★ FANTIC CABALLERO 500 SCRAMBLER REVIEW ★

[@defender1006]

Thanks for the review, I test rode one back in June and then bought a 500 (450cc) Flat Track in early July '22 and I love it! It's very punchy and doesn't like 5th gear much below 35mph or 6th/Top Gear much below 45mph on the flat or above on rolling roads etc. But this is a really great bike and just needs to ridden, unlike many other 'retro Street Scrambler' bikes!

[@stinkermac]

I've had my Deluxe Scrambler for 6 months now and it's a real blast on the back roads, lanes and around town. It's not perfect and maybe a little expensive (the quality is there where it counts), but it's just fun and enjoyable to ride because it's light and easy to fling around and has a surprisingly punchy motor for 41 hp. Plenty of grins. I also added the Arrows race system which does have a great snarly sound. I have a few routes locally that involve cutting through some dirt lanes (nothing serious) and it copes easily, and really adds to the fun of going somewhere and discovering new places locally. It's a good honest basic motorcycle which may prove to be a benefit a few years down the line on the reliability side, as there's not much electronics or sophisticated mechanics to go wrong. My only concern is will Fantic be around still in a few years if you do need parts, idk. That said I believe the engine is being used in other bikes so that may be an advantage if they do disappear.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks... great comment Cheers mark 😊

[@maciejz6914]

Fantic owns minarelli for now so I don't think they will be ending anytime soon

[@berndbrckr]

that is funny. I just decided to buy this bike. It seems really nice bike also for smaller men like us. Light, quick and good to handle . Thanks again for the review

[@markpulling12]

Great choice ....looks great 👍

[@Steve-motorcycles]

This bike reminds me of the old Yamaha XT500

[@markpulling12]

Yes I remember those in the early 80s :) Cheers mark

[@1990-t1j]

Beat me to it. I was going to day the same, Stephen. I had the 1981 500E model. Three times to Portugal and once to Greece on it in the 80s. Not so keen on the kickstart, though.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@1990-t1j yes, especially when it kicked back😬 great bike though. Miss mine but not sure if I would want it back now. Bikes are easy nowadays and start straight away.

[@1990-t1j]

@@Steve-motorcycles Agreed. I run around on a KTM 390 Duke, and I rate it above my old XT.

[@Boppa1260]

The mash x ride 650, looks very xt also.

[@davidfoster9890]

I've had my bike for over 2 years now, just over 6000 miles. Bought to be carried inside my Campervan, mileage done mainly in Spain before the outbreak. It's been reliable, loads of fun, no reliability problems. Don't worry about the Chinese engine, it's a great 500 (450) especially in the twisties. I'm 5'6'' tall,just dropped the front an inch, & it's no problem to manouvre, with being so light. I have Speed Twin too, but the Fantic is more suited to the twists & bends, still capable of 95+mph when needed. I wasn't sure at first, but it turns out to be a great choice.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks David ...yes I was impressed... agreed Chinese engines are generally reliable these days ..I've had good experience with them :) Cheers mark

[@andreapozz3375]

@ David Foster hi man, good bike, I'm interested to buy this in version rally, do You think this bike can reach 70/80 thousand miles without any issues just with normal Maintence? I want to do a road trip of 10 000 km in 2 weeks did you think the engine can resist or it will break down? Thanks for your time good ride

[@UK00890]

David, I'm looking at doing the same, what van do you have?

[@MrStu213]

Good review. I brought the deluxe model in March this year 4500 miles later i am very happy. Its great fun on the Lincolnshire back roads. Only thing i have found is the back break it works fine but i get no real feel from it. The switch gear took me a little bit of getting use to. On the new Euro 5 ones it is more user friendly

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@thejudgehasjudged]

The XT500 reinvented...I approve

[@christopherturner9330]

Nice to see the engine is not a stressed member Mark I like that engineering decision.

[@nockianlifter661]

You really should have found some very tight and twisty back roads where it really excels. It’s a demon which makes you ride like a maniac and still be completely safe. I’ve ridden to the edges of the tyres. Front brake is average and back brake is very powerful which is what you need for something which can tackle some mild off road-which I’ve done. Saddle isn’t all that comfortable and legs are slightly cramped, but they have to be because of the low height and capability to get it way over in a turn. The quirky switches have been replaced on the new model, but I’ve grown used to them and they add to an already authentic feel. It can be grumpy at slow speed and it’s character is like a terrier eager to go. I’ve ridden with a friend who has a meteor 350 and they are chalk and cheese-the Fantic is like a sports bike in comparison and it’s hard to keep the speed down and not lose him. It will hit 80 pretty easily on a back road, but you really don’t want to go any quicker because of vibes, wind pressure and the suspension which can start to feel ‘fun’ in a bouncy kind of way - but this is the wrong bike for doing that kind of riding for any length of time. Fuel gauge isn’t very accurate so I’m filling up more than I need, but reckon on 150 miles to a tank. I’ve passed many larger capacity bikes on bumpy B roads which is ridiculous fun on a tiny bike, even if it’s a bit childish 😂 it attracts lots of people every time I park it up-bikers and non bikers alike. I call mine ‘Basil’ after my friends unruly, playful, disobedient cocker spaniel and it’s the deluxe model in grey tank and brown seat just so I can get in with the hipster set. It seems expensive for what it is, but it’s unique and different and not what you might imagine it to be in this class. It’s really a little MX bike with excellent road handling and surprisingly capable in the dirt all wrapped up in a handsome look that says Italian cafe.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks great comment Oh yes I had fun off camera lol Regards mark

[@jedw9983]

I have a Flat Track 500 and your comment is spot on. On the back roads of the Algarve interior it's an absolute blast.

[@1990-t1j]

@@jedw9983 Where ayou in Portugal? I'm in L;agos.

[@pshotton3752]

Good review, thank you for taking the time to do this, its made me look at this bike, not many dealers around in my area but it looks like it'd be good for the pot-holed lanes around where I live (rural Devon), I've looked at Ducati 800, XSR700's, BMW G650's etc but this might add another option for an hours ride out to discover more small coves and cafe's. Thank you

[@markpulling12]

Thanks yes you can have alot of fun on small bikes like these and explore country lanes they make alot of sense cheers mark

[@anroadking]

Couldn't help but notice the old Telephone Exchange building behind, when you were doing the walk round. I worked for BT for 36 years and can't help spotting some of the properties on my travels.

[@markpulling12]

Haha yes I looked at that building and wondered what it was ...I love a bit of history :). Cheers Adrian

[@sicks6six]

does the front mudguard rise up as the forks depress, it's hard to tell from this video but looking at the brackets they seem to be fixed to the bottom section of the fork,

[@markpulling12]

Hi yes it does up and down with the wheel and fork Cheers mark

[@1990-t1j]

0:57 I really like the dash. Simple but all you need. And clear. Lovely headlamp. The perfect commuter bike maybe, apart from the tubed tyres.. As good a bike as the 390 Duke? Way better than an RE. Another professional review, Mark.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks nik ....yes great fun ,I still need to ride / get a 390 duke though ! Cheers mark

[@1990-t1j]

@@markpulling12 I thought you'd tried one out. My mistake.

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , the review of the Fantic , has to be one of the best out there . Glad some asked Benelli or Fantic , of which is less Kg ,s . Thanks for your review , honest and down to earth . Ride and stay safe and upright .

[@markpulling12]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I guess the Benelli leoncino is a strong competitor Cheers mark

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@markpulling12 Except it's 40kgs heavier...

[@shakinsherlock66]

I was just watching and thought, I recognise those roads, and I did. Local fella. I've been thinking about flipping my XSR700 for one of these

[@markpulling12]

I think this bike is still available in Poole Moto :)

[@Shinysideup]

Great review Mark, I really like the look of the Fantic, it’s the first proper review I’ve seen on the standard scrambler, I’ve seen one on the rallye version but that a bit tall for me. Im really tempted to take a serious look at the scrambler.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Ian yes great bike 😊

[@jedw9983]

Thanks Mark. I'm picking up a Flat Track from Lisbon on Friday and trading in my Mutt. Can't wait.

[@markpulling12]

Great choice Jed ....I really enjoyed the caballero cheers mark

[@farhanzaman152]

I’m looking at this bike , Harley 883, Triumph Boneveille bobber , Honda CMX500 . Can’t decide which one

[@scottbrock884]

Hope they get to the US. These are the bikes that I want!

[@c00ldfeet84]

Good review mark think sometimes mark we can waist a lot of stupid money on bikes just to have the latest gimmicks, but that frantic will do the job, and if you drop the thing it doesn't matter so much what do you think. Stay safe. Mick

[@markpulling12]

Cheers Mick yes lot to be said for these "cheaper" bikes these days Cheers mark

[@landedzentry]

20:29 why did they route the exhaust like that - around in a square? hmmmm? lol

[@markpulling12]

Yes agreed that's weird 🤣

[@alexjson]

@@markpulling12 apparently a clever way of getting more torque according to another review I saw

[@markpulling12]

@@alexjson oh ok interesting ....must be back pressure and all that :)

[@worldofyngy1185]

Hey, how would this bike be for me at 6.1 feet tall, and i think i might buy the rally version.👍

[@markpulling12]

Hi the rally version is quite tall so it would be perfect for you Great bike cheers mark

[@arenalife]

I sat on one today at the dealers and couldn't believe how light it was. If I'd been blindfolded I would have sworn it was just a frame and wheels with no engine in it

[@andycrawley8276]

It looks like a neat bike... Thanks for the review Mark.

[@markpulling12]

Cheers Andy ....more fun than I expected :)

[@Adam-mo2qw]

I have a 28" leg. You you think I can get feet down doth sides? You look flat footed both sides?

[@markpulling12]

Yes you should be fine ...at least the balls of your feet down. :) Cheers mark

[@ianwatkins9260]

If you get a chance Mark, could you review the 2022 version of the 125? I ask as that is supposed to have the Yamaha lump from the YZF which should be good. Want to really know if the 125 Fantic is worth the £800 extra over the XRS125. Thank you

[@markpulling12]

I'll have a look out Ian for one :)

[@davidbesant]

I really wanted one, but my local dealer discontinued them because he had so much hassle with spres availability. I bough an interceptor instead, but not too bothered as my previous bike was a DL1000XT and in 3 years it never went so much as an inch of the tarmac. What the hell, I'll get both!

[@markpulling12]

Cheers David 😃

[@lidge1994]

I'm 6'6, never ridden a motorcycle, saw this bike and fell in love. Would it be too small for me?

[@markpulling12]

Hi yes you would be big on the bike but still fine ...they do the taller rally version with a 860 mm seat which you may want to take a look at but as you are new to biking there are loads of suitable bikes to choose from ....give the Honda cb500 x a look as well that's the market leader or even Benelli trk502 x Cheers mark

[@chris_rides_kawasaki]

Good review Mark, sounds like a motorbike should. expensive though for the size. How would it compare to the 390 adventure?

[@markpulling12]

Hi Christopher ..I guess the performance is similar but the ktm is more adventure style and it's a grand cheaper...I guess you get the fantic if you are after that retro scrambler look Cheers mark

[@StephanoHamez]

Great review mate but I’ll Stick with the Yammie X Max 300 🇦🇺❤️🇬🇧☀️💪🏼🥇

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Stevie

[@MrAmorti]

Great review, thanks! I am probably going to get a new cb500x, but these look great. Does the back seat look like a kid could sit there? To me looks like the exhaust is where a leg needs to be.

[@markpulling12]

Yes you're right....it's not really designed for a passenger... definitely recommend the cb500 x best one in its class:)

[@kennykewn5182]

How does this compare to.the mash 650?...have you done a test on the.mash?

[@markpulling12]

Hi Kenny no sorry not ridden a mash ...kind of hard to get rides on those where I live but it looks good !

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

Hi Mark how do you rate it against the Interceptor 650?

[@markpulling12]

Hi it's a different style really very different to ride,retro scrambler vs roadster ....I enjoyed it but the interceptor would be my choice as I love it's twin engine Cheers mark

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

mark pulling really keen to see how the new BSA will fair against the interceptor, a future review I’m sure

[@markpulling12]

@@theincrediblesulk5543 definitely 😁

[@vernonfewtrell5735]

@@theincrediblesulk5543 BSA will be a lot dearer and much heavier I imagine

[@crumblymal8479]

Nice one Mark I like it looks good sounds good the only thing I would want to change would be the indicator switch how strange is that . Cheers well done as per : )

[@markpulling12]

Yes the indicator switch takes a bit of getting used to !

[@lesterhall5310]

Interesting bike, thanks for the review. I haven't seen any of those out here in Australia yet but i will be keeping my eye out now i have seen one.

[@markpulling12]

Many thanks 😊

[@raymothered8025]

Hi Mark, you said that the seat height was 820mm but the specs say 840mm (33 inches). I am about same dimensions as yourself (maybe a few kilos heavier - ha ha) so I was wondering how you managed to almost flat foot lt. Is there a fair bit of sag on it once y ou mount it? Also I know that a lowering kit is available for these bikes.

[@markpulling12]

Hmm strange I just looked on fantic .com and it says 820 mm optional 840 mm seat ..here is the link www.fantic.com/gb-en/moto/caballero/scrambler-500_u15kt

[@raymothered8025]

@@markpulling12 Hi Mark, you are correct, I was looking at a different website. 820 mm is still a smidgen over 32 inches so I assume it settles down a bit after you throw a leg over it. I like the looks of the Flat Tracker version so I will have to go look at one and see how it fits and rides. Keep up the good work, cheers.

[@fragu123]

Mark, this one or a Royal Enfield Himalayan or classic 350? Your view?

[@markpulling12]

I prefer the Himalayan myself or even the leoncino trail cheers mark

[@fireblade_ninja308]

I've seen your benelli leoncino 500 review which you highly complemented, dose that seem better in terms of quality & engine smoothness than this??

[@markpulling12]

Hi Nasir quality about the same but it's smoother than this :) Many thanks 😊

[@fireblade_ninja308]

@mark pulling nice one mark. I was hoping you say that. 👍🏼

[@timcannock8870]

Did you try the bike off-road (gravel, easy trails,etc)?

[@markpulling12]

Hi Tim no sorry I didn't but I've read they perform well on light tracks Cheers mark

[@peterwrench4416]

Very nice, I like the look of the rally version, but they all seem good. They resemble that Norton Atlas prototype a little. Sadly, none here in the colonies though.

[@1990-t1j]

Just watched this again as I was reminded of it by another vlogger the other day. Now you've got a 390 Duke, how does the Caballero compare performance-wise? It looks a stunner. It would make sense to get rid of my big bike in Portugal and get one of these to supplement my Can-Am F3-S, which I regard as my 'car'. I'm quite happy having only the 390 in Thailand, having abandoned any plans to buy a bigger one there. So why not in Portugal, too.

[@markpulling12]

Hi nik the caballero feels about the same acceleration wise ...bit more pull low down but feels lumpier more throb not as smooth as our dukes but yes definitely a good bike Cheers mark

[@1990-t1j]

@@markpulling12 Thanks, Mark. Always such a help.

[@chrisbolton5461]

A really solid review. Everything covered.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Chris

[@philipashley1517]

Just find video,,I like the bike very much,,thanx.

[@1990-t1j]

And again, Mark 😃. It's a lovely bike. Is that a rack on the tank?

[@markpulling12]

Hi Nik yes it is...hope you're well Best wishes mark

[@Skia-kw8dh]

mark, hopefully you can make a review for lexmoto lxr 125 soon. i dunno if you do 125cc motorcyle reviews though.

[@markpulling12]

Yes I have a few on my channel I'm doing a Hyosung 125 today !

[@laszlofazekas3910]

Great review! Real life test...👏👏👍

[@actstuntcam]

FANTIC - Sounds like a Fantastic, Frantic bike for scrambler Fanatics :P

[@Micjoh]

That radiator needs protection. The fins are mullered already

[@Theophilus1968]

Handsome bike! Another one we don’t get in the US.

[@capch85]

Thank you for the review, Mark! Wonderful weather. Was the video taken in december?

[@markpulling12]

Yes Michael today :)

[@capch85]

@@markpulling12 What a great day for a riding! Ride save.

[@ianlawrie919]

Excellent! Reminds me of the MZ etc 350

[@livonian]

Whats with the "Chinese bike" stuff? The official sources claim only the engine is sourced from China, the bikes being made in Dosson, Italy. 250cc Caballero, discontinued when Euro5 came along, came with a Yamaha-sourced engine. Sucks to be a Brit, list price of a 2021 model is 6790 Euro.

[@kevincraig8257]

soumds good I think I would go for the rally more suspension is always better

[@markpulling12]

Definitely Kevin but it's quite tall at 860 mm seat cheers mark

[@anthonyperkins6364]

Looks nice , but not available in the USA !!! 🙁

[@lyndonp3391]

Looks a nice easy light fun bike...but a little overpriced me thinks. Probably be offering good deals somewhere down the line!.

[@markpulling12]

Yes Lyndon I had a look ,some deals available now :)

[@stevecalovich3682]

I like the tank top.

[@The_Arby]

Nice one Mark 🙂

[@bertberlich943]

Tolles Moped👍

[@markpulling12]

Vielen Dank. Freundliche Grüße

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Nice bike for sure, but noticed a few rusty allen bolts and nuts too. Used to make good trials bikes .

[@markpulling12]

Thanks Roger ...yes that bike had done 5000 miles / two winters uk But generally the finish still looks good Cheers mark

[@rogerwilliams2902]

@@markpulling12 Two winters, oops, that's not too bad then . I'll take that back then 🙂 !

[@FourIntoOne]

I had the original Fantic caballero in the late 70s. It was a 50cc 2 stroke moped but very much off road style like this one. It was, frankly, shit. Terrible build quality and laughable electrics. reliable ? Nope. But it looked great and I loved it.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks marc

[@Speedytrip]

Nice design but bolts on radiator hose are already rusted.

[@markpulling12]

Yes it's done 5000 miles and a couple of winters . But generally the finish is holding up well Cheers mark

[@Speedytrip]

@@markpulling12 In that case its holding up well indeed :)

[@jamesnewman4351]

If i'm honest i prefer my Leoncino Trail 500, i tested this bike before buying the Benelli and think the Leoncino is much more value for money...and more powerful!

[@markpulling12]

Yes James the leoncino is great vfm Cheers mark

[@nikos-giorgos]

If you were honest you would mention that it's also 50kgs heavier...

[@MickH60]

And heavier and ugly...!!!!

[@fcalin21]

No secondary balancer shaft ? Lazy.

[@kawaseksi7358]

Too expensive for a Chinese with Italian stickers on it ... Looks fine tbqh but 1 cylinder = no-no ... ;-) Thanks for the review, Mark.

[@markpulling12]

Thanks my pleasure

[@luiscardozo0000]

its like a DIY bike😂

[@Roy_Godiksen]

💖💖👏🏼👏🏼

[@markpulling12]

Thanks roy

[@markpulling12]

Cheers tony

[@999silverhk]

Only drawbacks is pricey😂😂😂

[@mohamedameen4375]

أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِن مَّتَّعْنَاهُمْ سِنِينَ (٢٠٥) ثُمَّ جَاءَهُم مَّا كَانُوا يُوعَدُونَ (٢٠٦) مَا أَغْنَىٰ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا يُمَتَّعُونَ (٢٠٧) الشعراء Then have you considered if We gave them enjoyment for years, And then there came to them that which they were promised? They would not be availed by the enjoyment with which they were provided. (Quran 26 :205-207)