[Test Ride] An evolved modern scrambler that goes beyond the neo-classic category. Fantic “CABALLERO Scrambler 500 Deluxe”

The revival of the “CABALLERO” brand

While scrambler and neo-classical motorcycle styles are now widely known among motorcycle enthusiasts, they were still a niche presence in 2016 when Italian manufacturer Fantic Motor (Fantic Motor) revived the CABALLERO brand, a small-displacement model, as a scrambler model. However, in the mid-2010s, BMW released the R nineT, Ducati the Scrambler, and Yamaha the XSR. Just when it seemed the entire motorcycle market was shifting toward high-tech, the polar opposite trend of scramblers and neo-classical motorcycles emerged, calling for a return to the roots. Until the pandemic brought the global economy to a temporary halt, the motorcycle market—from bikes to helmets and riding gear—was steeped in the authentic style and aura of the bikes and their riders from a time when the line between paved and unpaved roads was blurred.

The new CABALLERO was already gathering dust. At its debut, the lineup included single-cylinder engines in 125, 250, and 500 displacements (the 250 model is no longer available), mounted on two distinct chassis models named “Scrambler” and “Flat Track.” While many neo-classical models focused on on-road riding, and there were many scrambler-style models, the CABALLERO series focused on off-road riding, with particular attention paid to wheel size and suspension stroke. The “Rally500,” which was added to the lineup later, featured even more off-road-specific details. Of course, this was due to the fact that CABALLERO inherited the DNA of Fantic Motor, which has specialized in the development and sales of off-road machines for motocross, trials, and other events since the brand’s founding in 1968. The new CABALLERO still maintains the concept and basic structure of the vehicle that was created when it was revived.

A scrambler that can also be enjoyed on winding roads

The CABALLERO Scrambler 500 Deluxe I test rode this time is a special version of the Scrambler 500, featuring original exterior colors and a seat. The engine, frame, and front and rear suspension are the same. When you hear about the latest 500cc single-cylinder engine from Fantic, a top off-road brand active in the World Championships, you might imagine a motocross bike with fast pickup and impressive power, but the Scrambler 500 Deluxe is surprisingly docile. It’s easy to handle even at low RPMs, and it’s no problem to follow a car around town. Of course, when you open the throttle, the acceleration is powerful and fast. And despite being a single-cylinder engine, it’s smooth and exhilarating all the way up to the high RPM range. Rather than enjoying a leisurely ride while admiring the scenery, it makes you want to maintain a high RPM and get sporty.

Another factor that makes you think so is its compact body. The hybrid frame, which has a machined aluminum swingarm pivot set on a chromoly steel main frame, is as compact and lightweight as a 250cc model. The basic dimensions of the body, including overall length, height, width and wheelbase, are the same as those of its sister model, the CABALLERO Scrambler 125. The difference in dry weight is also just 20kg.

Driving on winding roads with such a powerful engine and a lightweight, compact body becomes more and more enjoyable. The 19-inch front wheels are fitted with large block-pattern Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, which are renowned for their performance on-road, yet they provide a high level of stability when cornering, allowing you to concentrate on driving with peace of mind. Once you increase your pace to a certain extent, the unique feeling of a 19-inch front wheel emerges, with the front tire tracing a line slightly outside the intended line, but you can still fully enjoy the roadster-like driving.

As someone with some off-road skills, having enjoyed forest road touring in the past, I was unable to gauge its potential on the off-road terrain, but I was still able to easily ride it even on rough off-road terrain caused by heavy rain, and I could clearly feel the difference between this model and a scrambler model that is merely stylish.

In a market crowded with machines equipped with large-displacement engines producing 100 or 200 horsepower, a 500cc engine producing approximately 40 horsepower may seem weak. However, it is full of the lightness and sportiness that can only be achieved with a 500cc single-cylinder engine. The CABALLERO Scrambler 500 Deluxe is such a rare single-cylinder sports bike.

Riding position and foot reach (170cm/65kg)

The seat height of 820mm is not particularly high, but the left and right side covers protrude slightly, which makes it difficult to reach the ground with your feet. The handlebar position and footpegs are in a natural position. It feels more like a naked bike than a scrambler.

Detailed explanation

The BYBRE brake system, which is now widely used in European cars and is becoming a standard brake system for mid-displacement models, is used in the front. The front wheel size is 19 inches.

The brown seat is exclusive to the Deluxe. The seat cover design, including the tuck roll, is the same as that of the Scrambler 500.

This 500cc engine was designed by Fantic and manufactured by Zongshen in China. It is lightweight, compact, and powerful. It has a different character from the sluggish, gentle single-cylinder engines, but it is also easy to handle at low and medium speeds.

It uses an up-type dual exhaust silencer, which gives it a light and stylish look that is characteristic of a Scrambler.

The rear brake system is also made by BYBRE. The tires are Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, both front and rear. Their on-road performance is also well-received, but they still have the characteristic clunking feeling of block tires and a lot of road noise.

The rear suspension uses a link-type monoshock system. The main frame is made of chromoly steel pipe, but the rear end of the frame uses a machined aluminum plate that doubles as the swingarm pivot and step plate.

The bar-type handlebars are wider and higher than those for naked models, but the width and angle of the handlebars are natural, creating a perfect riding position. The handlebars with braces and the bar pad for the braces are also exclusive details for the Deluxe.

Compact and simple taillight and turn signal area. “FANTIC” logo designed on the seat end.

The compact meter area packs in the bare essentials. It’s hard to say that visibility is high, but from a design perspective, this compactness creates a clean look around the front.

“CABALLERO Scrambler 500 Deluxe” main specifications

■Wheelbase 1,425mm

■Seat height 820mm ■Vehicle weight 150kg

■Engine type Water-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single cylinder

■Total displacement 449cc

■Bore x stroke 94.5 x 64mm

■Maximum output 40HP / 7,500rpm

■Maximum torque 43Nm / 6,000rpm

■Fuel supply system FI

■Fuel tank capacity 12L

■Frame Chrome molybdenum steel central tube frame

■Suspension (front and rear) FANTIC FRS φ41mm inverted fork / 150mm travel / FANTIC FRS preload adjustable / 150mm travel

■Transmission type 6-speed return

■Brake type (front and rear) 320mm single disc x BYBRE radial mount 4-piston caliper / 230mm single disc x BYBRE caliper

■Tires Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR

■ Tire size (front and rear) 110/80-19, 140/80-17

■ Price 1,300,000 yen (including tax)