Fantic is hitting Australian shores

Fantic Enduro motorcycles will be available in Australia from the beginning of September 2011 with the release of the 125cc and 300cc two-stroke models into the market. The machines come with what appears to be top-shelf componentry, which is similar to the factory Italian bikes used in the Enduro World Championship (EWC).

Imported by Australian company, Sportswise, the TZ300 model retails for $13,450 and the TZ125 for $11,250.

Having a long-term Gas Gas EC300 in the office for the past six months, we couldn’t help notice the similarities between the TZ300 and the stock Gas Gas EC300 — as well as the $1950 premium the 300cc Fantic has over the Gas Gas. Sportswise’s Simon Wiseman points out, “Both bikes’ engines are Gas Gas-powered but the Fantic TZ300 is closer to Gas Gas’s special-order EC300 Nambotin model, which retails for $14,699.”

Wiseman then goes on to highlight the differences between the Fantic and the Gas Gas, “The important differences, and we would like to think improvements, the Fantic has include: Ohlins rear suspension; 50mm Marzocchi fork; specialised competition expansion chamber; a slightly modified frame, a Selle Dalla Valle seat and Excel rims. And it’s 2.5 kilograms lighter.”

According to Sportswise’s PR, the new TZ Scuderia models (which stands for factory “Team or Squad”) are designed and developed from racing experience, with a high level of specification and the best quality products and parts. Fantic works with top-level suppliers in all areas of the machines’ manufacturing; from Marzocchi and Ohlins for Suspension, Excel and Brembo for wheels and brakes, to Domino, Tommaselli and Selle Dalla Valle.

Fantic TZ300 Scuderia Specifications

Engine

Type: 300cc Single Cylinder 2-Stroke, Euro 3

Bore: 72.00mm

Stroke: 72.00mm

Displacement: 294.7cc

Start: Electric and Kick Start

Cooling: Liquid Cooled

Carburettor: Kehin PWK 38mm – Reed Valve Intake

Ignition: Electronic with Dual Mapping (Hard/Soft)

Clutch: Wet Multi disc with Brembo Hydraulic Control

Gears: 6

Exhaust: Fantic Big One Hand crafted with double thickness impact resistant expansion chamber built in segments. Fantic Big One Alloy Silencer

Chassis

Type: CrMo – Chrom Molybdenum tubular frame chassis

Swingarm: All Alloy progressive linkage system

Front Suspension: Marzocchi Shiver 50mm with 300mm Stroke : Compression and rebound adjustment

Rear Suspension: Ohlins Monoshock with 310mm stroke : Spring Pre Load, compression and rebound Adjustment

Handlebars: Tommaselli

Grips: Domino

Front Brake: 260mm Brembo Wave Disc with Nissin twin floating caliper

Rear Brake: 220mm Brembo Wave Disc with Nissin floating Caliper

Rims: Excel Takasago Black Anodised Alloy

Tyres: Metzeler 140/80 x 18 Rear 90/90 x 21 Front

Seat: Selle dalla Valle

Seat Height: 934mm

Weight: 101kg

Fuel Capacity: 9.6 Litres including Reserve – Clear Tank for easy inspection.

Wheelbase: 1473mm

Fantic is a small boutique, dynamic motorcycle company with a rich history of motorsport success. Founded in 1968 in Brianza, Italy the company originally started manufacturing small capacity enduro and motocross machines before becoming a major success in the 50cc and 125cc UK market for learner legal motorbikes. Fantic then entered the Trials market and entering competition, with great success, culminating in three Trial World Championships in 1985, 1986 and 1987 in the hands of Thierry Michaud. The 80s were a dominant period for the brand with six Scottish Six Day titles in the mid 80s

Fantic was reborn in 2004, in the beautiful city of Treviso, Italy, by passionate businessman, and once competitive rider Federico Fregnan and quickly became a leader in the Italian market for teenagers with 50cc two-stroke Enduro and Supermoto bikes for road use. In 2009 the company produced more than 1000 units for this market alone. As a competitive rider in his day — having won a number of championships in Italy and Europe — the desire to return Fantic to a bigger stage led the company to manufacture a new range of Enduro machines with 125, 250 and 300cc two-strokes being introduced in 2011. Fantic are currently involved in the World Enduro Championship.