Fantic Motor Caballero 125 Flat Track 4 T, the return of a legend from the 70s and 80s [ROAD TEST]

Fantic Motor Caballero 125 Flat Track 4 T

History says that way back in November 1969, for the first time at the Milan Motorcycle Show, the first Fantic Caballero was presented, in the 50cc capacity. It was a Cross motorcycle developed by Giulio Maffessoli. His project was built around a Verlicchi chassis, silver in color, with a Minarelli engine and the characteristic yellow tank. It was not a racing motorbike, but a moped with sporting aspects, economical, but capable of satisfying one's desire for off-roading and freedom, which flowed abundantly in the veins of the kids of those times (unfortunately not all of them today). . Yes, because the name Caballero still thrills those who drove it at the time or even just admired it in person. In addition to being a bike desired by kids, the Caballero was also a "regularity" bike, what is now called enduro. With this return of the Caballero model, Fantic has all it takes to regain an important position in a market where many competitors battle it out every day. The Caballero family, in addition to the 125 of this test, includes two other 4-stroke engines: the 250 and the top version of the Italian company, we are talking about the 500 hp Caballero 43. The 125 we tested is the "Flat Track" version, a model inspired by the world of dirt racing, but the eighth of a liter is also available in Scrambler trim.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Unique and unmistakable design

In the '80s, pop music was unquestionably king. Today Fantic Caballero with this new model wants to take us back to those years, all this thanks to a brand that is aiming for a true rebirth and that looks with optimism at the two-wheel market. The small Fantic Caballero 125 Flat Track has a unique, unmistakable style. Front and rear LED headlight, with the classic round shape at the front, spoked rims, double side stainless steel exhaust from the well-known Arrow company, 19″ front and rear covers in Flat Track style and a great desire to clock up the kilometres. The spoked rims are very beautiful, also present on the Scrambler version.

The billet aluminum steering plate is also beautiful. The quality of the 41 mm gold anodized fork is of a high level, a close relative of the one mounted on the top of the range 500. We then find the Continental ABS system (disengageable), which works really well, guaranteeing excellent braking thanks also to the 4-way radial caliper pistons that act on the 320 mm wave disc. Braking power well proportioned to the engine's performance, with a front lever that feels only slightly spongy. You have to brake decisively to get an adequate result. The ABS is perfectly tuned and never excessively invasive. The tank with interchangeable cover has a capacity of 12 litres, a very personal shape and is the element that perhaps most characterizes this icon of the Italian company. The controls and handlebar blocks are intuitive, with all the buttons in the right places and a high quality standard. The plastic parts, including the removable number plate, are cared for and the colors are bright. The instrumentation, although compact, is clearly visible in all light conditions and offers the necessary information. Only the gear indicator is missing, which is not standard in the segment, but which in our opinion should never be missing.

Engine and performance:

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Despite the 15 horsepower, the engine is brilliant and lively

The engine is a small single-cylinder 4-stroke, naturally Euro 4. Yes, but how does this little engine work? In reality it is an extremely sophisticated, liquid-cooled unit, which guarantees performance that seems even superior to the 15 HP limited by law for the 125 cc. In fact, it has a very linear delivery, with a decent kick at low and medium revs. You can easily drive with just a touch of gas and the result is still brilliant and linear. Even when overtaking, the small single-cylinder never causes concern. The bore and stroke values ​​are 52 mm and 58.6. It is powered by a 30 mm Keihin carburettor, therefore it guarantees a brilliant ride and an acceptable shot at almost all speeds. The 6-speed gearbox is appreciated, well spaced between them, smooth and precise in the shifts and with a light clutch control.

During our test we had the opportunity to test the qualities of this Fantic Caballero 125 Flat Track even on low-grip terrain. The result was that we never wanted to get off his saddle. With a little gas the engine is manageable and controllable, even by the less experienced, who will never find themselves in difficulty. There's no point in dragging it out, this little 125 is really fun, both for a young and adult audience.

Ride and handling:

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Light and easy to handle, it is capable of entertaining even the most expert pilot

Once in the saddle, the first impression is of total safety. The very low weight (just 130 kg) guarantees easy maneuvering even when stationary. Moving on to the chassis, the new Fantic Caballero 125 Flat Track is extremely agile especially thanks to a very reactive front end, it is based on the single-spar frame in chrome molybdenum steel. It is combined with a steel swingarm with variable section and progressive leverage. The fork works very well, it feels soft and is always sincere, in the tightest corners and in changes of direction the Caballero is quick and precise. The Fantic FRS mono, with preload adjustment, is comfortable and is able to absorb the roughness of the asphalt. We liked the set-up a lot, even on the most extreme routes. On the tire front, the 19" Flat Track tires ensure an excellent feeling. The long and thin saddle allows any longitudinal position. Well padded and covered in non-slip material, it is one of the components that helps you immediately get in tune with the little one of the Caballero family. We liked the set-up a lot, because it is capable of combining excellent levels of stability with the agility also given by the compact wheelbase (just 1.425 mm). The Caballero 125 goes quickly into bends and never becomes demanding.

In tight corners at low speed you can appreciate the excellent balance. The braking system, as mentioned, works on a 320 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm disc at the rear, managed by the Continental two-channel ABS, which can be deactivated for off-road use. If we really wanted to find nitpicks, the front brake control is slightly spongy, a detail that makes you lose in terms of modulation, sometimes leading to otherwise avoidable ABS interventions. However, braking is powerful and decisive, especially in the second part of the lever's travel. As for the rear, braking is powerful and pedal control is precise.

Price and consumption:

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Attractive price and you take home a piece of history

The engines offered by the Italian company are three: 125, 250 and 500 (it seems to return to the MotoGP of a few years ago, even if here it is a 4-stroke) with two types of setup. The Scrambler offers retro style and the Flat Track is the one we tested. The latter was developed on dirt ovals, and is the first "tracker" to mount approved 19" tires with a dirt design. The difference between the Scrambler and Flat Track models lies in the tire sizes: 110/80-19 and 130/80-17 for the former (with the 500 fitted with a 140 rear tyre); 130/80-19 and 140/80-19 for all variants of the second. The Fantic Caballero 125 in Scrambler and Flat Track versions is offered at an identical list price of 4.990 euros (VAT included) ex-dealership. A decidedly inviting price, for what it is able to offer, both in terms of performance and charm and aesthetics.

Consumption is negligible and, even with intense use of the throttle, never drops below 30 km/l, thus guaranteeing a very respectable range of more than 350 km.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Ease of driving, fuel consumption, handling, engine
We do not like it:
Front brake

Fantic Caballero 125 Flat Track: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Helmet: Caberg
Mask: Cemoto
Jacket, pants, gloves and shoes: OJ Atmosphere