Fantic Caballero 500 Rally - 1000 mile review

[@biscuitsalive]

UPDATE as of summer 2022- I sold the Fantic Cab Rally (as wanted to try different bikes) After making this review I did have several more cut outs, which dealer couldn’t find the cause. Also a headlight failure. (Which warranty sorted) In hindsight the bike was fun, decent pull/power and attractive, but I didn’t fancy its long term longevity. And it did run VERY hot, which is fine for cruising around B roads, but for slow “off-road” and uphill climbs I was concerned about how hot It got. (I would turn it off for 15 mins to cool down after a slow section) So possibly not the ideal bike for lots of technical off road riding. I don’t think I would buy another Fantic, (resale value is crap) but I enjoyed it while I had it.

[@thestrictlynoparking]

Thanks for your feedback - I did ask why you changed the bkie on one of your other videos. Seems there is a risk of issues however do like much of the positives!

[@nc30guy]

I would imagine the heat issue is down to emissions and some sort of fueling module would help.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@nc30guy yep probably the cat gets super hot. No doubt a delete of that would help lots

[@takeshikusao4674]

Thanks for long-term info. Not easy to find, still

[@dare2sk]

What did you get instead?

[@blindfrog3741]

Ive done 6,000 miles. Now lives in Portugal. Rode through France and Spain so as long as you don’t want to sit too long on motorways it was perfect. Electrical issue with dash is due to the block connector, take apart and oil with ACF50, mine showed signs of corrosion. Must grease the linkages. They are plastic bushes and come not greased. Linkage bolts again not greased. The engine is very tight when new, takes over 3000 miles before freeing up. Took on a Portugal trail route, very good off road as it’s light and torquey. Cruising around 65 mph it does 75 mpg. Best was 90mpg. Good for 175 miles to reserve. It is great to ride. Where ever I stop I get asked about bike even from non bikers. Highly recommend.

[@nockianlifter661]

I have the scrambler version with the older switchgear and 600 miles. I’d agree with all of your review. I’d add that the tank is awkward to fuel and the front brake feels a bit wooden. I’ve owned loads of bikes, last one a KTM990 SMT. It was a big step down in power, but in its envelope it’s even more mental. It’s like the old Mini Cooper S, just enough power, a bit raucous, slightly hard suspension, but it flies down narrow back roads and makes me smile every time I ride it. Mpg I’ve worked out about 60mpg. It can manage a pillion if need be.

[@biscuitsalive]

Yep the tank is fiddly isn’t it. Have to keep pulling nozzle out a bit. Good point. Although I don’t have your experience (only ridden about 10 motorbikes in my life) I find the front brake to be fine. Always feel like I know how much grip I have. And have plenty of stopping power. Did they improve it for 2021 mode maybe?

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks for input on MPG too. All I know there is it’s a shit ton cheaper than my van to run.... so not much use for comment. XD

[@nockianlifter661]

@@biscuitsalive KTM had twin disc 4 pot Brembo brakes with a radial master. It would stand on its nose with one finger 😀 so I find a single disc slightly lacking, not a big issue though it’s just noticeably lacking by comparison. Back brake though is lovely. I don’t believe there were any model changes to the brakes.

[@nockianlifter661]

@@biscuitsalive I had hoped for a bit more. Back in the day my Suzuki 450 would do 100+ and the RS250 Honda single hardly needed the tank filling. The little Honda SS50 managed some ridiculous frugality. I’m told the Honda CB500X can top 90mpg. So 60 is a little disappointing, but then the KTM rarely managed more than 45 and riding hard would see that down to 30mpg.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@nockianlifter661 true, I’m mostly using 3 fingers on brake lever to be fair. (Sometimes 2 when it’s really rocky and I need a good grip.) I’ve never had a bike that I can brake really well with one finger. So maybe it’s just about context and experience.

[@chrisjonesbath]

Thanks for the detailed update. The Fantic Caballero is on my list to downsize to, as I'm after something lightweight with enough oomph to be fun on small back roads in South Wales. Also looking at the Husqvarna Svartpilen 701 as it is comparable in weight. No dealer for either close by though, so for now KZbin is my source of info. Really appreciate your update.

[@biscuitsalive]

Glad it may help. Yep I tried the svartpilan 401 (and the 701 enduro) I have dealers for husqvarna and Fantic about an hour away from me. (And Honda and Suzuki and KTM too. What dealers do you have there? Worth test riding a few if you can. The safe money prob is the Honda rally 300. But as I just had a 250crf I wanted something different. (And the Caballero has more grunt) It’s always a compromise isn’t it. But you have to enjoy riding it. That comes before reputation and stats. And despite the cabellero being a bit “basic” it sure is fun. Chuckable and easy I suppose. (Mainly due to weight/size)

[@chrisjonesbath]

@@biscuitsalive I've probably got the main marques within 90 mins from home, Honda a bit closer but the CRF is too off-road-focused and just maybe too much of a step down in power for me. I am keen to keep the weight as low as possible, though there is of course much more choice once you get up towards 200kg. Both my current (too heavy) 20+ year old bikes are air-cooled, so I'm used to more basic motorcycles :-). Thanks for your insight into the Caballero, sounds good to me.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@chrisjonesbath let me know if you get one. Still not many on the roads in UK.

[@biscuitsalive]

By the way. I’ve noticed adverts cut in before the shots at end. (Showing bike better and with exhaust /engine noise. ) So bare this in mind if you want to hear that exhaust sound etc.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

A lovely and honest review. I'd be tempted to get a bash plate and barkbusters, and my son loves this bike, selling his 390 Duke for this cool little bike. Basic is often good. It is also really refreshing that you are straightforward about your experience.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

The side covers that get in the way you may be able to look at some other Motorcross style side covers that will make it easier to stand up on without them getting in the way ( or modify the stock ones . Just wrap the pipe in heat shield tape .

[@syndromSMR]

I think it's a great bike, it looks great, its price is affordable, I love it

[@1990-t1j]

If you think this engine is 'clackety', you should try my 390 Duke. I reckon you can long haul on anything. When I was young, I did three trips to Portugal and back from the north of England and one Greece return run on a Yamaha XT500. Leave any bike outside and you'll get rust on brake discs. Your luggage loooks interesting. I'd like a Caballero Scrambler. Useful review. Nick

[@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs]

Me too with the XT500, all over Europe

[@1990-t1j]

@@PatrickWhitaker-ls2cs It made a great touring bike.

[@zaqsanara5839]

Good video...Thank you. What about the tyres are they any good? are they a good road and off road tyres?

[@biscuitsalive]

I didn’t mind them. No good in proper greasy mud. But not bad all rounders.

[@KAMBERizam]

Thank you for amazing review. Can you tell me how did you avoid burning the side bags, especially on the exhaust side? I have a problem because it gets super hot. Any tips? Thanx

[@biscuitsalive]

My bags were fine how I had them , just keep it all taut so it can’t move around and touch a hot bit.

[@KAMBERizam]

@@biscuitsalive Thanx for reply. Can you please send me the link of the bags? I see those are a little bit different shape. Perfect for Fantic bike...

[@c.g.c2067]

To me it just looks awesome especially with that setup. If you fear hot bikes give the Triumph St. Scrambler a little go in summer...

[@OmerHan0]

Hi, I'm thinking of buying this bike, would you recommend it?

[@christianmuckensturm1789]

Bonjour,quelles sont les références des sacoches arrières. Elles doivent coller contre les échappements ! Chaleur ? Les tubes de protection en option du moteur ne sont elles pas utiles ? Merci

[@supermotorider2885]

If you had a honda 250 why didn't you get a 690 supermotard or similar? Were you not comfortable with dirt bikes?

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

He said he wants a small bike to fit in his van.

[@TheIdlesurfer]

I've got a 701. It is a very different proposition to this bike. My son is as keen as mustard on this bike, and I can see why. It looks cool, will do a bit of laning, insurance is realistic and won't cost a fortune to drop. I really like it. Michael Neves of MCN, a journo whose views I respect is very keen on this.

[@peterbalac1915]

​@@TheIdlesurferThanks for that I didn't know Neevsey had done a review 🤙

[@AngeloNardoniphoto]

Nice video, even if I don't understand all of your speech. I'm curious: how did the right side bag behave? Thanks and ciao!

[@biscuitsalive]

Do you mean does it melt it get very hot? (On exhaust) It seems fine, but I wouldn’t put my lunch in there. Bag does warm up a fair amount. But no melting so far.

[@AngeloNardoniphoto]

@@biscuitsalive Good, that's what I was wondering! :-)

[@Fla1lure]

Thanks for the vid. Perhaps if you feel like it, keep the updates going as you ride more. I'm thinking of this bike, but since there seems to be quite little info about it, makes me hesitant. Most important is how the suspension handles it, once you start going faster. I had this type of experience with my NX650 (95), where in the beginning it was fine, but after about 2 years I started bottoming the front fork. The progressive springs fixed it. For the Caballero there aren't such options available. How well does it handles rough mud and going hard for long? I think from what I have seen, the british TET is quite challenging. I ride in Estonia, so you can see the rougher parts in the TET group :D

[@biscuitsalive]

Yes. As I get more confident riding the rough stuff faster I will post vids. I’m doing the steepish stuff, but very slowly and hesitantly at the moment.

[@francescopitti6]

Hey sorry, can you link me where did you get your side bags?

[@thebikegeekandmore2448]

Please update us as you are racking up the miles.

[@biscuitsalive]

Will do. Been doing lots of off road sections last few days. So it’s getting hot and shook up lots. Seems ok so far.

[@steveyoung6303]

Looks like the dealership you purchased it from are about as useful as back pocket on a singlet! Any problems they just dismiss it or reckon it'll sort itself out!

[@johnalleman1134]

Exactly what I thought too! Not good!

[@williamrae9954]

Thor were amazing with my mate's SWM...I've seen people selling them cheap, because nobody can get them going right...Thor can!

[@tiagobotelho7882]

Any issues with the kriega panners in the right side because of the exaust?

[@biscuitsalive]

Seemed ok. But if something shifted or strap wasn’t correct it could mean melty bits.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Beautiful design but unfortunately the Chinese engine has well documented problems despite people insisting the Chinese build quality is fine now ....yeah right !

[@vgstb]

Could you elaborate on the problems of the engine please?

[@williamrae9954]

2025,they come with all Italian twin cam engines...these ones come out the factory that makes Suzuki and BMW, etc engines in China

[@thebikegeekandmore2448]

Thanks for sharing your experience of the bike. Do you know if fantic hast been taking care of the technical problems they had with the head gasket?

[@biscuitsalive]

I’ve not heard if any issues with head gasket. I’ve heard that the cush drive wears out quickly. And the electrics don’t like getting very wet. That’s about it.

[@thebikegeekandmore2448]

@@biscuitsalive kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJyXlH2wbqqpd8k This is a German review about it. I think you can subtitel it. The problem with the head gasket is quite common problem with this model. This is the reason I am hesitating about this bike. I have not been able to get a confirmation that this problem has been sorted out

[@lulugacks3526]

no more problems with the head gasket. it was something to do with the thermostat/cooler on the first(?) modelyear...

[@thebikegeekandmore2448]

@@lulugacks3526 In one KZbin review they where saying that the internal pressuare des Motors where to high and hence the problem with gasket. According this review some changes seems to be done to expansion chamber of the coolingsystem but I have not been able to get a confirmation about it.

[@mercow1242]

Is engine reliable? Is it vibrate so much? Iam a high milage User. I can put on it, thousands miles on it. What should i buy?

[@biscuitsalive]

Sold mine before putting high miles on it. So hard to say. Deff Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki will be more reliable for many miles. Vibrations were not bad on this one. But any single cylinder engine is going to have some buzz.

[@bosoceansport2068]

Seems to me you answered all your own complaints about this bike. It is what it is and it doesn’t break the bank. Awesome bike for the price and if you don’t like the characteristics of this style of bike don’t buy one. Pound for pound as a fun daily ride and adventure bike, just freaking get one. Just me talking out loud. Unicorn’s actually don’t exist.

[@TheSweetasanut]

Nice review mate

[@biscuitsalive]

Cheers glad it was helpful. You reminded me to post and update comment.- UPDATE summer 2022 I sold the Fantic Cab Rally (as wanted to try different bikes) After this review I did have several more cut outs, which dealer couldn’t find the cause. Also a headlight failure. (Which warranty sorted) In hindsight the bike was fun, decent pull/power and attractive, but I didn’t fancy its long term longevity. And it did run VERY hot, which is fine for cruising around B roads, but for slow “off-road” and uphill climbs I was concerned about how hot It got. (I would turn it off for 15 mins to cool down after a slow section) So possibly not the ideal bike for lots of technical off road riding. I don’t think I would buy another Fantic, (resale value is crap) but I enjoyed it while I had it.

[@fcalin21]

How are the vibrations ?

[@biscuitsalive]

They are medium. You know you are on a single pot. But I didn’t notice it bad. No numb fingers or anything like that.

[@fcalin21]

@@biscuitsalive Thank you.

[@mark.e.p]

I love this bike, but tbh I'd go for a second-hand Duke Scrambler as there are so many around.

[@1985cactus]

Aren't Ducatis quite heavier?

[@MegaRich7]

Have you come across The Crumble.

[@biscuitsalive]

Not sure what that is

[@MegaRich7]

@@biscuitsalive he'sa tuber as well. Rides the indian trails like you do. Look him up!

[@jackvliet]

Is this available in the u.s.?

[@danielkerr4100]

Why don't you just Google it 🤣 rather than waiting on a KZbin comments section.

[@jackvliet]

@@danielkerr4100 is this available in the u.s.?

[@RadRaven]

Very cool and detailed review! Thanks!! ; )~

[@AntonioNaso]

What about your lateral luggage?

[@biscuitsalive]

The saddlebags? Kreiga OS system. Doesn’t quite fit perfectly. But does ok.

[@essveekay]

What size are the Kriega bags? They look about right.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@essveekay pretty sure they are 2x12. So 24 in total.

[@peterd3215]

Did you sell it and why.

[@biscuitsalive]

Sold it. I had a few minor niggles. Cutting out etc. And was running super hot. So started to worry about reliability. Fun bike. But I wanted something more dependable. (Yamaha/Honda etc)

[@peterd3215]

@@biscuitsalive ok that's my main worry so I will avoid it tbh. Nobody needs that hassle. I see you bought the crf300l, that's an option for me or another Himalayan (but slow and unreliable)

[@biscuitsalive]

@@peterd3215 yep 300L is perfect green lane/TET machine. Just underpowered on road and soft suspension. But great choice.

[@peterd3215]

@@biscuitsalive I have the cb300r that I've scrambled for malle mile etc it doesn't feel too underpowered (does 96mph top speed) but a bit more grunt would be nice. The only other option is the KTM adv390 but the test ride on that showed it was quite dull, too big and has a terrible back break. Thought the cabellero was the answer but I guess not. A tuned Himalayan might be, it's comfy, goes well in the muck and has the low seat. Reliability has gotten better since my rubbish old 2018 model. The versys 300x was a great bike also but very uncomfortable and felt like a sail in high winds.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@peterd3215 it’s always a compromise somewhere. Loved my Tenere700 But the weight of that thing was a compromise too far.

[@livonian]

ECU remap will make the engine run cooler.

[@biscuitsalive]

Thanks. Haven’t heard that before. I did hear early models benefit from a remap.

[@livonian]

@@biscuitsalive To pass the Euro regulations, the standard mapping makes the engine run very lean, hence the heat.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@livonian just looking into this. I’m no expert on engines, but found this- kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJTKnniBnah5itU

[@livonian]

@@biscuitsalive Lots of nonsense on KZbin.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@livonian read into it a bit more. I think he is right, but is being very pedantic. When people say running “lean” raises engine temps, what they really should be saying is running “less rich” can make engine running hot. But as soon as you technically start to run “Lean” as in not burning all the air, then that does cool engine off.

[@kaaajeee]

how tall are you?

[@biscuitsalive]

About 5’9 or 5’8 haven’t measured in years. (But fairly short legs )

[@zbyswitta]

Great review, thanks :)

[@Hutchie2112]

I'm thinking about getting one, and right away my ears pricked up at you saying it fits in your van. Might seem a daft question, but what van do you have, as I'm also looking at getting a van to transport the bike long distances.

[@biscuitsalive]

I’ve got a VW transporter T5. Pretty standard size for a van. (Not long wheel base or high roof model)

[@Hutchie2112]

@@biscuitsalive perfect. Thanks

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

Put a quad lock on your bars mate ( great 👍 for putting phone on .

[@pedrothecornishviking9981]

nice review mate. Hopefully get mine from Thor soon, if it ever turns up 😩

[@biscuitsalive]

How long have you been waiting? And rally too or scrambler

[@pedrothecornishviking9981]

@@biscuitsalive put the deposit down about 3 weeks ago, for the rally.

[@biscuitsalive]

@@pedrothecornishviking9981 nice. Enjoy!

[@christianmouraux7269]

Very nice looking bike, but not more than cruising around town 😀

[@biscuitsalive]

Dunno. I did half of the GET TET on it. Sold it now. But it wasn’t too bad off road.

[@vgstb]

It can be a hooligan bike in the right hands, plenty of video's around from nutters who scrape the footpegs at 80 mph in the Alps.

[@williamrae9954]

Ideal for the Nordkapp...50mph limit in Norway...huge fines...Rotapax,perfect

[@barryjatkinson]

A real review. Thank you

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

It’s probably more reliable than a Desert Sled

[@tubelesschannel]

Interesting !

[@trehanero]

True adventure machine

[@chrislomas9886]

Im good for an hour on my Caballero, after that my arse aches so seat could be better.

[@mavieskizz]

i think it need crash bars.

[@biscuitsalive]

Possibly. Haven’t seen those available yet.

[@longjonwhite]

The problem when you start adding crashbars etc. it stops being a lightweight bike. (Speaking as a fully loaded BMW GS800 owner who can no longer lift his bloody bike if it drops !)

[@mavieskizz]

@@longjonwhite You change your mind when the motorcycle tilts for the first time.

[@densamme1752]

Thx for the video 👍

[@debbierigby6304]

I LIKE IT BUT I DONTLIKE IT?MAKE YOUR MIND U P

[@stanleylawson9015]

do you still have it?

[@stanleylawson9015]

ahh see you sold it

[@biscuitsalive]

@@stanleylawson9015 yep. Had a few bikes since. I did enjoy it. But had a few niggles that bugged me, and was conceded about long term reliability. Resale value is a bit crap too. But fun little bike that does tick a lot of ‘fun’ and use cases.

[@vgstb]

@@biscuitsalive For any future bike, that is compliant with the Euro 5 emission regulation, you should consider to give it a tune to make it run less lean so you reduce the combustion temperature. Not too much though, like for example a power commander does, they tend to make the combustion to rich, which gives carbon deposits in the cylinder(s) after a while.