FANTIC CABALLERO 500 RALLY (2019 - on) Review

The front brake is more than adequate. I've seen people moaning about a single disc on the front. The bike isn't massively powerful and only weighs around 150kgs! The rear brake also feels absolutely adequate for this bike and the balance feels right. The ride is lovely, probably the best I've ridden and believe me I've rode a lot of bikes of all types and sizes over the years. Why can't all standard suspension be this good from purchase! The seat is fairly comfortable and will be fine for day to day use. Haven't ridden with a pillion yet. The bike feels most at home on beautiful curving A and B roads, an absolute joy that has reignited my love of biking again. Something that was at a low ebb over the last few years.

I love the engine. I have the race exhaust and map upgrade but even so I rode a standard bike on the initial test ride. The engine is punchy with plenty of torque throughout the range. It will always feel agricultural compared to a 2,3 or 4 cylinder bike but I knew what to expect, after all it's a fairly big single. It has certainly started to bed in and smooth out since purchase. It will pull right up to and above the legal speed limits, what more do you need for day to day use. I wouldn't want to do cross country journeys on the motorway but would be more than happy to do shortish spells on them but this bike is very at home on any other type of road including a bit of single track. Being a single there are a few vibes but nothing that wouldn't be expected on this type of engine, I'd go as far to say that it's more refined than I'd thought it would be. It's a little snatchy in traffic but nothing I'm not used too and certainly doesn't spoil the ride, it's just raring to go. I'm going to fit the heavier flywheel to smooth out the initial throttle response and improve the lower end power even more.

The general quality is very good. Finishes look quality, materials are solid. Again, time will tell after a winter or two, I have the acf-50 and lanoguard at the ready. I have all the accessories fitted as per the explorer model and they also seem robust and of a good quality too. I am very happy so far, long may that continue. After test riding a few other bikes from some of the major brands I found the Fantic was at least as good if not better by comparison. I think people need to put their snobbery to one side and ride this brand with an open mind, I think you'll be surprised.

Just about to book the 1st service. Only the consumables are charged on the 1st service at the dealership I purchased from. Insurance and tax were reasonable compared to the bigger bikes I've had. Fuel seems at about the right level but this always reflects the way it's ridden. The fantic accessories seem well priced when compared to manafacturers such as triumph and HD. The quality also seems comparable although the range is smaller and after market parts are harder to find.

Apart from abs there isn't much to speak of. The standard anakees feel fine on all terrain, I'll report again into the cold and wetter months. The display is fine...and functional. Although, the fuel gauge is more of a prediction than a measurement. It's ok though, just keep an eye on your mileage and you'll be fine. I had side rack, rear rack, side pannier and race exhaust and map from new directly from the dealership. All seem very good so far, no complaints in that area as of writing.