Motorcycle specifications FanticCaballero 500 Scrambler 2024 Delicious nostalgia

Remember the days when the world wasn't criss-crossed by the long asphalt ribbons of freeways. A world where the small road was the main one, and where you could cut back to shorten your itinerary. It's a world we sometimes dream about, often without being able to return to. But there is a way... the Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500!

This Cabarello is a simple motorcycle in a diva's dress. A bit like when Cinderella turned into a princess by slipping on the magic shoe. In fact, the Caballero 500 is not a machine that overflows with cylinders or horsepower. The grasshopper is equipped with a 449 cm3 single-cylinder that develops 40 hp at 7,500 rpm and distills 43 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Thanks to its single-cylinder architecture, this machine delivers plenty of power at low revs, making it a slightly agricultural tool with a certain charm. There's no engine mode or traction control here, with the guy who welds the right-hand grip acting as a fuse to ease off the throttle if things get slippery.

The heart of the Italian is of Chinese origin, with the single-cylinder engine designed in the Zongshen factory. It features fuel injection, an electric starter (to avoid kickback) and a chain drive mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Good vibes will be distilled by the original Arrow exhaust system, which promises a nice soundtrack as well as good looks. For 2024, Fantic has reworked the engine to reduce vibrations.

New aluminum swingarm

On the chassis side, the Caballero 500 evolves smoothly in 2024. Following in the footsteps of its 700 cm3 sibling, the 500 swaps its steel swingarm for an aluminum one. A beautiful piece of equipment that enhances the aesthetics of a bike that was already quite good-looking. Fantic has announced a gain in rigidity, but above all a 2 kg weight reduction on this essential chassis component. The frame remains in steel, a simple split cradle. Fantic offers 4 versions of the 500: Scrambler, Deluxe, Rally and Explorer.

The first two, more urban, are offered with FRS suspension (41 mm fork and monoshock) with 150 mm travel. The Rally and Explorer models (43 mm fork) feature suspension from the same supplier, but with 200 mm travel. This is more than enough to cope with the bumps and bumps of off-road use. The seat height of 820 mm is a little high for smaller riders, but the bike's narrowness and low dry weight of 150 kg make it accessible. The Rally and Explorer versions peak at 860 mm.

at the end of the forks, for front braking, we find a 320 mm floating disc bitten by a 4-piston Bybre caliper. The rear is fitted with a 230 mm disc. Braking is controlled by Continental's dual-channel ABS. It can be disconnected via a button on the left-hand handlebar switch. Spoked wheels (in anodized aluminum) are 19" at the front and 17" at the rear.

Tires are 110 at the front and 140 wide at the rear. The base version is shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires, while the more off-road versions are fitted with Michelin Anakee Wild tires, more suited to mud wading.

An Italian look

The scrambler's bodywork is as minimalist as the motorcycles of the era. It's simple, but beautiful. The small 12-liter fuel tank is very well designed, with an ideal junction between the side plates and the radiator scoops for liquid cooling. For 2024, we note the evolution of the rear fender, which integrates the license plate holder, the new front headlight and the new turn signals. Nothing to disfigure the machine, and a sharp eye will be needed to differentiate between the old and new model years. On the other hand, once the rider sits on the flared seat, he'll notice the difference immediately.

behind the handlebars is a new 3.5" LCD speedometer. It offers (at last) a gear indicator in addition to the fuel gauge and engine temperature. Adding a touch of modernity to a vintage scrambler, Bluetooth connectivity is also included for 2024. The bike is compatible with the Fantic Garage app on iOS or Android.

The Rally and Explorer versions feature a mudguard under the headlamp, a small protective grille for the optics and a small windscreen to complete the off-road look. The Rally is just gorgeous in its little green color, a real treat. The gold color of the fork covers also contributes greatly to the machine's look.

Available from 7,190 euros, these little bikes could be considered expensive. But it's in everyday use that they'll make you forget their lack of performance and enjoy something else. First and foremost, it's the fact of having a beautiful object with quality equipment, and then the essential with this Caballero is elsewhere. Every journey is transformed into an adventure, taking on the flavour of the road, of the itinerary you've skilfully selected.

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos