Fantic Caballero 700 Scrambler

Yamaha-powered retro has plenty of appeal

The Caballero has been a big hitter for Fantic in recent years, so it should come as no surprise that it’s decided now’s the time to reveal a new, more powerful version for 2023. And with a Yamaha engine, Brembo brakes and Marzocchi springs, it looks like it’s going to be a winner.

The big news is that Fantic is making the most of its partnership with Yamaha, as the new Caballero 700 will be powered by the same 689cc, liquidcooled Euro5 engine as the Japanese firm’s MT-07, Ténéré 700 and R7. That means the bike will have around 75bhp and 50lb-ft of torque to play with – which is a proper step up from the 40bhp and 31lb-ft of torque of the Caballero 500 Scrambler. That’s a good start, right?

There’s plenty more to get excited about though, with some VRMMarzocchi 45mm upside-down forks and a rear monoshock (with preload adjustment), and Brembo four-piston callipers grabbing a 330mm disc up front and a two-piston calliper and 245mm disc at the rear. It’s also going to come kitted out with cornering ABS, which will monitor the bike’s lean and fine-tune the brakes to suit. There’re more electronics in the form of traction control, three rider modes (road, off-road and custom) and TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity.

The big Caballero will come with 19inch front and 17-inch rear aluminium spoked wheels, while the engine will be cradled in a single backbone-style frame which is attached to an aluminium swingarm. Above that will be a 14-litre fuel tank. The seat will stand at 830mm tall, and the bike will weigh in at a respectable 180kg – which should help to make it manageable for most no matter whether they’re commuting in style or cutting-up some green lanes.

Expected to land in the UK next spring with a sub-£9000 pricetag, it’s by no means a cheap bit of kit, but with some quality components, a tried and tested engine and formidable looks, it could do very well indeed. We’ll be trying to ride one at the first opportunity.