £3.5k. Adjusted for inflation that would be £40k now for that basic 850cc car. At 16 i could have a brand new motorcycle. 600cc for around £4k. And a 3 bed house for £50k. Were lucky a ninja 650 is not £20k based on how house have gone up. Wages still suck.
I don't think Brexit has helped with bike prices, but I guess bikes from small manufacturers only built in small numbers are going to be more expensive. I'd be tempted at around £5.5k. I'd also be worried about servicing/spare parts and longevity.
Cracking looking bike. Looks so much more expensive than it is. Been trying to take a trip out to Krazy Horse but having trouble finding the time and nice weather. I'll let them know your coverage has enticed me all the more to go and pay them a visit.
Yes it's a great dealers- bit of a schlep for me too but really looking forward to getting out there again, really nice bikes in the showroom and a cracking restaurant to boot!
Very cool. Love the design. Thanks again for another nice review Sir.......Sal : )
Some great cafes & restaurants as well. A interesting machine & I totally agree about it looking like a bike should. Call me old school, but I do prefer the older clock style gauges on a bike that looks like this, even a hybrid. I’m 58 & I’m sure plenty of those younger would disagree. 👍🏍🇦🇺
I do agree Russell....
Absolutely love the look of the Fantic Caballero. If only the man cave was bigger.
Yeah tell me about it!
Great review and thanks a lot for that very industrious and busy week you had. That certainly raises expectations 😉
?? Not sure I follow Peter ??
A daily video ?
Aha - not just last week - daily videos now until Christmas! .....an industrious month!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Wow, I'm deeply impressed. A really great, great Christmas gift. Joy to the world 😂😂😂🎀
Looks like a good ride for the money. I'd say that the only thing I think I don't like is the speedo, would rather have the old wavy arm dials with rev counter. Apart from that, a class machine.
Agree on that, I do love old analog clocks but that's to expensive to make this days, sensor and cheap screen - there you go, on your way... On the other side, keep it simple is good all in all.
would like to see more about its off-road capabilities
Where you stopped for a walk round there's a nice car park down the end , West Stow Lakes, where you can Ogle wildlife and get a coffee but the coffee at Krazy horse is probably better ( and free to you 😂) . You went left toward the sailing club before you turned back...
Well, I've been riding for over 40 years and I've owned or ridden just about everything, or so I thought. I've owned all sorts of odd bikes. Hodaka, Bultaco, Macco, all four of the big Japanese bikes; Honda, Kawasaki, etc.. along with a few Brits like Triumph and Norton, but I've never heard of Fantic.
Just goes to show there's always something to learn.
They made pukka trials bikes in 70s and 80s. You know, for riding over Volkswagen Beetles.
You have never heard of Fantic you think you know more than you do bubba
Krazy Horse is one of my favourite destinations - excellent cafe and the bikes are lovely. I really like the look of the Fantics but my Versys 300 is a keeper for the moment. Mind you, they also sell MVs and their Turismo Veloce is on my short list for when i win the lottery!
Yes a cracking place just for a ride out given the collection of exotic bikes they stock....
Sadly for me the only Fantic will always be the Chopper - well worth a google and I cant wait for a TMF first impressions of that 70s icon !!!!!
I remember them.
Nice bike and great to see you riding on roads I use daily on my bike! Hope Krazy Horse are going to lend you more bikes in the near future.
Yes they say they're happy too - looking forward to a revisit....
Cor takes me back to 1976.....mate had a fantic caballero 49cc.....i had a casal trial st 50......always thought the name sounded cool...back then of course😁
Wow looks fantastic would love of these, just needs that tail tidy and would be perfect. Good to see you in the East of England, thanks TMF.
That is one lovely looking bike
Lovely bike and great review. If Norton don't get their finger out with the Atlas I'll be getting one! Cheers!
This is the type of bike Royal Enfield should have been putting out . They used to have a killer Scrambler kit.
Anywho, I like this Fantic Rally Scrambler, I'd ride the wheels off one and be happy as a pig in slop.
Think I test rode that very bike. Liked it, if you are in the area again carry on down that main road your were on, right on the roundabout you will hit raf lakenheath, great off road viewing area. Usually plenty of planes too.
Lol The last bike I buy could well be the same as the first bike i bought. In 1976 I bought a Fantic Caballero 50cc moped the tank shape on the 500 is definitely a nod of the heard to its heritage . Sound like a fitting end to my motorcycle carrier as the dreaded arthritis is making riding my GSA more and more difficult. I also had a Fantic K-Roo trials bike at one time, so I have a bit of history
I wouldn't normally go for a motorcycle like this but damn it actually looks pretty cool, I wouldn't mind one of these to have a bit of fun on.
Yes what a hoot for a second machine just for the laughs....
Should've given us a shout , I was out giving driving lessons 🙂
At about 3:50 you went past Flempton golf course and if you turned right in a mile you could have got on to the Icknleld way green lane 😉
Reminds me a bit of CCM's DRZ400 engined 60's Scramber which would also make a nice little green laner.
Great looking bike never seen one before thanks Tmf for the review thanks from Danny
Looks pretty, but would love to see how one fairs after a few British winters
Another good review TMF.
It’s a work of art in my opinion
I love it! I want one!
Yeah...The Chinese are definitely coming on leaps and bounds. Talking of those quality exhausts....Have Chinese copy Akrapovic silencers on my recently acquired CRK Triumph Trophy 1200 Roadster and the quality of fit and finish is as good as any genuine more well known manufacturer. Great review mate.
Fully adjustable suspension for under 6 Grand, more competition for Triumph.
What a cracking little thing. Ooo comparable to a triumph scrambler perhaps?
Andy, I exchanged my 2017 BMW G310' for a 2021 Fantic Caballero 500 FT (450cc), last July and I absolutely love it. I can't wait for the non salt stridden roads in the warmer spring months, leading into the glorious 'British Summer' months of June, July, August etc?!
Me neither!
Love it! Reminds of the prototype that Triumph isn't going to build.
Yep, this one is buy far the most realistic and proper scrambler to date. Triumph are way too heavy to consider them as scramblers. If they put there ego down and build small 250 and 400 singles then i’ll be interested.
"Knobally tires" LOL! I love that accent!
I don't have an accent!
Seen this a lot on the Interwebs - looks really great but I think they need to price it more aggressively - then maybe build-up the pricing (this is what Hynundai did - and Honda believe it or not - back on the day, before they were known quality buys). 7K is not "inexpensive" for a fairly unknown make, very basic thumper - and you're approaching prices of some better-known makes which are always the "safer" option. Lovely looking bike though - hope they do well!
This (at least, the flat tracker version) is currently high on the list for my new bike. Now all Fantic need to do is re-release the old chopper.
Cracking review of a very cool looking bike. 👍😎🏍️
I like that but all the right angles in that header pie!
MCN review October 7th reckons the 500 Scrambler, that has upgraded spec, is “a classy and affordable bit of kit” - no doubt you’ll mention that in your MCN October roundup...
I was planning too yes Pete.....
Loving the imitation of grumpy commenters. Excellent little bike too.
Question- does the scrambler model have the same issue of wide between legs when stood up? Or is that something specific to the rally/exhaust?
Like it alot. I believe the company in China that makes the engine is the same one Norton have a deal with to produce their 650 twin in the Atlas.
Could well be....
I'm sure you get many requests to review specific bikes...and on that basis I would love to see a TMF review of a maxi-scooter....
What like this you mean? ua-cam.com/video/bV8Tjwb3cA4/v-deo.html or ua-cam.com/video/ww8fYGe0h3k/v-deo.html ??
Very nice looking bike, l like it too 👍🏾
7k is not a budget bike, it shouldn't be described as such.
It is if you're rich
If you are on the dole or minimum wage then you might not consider it as a budget bike but for the rest of us its clearly a budget bike especially when you consider the triumph street scrambler is £11k
GoodLuck WeNeedIt 6k isn’t exactly cheap but i think of it as a fair price considering what the bike offers and the quality material that is made of, but 11k for a triumph speed twin for is ridiculous. A motorcycle that costs more than a small car is a thing that i cannot understand if you consider that there’s a lot more metal, 4 wheels , extra seats , a bigger engine etc. even good quality 125’s now a not relatively cheap if you look at the Honda cub or monkey.
What new car can you buy for £11k? I wouldn't look at anything less than a fiesta, and they start at £16k.
patkawasaki toyota aygo, suzuki alto, suzuki baleno, etc
Mmm, like it but at 7k we are nearly in the new Yamaha Tenere territory? Think that’s where my money would go at the moment
Fair enough.....I'm riding one of those at the end of the week!
TheMissendenFlyer that’s great news, I’ve only heard great things about the new Yamaha and really fancy one alongside my Guzzi in the garage.
Nothing against the Yamaha, but at £8999 that's 2 grand more than the Fantic.
@@johnktm950 £8999 does sound like a lot and it is really basic (abs is the only feature)
@@chrisredfield3240 and horrible rear spin each time you change gear. I wanted to buy the T700 as my 1st bike, but after several test rides I said no to it. It's tall, has big spoke wheels and ABS. that's all T700 offers. It has a very small tank, you have to rev it hard, top heavy and makes you sweat every time you change gear, especially while cornering. It costs where i live Just under 13k euro. With that money I bought Moto guzzi's new v85tt which is a lot of bike for 13645 euro, looks absolutely gorgeous, the build quality is next to none, shaft driven, separate transmission oil, has traction control, cruise control, air cooled, low maintenance, low cost of ownership and has that amazing V-twin. At the end of the day, Yamaha can afford to sell a bike like T700 at that price because they know that their fans gonna buy it with close eyes.
Great looking bike skimped a bit on the digital speedo. Quite a bit dearer than the RE Himalayan and not keen on the tubed tyres. Otherwise one to consider.
These are actually perfect off toad. Scramblers shouldn't really be bigger than this.
Gonna get one next year for the Shropshire woods and trails as well as roads.
Great review.
Thanks Martin!
Make sure you drop by the Italian forum to read about all the various problems people have with this beautiful but otherwise highly unreliable bike. Some owners had to drop it off at the dealership almost every two weeks. The problems just keep cropping up. Sadly!
Erm £7000 for a lot of problems. Sometimes its just best to stick to Japanese.
Looked at one at the NEC and they do have some nice details and look cool
£7000 is not cheap, at all, I expected this to less than 5000.
Shut up you fucking clown. It’s got arrow exhaust and brembo brakes.
Colin Smith 🤣
Looking forward to a review of the Caballero 700
Yes I'd like a go on one of those puppies....
Six grand? For a budget bike? What kind of budget do you have?
£1 short of £7000! Nice bike but expensive for a Chinese 400cc single.
I totally agree, I think that the bike is lovely but 7k is just too much. I don’t care that the engine is made in China as I think a lot of parts for all the main manufacturers are made there it’s more the fact that Fantic are not a main brand so can’t really command top prices especially if they want to start shifting a fair amount of them. There not proven are they really so until Fantic start selling a few of them and proving that they are built well and are reliable it’s going to be tough to get people to part with 7k, As a lot of people have already said in the comments there are loads of bikes new and used for this type of money.
Nice review again TMF. A bit pricey for me. Just wondering if you've got the KTM 390 adventure lined up for a future review? Thanks and Cheerio
I haven’t but I do like the looks of it so will have a word with KTM in the summer...
Why route the exhaust low round the bash plate on a off road bike, crazy!
But bike looks great! 👍🏻
the aftermarket arrow front does not and is alot higher above 5he bashplate also giving more power
Oddly enough the bike sounds lethargic, stressed to go at roadway speeds. Maybe because it is only a single. Don’t quite understand why i have that impression, it is obviously not inline with your experience. Thanks for the review, looking forward to all of the 2020 model year, Triumph, BMW and Ducati Reviews. Also, would like to see the NIKEN GT review as a longtime touring trip review. Niken GT on a Toro Adventure!!!
Like Triumph’s T120 scramblers, the pinch-weld free “seamless” tank gives a nod to classic aesthetics and quality.
Nice bike , good video
Great review, great bike , expected nothing less from TMF tbh. Any updates on the benelli 502C review? Is that something you are willing/planning to do?
Very willing, no plans though as I don't have access to one that I know of....
Best looking scrambler., 🤘
Agreed!
It's sad it's not available in India. It's a perfect small segment scrambler for indian market. 😌
Looks like a cracking little machine. Unfortunately, not available in Australia.
looks lovely
Sorry, should have clarified...you and the bike.