Eagerly awaited by the market, the Caballero 700 finally arrives equipped with a twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled CP2 engine. It’s a motorcycle that goes big. Yet the Caballero 700 does not distort the extraordinary features of its 125 and 500cc ‘mono’ siblings, on the contrary, it is even more of an authentic scrambler, thanks to exceptional performance, riding pleasure, technology and safety. It’s even more fun.
Fantic has chosen Valdobbiadene and Conegliano (TV) as the venue to present its new jewel. Le Colline del Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene, a site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, in fact the home to the same foothills in which Fantic’s test riders have developed this and most other of Fantic’s road models, riding directly from the Fantic Motor Headquarters.
FANTIC CABALLERO 700
Caballero 700 is an entirely new project: with not a single bolt in common with its smaller brothers, but the soul has remained the same: easy, agile, light and extremely fun. From the performance – thanks to the fantastic 689cc parallel twin-cylinder engine – to the electronic package, through to the top-level chassis, everything has been the subject of a deep study by Fantic’s R&D department.
Only one fundamental characteristic has remained the same, the perfect balance between road and off-road fun, as befits an authentic scrambler. Caballero 700 is the only model in the segment to boast a set of parameters that allow it to tackle roads and trails without worries: 19″ and 17” wire-spoked wheels and optimised suspension combined with a weight of only 175kg (without fuel) make for agility, safety and precision riding on any terrain.
The styling is inspired by one of the most famous versions in Caballero’s history: the 125 RC from 1974 to 1976. At first glance, the Caballero 700 is easily recognisable due to its pure and simple lines, carefully crafted by the Fantic Style Centre. Iconic elements such as the red tank, round headlamps and yellow competition plates on the side panels blend with modern touches such as the CNC-machined engine plates and triple clamps, and the carbon protection of the exhaust system. In addition to the classic red colour, there is also a matt metallic blue, again linked to the Caballero’s history.
PERFORMANCE
The range’s flagship is equipped with Yamaha’s much-revered CP2 parallel twin, which for the first time leaves Japanese models to embrace an Italian chassis. The perfect power to have fun on- and off-road, 74hp at 9000rpm, comes with a new robust torque curve delivering strongly throughout the rev range: 60Nm constant up to 8000rpm, with a peak of 70Nm at 6500rpm.
These values result from lengthy design and calibration development across the entire exhaust and intake systems which feature a unique airbox and engine mapping. The Caballero 700 delivers exceptional performance and gratifying power output, rendering it an ideal choice for mid-range journeys. Its cosy seat provides ample room for a fellow traveller.
CHASSIS
The Caballero 700’s excellent chassis balance comes from a new high-resistance steel frame and a swingarm machined from a high-quality aluminium casting. Marzocchi suspension consists of a robust 45mm upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable monoshock. The suspension settings and 150mm of travel are the result of an optimisation and balance found after countless kilometres of riding in all conditions: fast tracks, motorways, twisty mixed roads, dirt roads, and offroad paths.
The Caballero 700 also delivers exceptional braking performance. This bike can easily handle any road thanks to a powerful combination of a 330mm disc and Brembo 4-piston calipers up front and 240mm disc with Brembo caliper at the rear.
SAFETY
The Caballero 700 is the first Fantic to offer cornering ABS and traction control as standard. The refined inertial measurement unit (IMU) enables bike control even with the bike leaning over, offering precise and reliable electronic intervention. Both controls can be fully deactivated should the riding conditions require it, such as in the most demanding off-road conditions.
ELECTRONICS
The Caballero 700 is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronics package. It is the world’s first scrambler with an iconic round 3.5″ TFT screen with integrated Bluetooth for controlling calls and media. Through the screen and the handlebar-mounted switch blocks, it is possible to select the three Riding Modes: STREET, OFFROAD (specifically designed for when leaving the usual roads), and CUSTOM, which allows the rider to configure all the ABS cornering and Traction Control settings as wished, up to complete deactivation.
A full-LED lighting system completes the equipment: from the rear light of clear off-road inspiration to the modern headlight, and the turn signals.
Recommended retail price in both the iconic red and historical blue colours valid in Europe (including VAT): 9,990 euro
Original post on modernclassicbikes.co.uk and published by Frank Duggan. Frank is the Founder and Editor of Modern Classic Motorcycle News, an independent motorcycle publication covering modern classic motorcycles, roadsters, scramblers, cruisers, electric motorcycles and the wider motorcycle industry.
