Loved the look of this bike ever since I saw the older 500 version. Really appeals to me aesthetically. Hard to get hold of one though, especially for a test ride.
Now this looks like a viable bike for where I live. Nice 19 inch front wheel and long rake and suspension will deal with the potholes. Definitely on my list of possible additions to my collection
Good review as ever Mark I do like this one but it does have a pretty premium price tag , putting that aside I would without doubt take a good look at this one when it hits the used market cheers 👌👍
To me it's much better looking than any of Yamaha's own 700s - even the r7. That price is the big issue - expensive compared even just to those Yam 700s. But I really like this and could see me owning one it being an albeit expensive fun 'just a bike'. glad to see this review - your opinions and watching the bike itself. MCN's review was lukewarm, he acknowledged it's good but seems it didn't quite click. Maybe the i,mage of a hi end Yamaha engine in a Chinese linked chassis, but to me Fantic is a fine brand. Mainly tbh from their sixteener 50s of 73/74 - the fantic cab and the chopper
Thanks Gary ...the bike has higher spec components like brakes suspension and cornering abs so that might be why it's expensive But a great ride all the same Best regards mark
That MCN review was a bit strange. The bike was criticised for using the Pirelli STR 50-50 tire (on a scrambler) and firm/harsh suspension. My guess is the reviewer has a sports bike background and doesn't really relate to the scrambler market, which will be at one extreme used for commuting and Sunday rides with their mates on BMW GSs, and the other extreme as a light weight adventure tourer capable of dirt roads and tracks. No question this is the best looking bike to come out in recent years, has one of the best engines going, and for any of those tasks would be a fantastic bike. Pity about the price.
Took delivery of mine this morning. I’ve only done a few miles so far, but I love it! I think MSN’s review was a bit harsh. We’ll see how it goes when it’s run in. But so far so good
Hi Mark thanks for great video. I love that TFT screen, this is where smaller Hondas and Suzukis drop the ball. It's a deal breaker when you can't read the screen in sunlight! Fantic is not available here, but Triumph is. Really hope you will review both new Triumph 400s in near future.
Nice informative vid. Thanks. Been waiting for reviews etc. Its a toss up between the Caballero and the Leoncino for my next bike. I'm leaning towards the Caballero but need a test ride before making any decision.
Nice stocky looking bike overall. Good colour coordination with the black engine and frame. It should survive our road network with those tyres as well.
Thank you Mark. Next to riding the bikes your reviews are the next best thing. This bike looks very appealing although I don't know much about Fantic. Great engine of course, but the best choice for this machine? Also lots of "Scramblers" making an appearance these days so it has competition, but I think one worth a try if you are in the market for on/off road mid-range bike. :>)
Hi Mark, from across the pond! I really enjoyed this review. I’m drawn to the scrambler platform. I was curious if this was a motorcycle that would be available in the U. S. A. or not? Love watching you ride these review bikes through the English countryside. Thanks very much. Be well and ride safe!
Thanks Mark. Like your video style. And lots of usefull information. Will be interesting to see how expensive this will be in Denmark. Might be 13k£+ :-I
Good review, Mark. Would you consider adding a few words about the alternatives to the bikes you review? It's always interesting to be reminded of what else is available for a similar price.
That's a great engine, looks after you like a mother would, I'm a little confused, I don't know this bike name, all the same looks a great fun bike, I like it in blue 💙 great informative review as always, lovely weather too (what a memory) 😅 thanks Mark ❣️
I own the Fantic Caballero 500 Flat Track and it's stunning for the Portuguese hills l fly around on - love it. I was wondering whether to trade it in for the new 700, and I've been offered €5,000 part/ex. What concerns me is the recent Motorcycle News review which was disappointing- they felt the MT07 engine, surprisingly, didn't suit the character of the bike and robbed it of personality. I'll have to give it a test ride...but l won't lie, the rawness of the 500 single will be hard to beat.
Every review has a different view imo I felt the engine suited this bike very well...it pulls in the midrange very well and it's well built Best wishes mark
G'day Mark, good all round machine, my first look at this make interesting it's a Yamaha engine, what's cheaper this bike or the same size from Yamaha, always a great review, hope you don't melt on those hot summer days wish it was Warmer here it's cold and wet at the moment, cheers mate ride safe, Neil 🤠.
Thanks Les ....yes they are pricey more than the xsr700 but the spec is higher with the suspension brakes etc .. agreed though they will be a niche bike best regards mark
Thanks for your good review. I have a hankering for a yam xsr and now I’ve seen the fantic I’m undecided. It seems that the caballero has better brakes than the xsr with the same engine.
The suspension is better than my XTribute. I wouldn't bet on the brakes. If it's slower and tighter, the XTribute drives with less effort. The Caballero is for fast drivers who know how to steer...
Problem i have with it, that you can buy a Yamaha XSR700 and spend the extra cash and have a JvB Super7 scrambler with a decat header pipes,which makes a huge difference to how it rides...some nice billet aluminium parts on it though! First video ive seen in English, nice scoop Mark!
it's a little bit dear at 9.5 plus ,,- but for something with that much character , the ability to trail , top notch running gear , not to heavy , tracks true at higher speeds , fits most sizes , reliable motor , - it then seems a bargain ;;;;; first time i have seen one, for something different this seems close on 10 out of 10 . thanks for a great review ;;
Hi steve ....its not as snappy as the mt07 its got a more rounded/softer throttle response definitely not snatchy ...but has all the get up and go of the mt07 for sure cheers mark
@@123jack7 hi it has the same engine but better brakes and suspension...if you are planning a bit of off road ...or just rough / bad roads it's perfect...think I prefer the xsr looks though Best wishes mark
Nice review, but I'm curious, why do all motorcycle manufacturers use these golden fork legs? Like on this Fantic, they never match anything else on the bike, which to me makes them look tacky. A pity on an otherwise nice looking bike. When upside down forks were a novelty, I could understand the wish to highligt them, but today most bikes have them, so I wish they would give it a rest with the gold. The star of the show ought to be that fine Yamaha engine, but that's all blacked out. (Not the best looking engine ever made perhaps, but still.)
When you can buy a brand new MT07 for £7k or XSR700 for £8k with the same engine, I’m not sure what you’re getting for the extra money, other than a styling exercise.
Hi Phil the extra money is due to higher spec suspension brakes IMU etc etc ...I think the current list price of the xsr 700 is 8999 ..the fantic has higher spec Best wishes and thanks for your comment Mark
Just returned to this review after a good few months. The Fantic is superior spec to XSR and it looks better, on the one hand this is subjective, on the other, the mind just prefers design that adheres to the fibonacci sequence and features the serpentine curve. The Caballero adheres to these design rules, whereas the XSR does not. Particularly, the placement of the headlight on the XSR throws everything out. So, is everybody a bot, is everybody drunk, or does everybody have a missus with buckteeth?
