Best known to many for their off-road bikes of the 1970s and ‘80s, Fantic are making something of a comeback with a range of road bikes tapping into the current fashion for retro scramblers.
Although still a rare sight on UK roads, the Fantic Caballero has been around in a few guises for the past few years. Available in learner legal 125 and A2 compliant 500cc versions, they’re joined by Fantic’s first twin for 2023 – the Caballero 700.
The look remains true to past Caballeros, with a stylish retro scrambler vibe, but the power gets a big hike thanks to the 689cc parallel-twin engine donated by Yamaha.
It’s the same unit used in the Yamaha MT-07 and R7 (not to mention the Tenere and Yamaha’s own retro, the XSR700) delivering 75bhp and well known for its playfulness.
Spec of the Caballero 700 looks good. The modern motor and corresponding electronics package allows for rider aids and ride modes, which are controlled through a 3.5” TFT dashboard. The steel chassis looks slightly different to that of the 500, although the spoked wheel set-up (19” front/17” rear) is the same and in line with most scrambler models. Suspension comes from Marzocchi, with fellow Italians Brembo supplying the stopping power.
The Caballero 700 should go on sale in Spring, providing a niche alternative to Japanese retros like the aforementioned XSR700 and Kawasaki’s Z650RS, as well as Ducati’s Scrambler and the new Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR.
