At A Glance: Fantic Caballero 700 scrambler

Fantic is upping the stakes with its newest retro-inspired scrambler. Meet the Caballero 700.

1. ELECTRONICS

The Caballero may take inspiration from the firm’s heyday in the mid-1970s, but it also embraces today’s technologies. With the fitment of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), it’s the first Fantic to offer cornering ABS and traction control. As well it offers three riding modes, where the bike’s performance is matched to the environment, these being Street, Offroad and Custom – the latter allowing the rider to create his own preference on ABS and traction control, including complete deactivation.

2. ENGINE

Yes, it’s Yamaha’s impressive CP2 unit that’s scored so much praise when powering a whole range of machines, from Yamaha’s ultra-successful Ténéré 700 adventure model through to roadster variants like the MT-07 and XSR 700. Only it’s not just a matter of plug and play. For the Caballero 700, Fantic has spent over two-and-a-half years in developing this model and tailoring the engine unit to this new application.

3.WHEELS

Wheels are lightweight wire-spoke numbers with a 19” front and 17” rear wheel, and come shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, which have an excellent reputation as road and trail tyres.

4. BRAKES

The brakes are from Brembo. Thanks to the 700’s light weight, a single 330mm disc with radial-mounted four-piston caliper provides power enough for the front brake while helping to contribute to the superb handling on account of reducing the unsprung weight and equally reducing steering inertia. The rear brake is a 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper.  

5. CHASSIS

The frame is entirely of Fantic’s design. It uses the engine as a stressed member, creating a framework for the front suspension ahead of the engine and subframe to support the seat and exhaust to the rear, while the swingarm attaches via engine plates attached to the rear of the engine. Lightweight and minimalist, this clever frame does much to help the Caballero reach its kerb weight of just 175kg (13 kilos lighter than the XSR 700).

6. SUSPENSION

Front and rear suspension is by Marzocchi, with a 45mm upside-down fork and preload-adjustable shock, both developed with settings to create a firm yet plush ride throughout the 150mm of suspension travel.

#fantic #caballero #scrambler #morebikesyoulike #motorcycles #readersrides #motorcycle #ukbikers #bikelife #bikers #motorcyclists #morebikes #morenews #motorcyclenews #motorcyclegear