Fantic 500 Caballero Rally [2020-2022]: A Rally-Ready Scrambler With Italian Flair
Introduction
The Fantic 500 Caballero Rally is a motorcycle that refuses to be pigeonholed. Part retro scrambler, part modern enduro machine, this Italian oddball from Fantic Motor delivers a riding experience that feels like a love letter to the golden era of rally racing – but with enough modern tech to keep up with 21st-century expectations.
Having spent a day wrestling this 157 kg (346 lb) machine through rocky trails, fire roads, and even a brief stint on twisty asphalt, it's clear Fantic aimed to create a motorcycle that's equally at home carving canyon roads as it is kicking up rooster tails in the desert. Let's dissect what makes this Euro 5-compliant thumper so intriguing.
Design & Aesthetics
Retro styling meets rally functionality
At first glance, the Caballero Rally looks like it time-traveled straight from a 1970s Dakar rally camp. The high-mounted front fender, cross-spoke wheels, and flat bench seat scream vintage off-road pedigree. Yet look closer and you'll find modern touches: LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and that aggressive Arrow dual exhaust system that snakes around the right side of the bike.
The chassis is a CrMo steel central-tube frame that feels robust without being agricultural. Our test bike's 860mm (33.9") seat height (adjustable down to 820mm/32.3" on some models) positions the rider in a commanding, stand-up-friendly position. Despite the lofty perch, the narrow midsection lets even shorter riders plant feet firmly at stops.
Color options varied by year and model variant, ranging from military green/beige combos to more vibrant blue/red schemes. The 2022 model we tested wore a retro-inspired green/white livery that turned heads at every gas stop.
Engine & Performance
The 449cc single that punches above its weight
At the heart of the Caballero Rally beats a 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that's more sophisticated than its retro looks suggest. With 40 HP (29.4 kW) @ 7,500 RPM and 43 Nm (31.7 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 6,000 RPM, this isn't your grandfather's thumper.
The fuel-injected mill (40mm throttle body) delivers power with surprising refinement. Below 4,000 RPM, it's all tractor-like lugging ability – perfect for technical trails. Crack the throttle past halfway, and the engine transforms into a snarling beast that pulls cleanly to its 8,500 RPM limiter. The 6-speed gearbox (with surprisingly crisp shifts) lets you keep the engine in its sweet spot whether crawling over boulders or cruising at 110 km/h (68 mph).
Fuel consumption averaged 4.2 L/100km (56 mpg) during our mixed riding, giving the 12L (3.17 gal) tank a theoretical 285km (177 mi) range – decent for a weekend trail warrior.
Handling & Suspension
200mm of travel that eats bumps for breakfast
The Caballero Rally's party trick is its suspension setup. Up front, 43mm USD forks (200mm travel) provide plush damping over square-edge hits while remaining composed during aggressive cornering. Out back, a rebound-damping adjustable shock with matching 200mm travel maintains rear wheel traction even when hammering through whoops.
At speed, the 1425-1435mm (56.1-56.5") wheelbase and 19"/17" wheel combo (110/80-19 front, 140/80-17 rear) strike a perfect balance between quick steering and straight-line stability. The Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires on our test bike offered confident grip on everything from loose gravel to rain-slicked pavement.
Braking is handled by single 230mm discs front and rear, with ABS that's thankfully defeatable for serious off-road use. While not as powerful as dual-disc setups, the Brembo-sourced components provided ample stopping power for the bike's 157kg wet weight.
Competition
How it stacks up against the segment
The Caballero Rally occupies a unique niche between classic scramblers and modern enduros. Its closest competitors include:
- Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
- More road-biased with superior pavement manners
- Lacks the Fantic's off-road suspension and ground clearance
-
Higher revving 373cc engine (44 HP) but less low-end torque
-
Beta 430 RR-S
- Pure enduro machine with race-ready components
- 432cc engine makes similar power but in a lighter 114kg package
-
More maintenance-intensive vs Fantic's street-legal reliability
-
Yamaha SCR950
- Larger 942cc V-twin with cruiser ergonomics
- Significantly heavier at 252kg (555 lbs)
- Retro style without genuine off-road capability
Where the Fantic shines is in blending retro charm with legitimate 200mm-travel suspension – a combination that's rare below 10,000€. It's not the most powerful or lightest in class, but offers unique character that's hard to replicate.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Keeping the rally spirit alive
The Caballero Rally's maintenance needs reflect its dual-sport nature:
- Oil Changes
- Requires 1.2L of SAE 10W-40 (API SG) with filter changes
-
Consider upgrading to synthetic oils like Motul 7100 for extended intervals
-
Chain Care
- The 13/52 sprocket combo wears faster than street bikes
-
Fit a premium DID 520VX3 chain for longer service life
-
Brake System
Uses DOT 4 fluid – flush every 2 years or 10,000km
Upgrade pads to sintered compounds for aggressive off-road braking -
Cooling System
1.5L capacity – monitor levels and use ethylene glycol-based coolant
Consider a radiator guard for rocky terrain -
Air Filter
Clean every 1,000km in dusty conditions
Swap to a washable K&N filter for easier maintenance
Common wear items to stock up on:
- NGK ER9EH-6N spark plugs
- 15W fork oil for suspension service
- Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR replacement tires
Final Thoughts
The Fantic 500 Caballero Rally isn't for everyone – and that's precisely its appeal. For riders wanting a street-legal machine that can transition from café-hopping to canyon-carving to trail-bashing without missing a beat, this Italian oddball delivers in spades. While the single-cylinder engine might feel agricultural to liter-bike riders, there's undeniable charm in its torquey personality and mechanical honesty.
Would we take it on a Dakar raid? Probably not. But for weekend warriors seeking a motorcycle that's equally comfortable at a vintage bike meet as it is carving fresh lines through mountain singletrack, the Caballero Rally remains one of the most compelling dual-personality bikes of its generation. Just don't forget to pack spare tubes and a sense of adventure.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 29 kW | 39.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 43 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Fuel Injection (Throttle body ø 40mm) |
| Max power @: | 7100 rpm |
| Displacement: | 449 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 6000 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 94.5 x 64.0 mm (3.7 x 2.5 in) |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Emission details: | Euro 5 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1435 mm (56.5 in) |
| Dry weight: | 150 |
| Seat height: | 860 mm (33.9 in) |
| Overall length: | 2080 mm (81.9 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 12.0 L (3.17 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | chain |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
| Rear sprocket: | 52 |
| Front sprocket: | 13 |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 140/80-17 |
| Engine oil: | 10W-40 |
| Front tire: | 110/80-19 |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK ER9EH-6N |
| Coolant capacity: | 1.5 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 1.2 |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or 2 years (whichever comes first) |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.3 bar (33.4 psi) |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 2.1 bar (30.5 psi) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Tubular Steel (CrMo) |
| Rear brakes: | Single 230 mm disc, ABS |
| Front brakes: | Single 230 mm disc, ABS |
| Rear suspension: | Monoshock with hydraulic regulation |
| Front suspension: | ø43mm upside-down telescopic fork |
| Rear wheel travel: | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Additional Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Warranty: | 12 months |
| Exhaust system: | Dual exhaust by ARROW |
| Fuel consumption: | 4.20 L/100 km (56.00 mpg) |
