UP CLOSE: THE DEAL BETWEEN FANTIC & YAMAHA
In late 2019 - Fantic Motor inked a deal with Yamaha Motor Europe to collaborate together for the advantage of Fantic to re-enter the off-road market with reliable equipment straight off the bat.
Not seemingly available outside of Europe as yet, Yamaha has agreed to share their 125 and 250 two-stroke technology with Fantic in what looks to be an attempt to enter the market on par with most other manufactures, without the need for years of R&D. Having manufactured motorcycles since 1968 Fantic has a long history of development, especially in the Trials world. They have also borrowed the 250cc four-stroke enduro platform to add to the pre-mix cousins.
2021 release models will sport the Yamaha tech at an engine and chassis-level, with subtle changes to the final product to make it Fantic’s own motorcycle. Most obvious is the Fantic specific plastics and headlight, as well as using Arrow exhaust as standard.
Yamaha engines and all related components will always be updated to the last version. All models will be designed, engineered and produced at Fantic’s facility in Italy with the collaboration possibly involving further engines and options in the future.
Fantic Press Release: “Fantic Motor and Yamaha Motor Europe are bringing their industrial cooperation to the next level in an important industrial collaboration in the Off-Road sector. It is a step further in collaboration for Fantic Motor and historic engine supplier Motori Minarelli S.p.a (owned by Yamaha Motor). This new cooperation will expand upon the existing supply of two-stroke 50cc and four-stroke 125cc engines, used in Fantic’s Motard and Enduro models. The extended cooperation between Fantic and Yamaha starts with the supply of 125cc two-stroke, 250cc two-stroke and four-stroke engines as well as other chassis components. The collaboration marks the start of a long term strategy.
“Unveiled in Milan at EICMA, were examples of the new Fantic XE125 Enduro and XX125 & XX250 MX models. All models will be designed, engineered and produced at Fantic’s facility in Italy, aiming to reach an ambitious goal from day one. Therefore, Fantic’s R&D have engaged two first-class engineers; Jann Witteveen and Gaetano Cocco. From January, these models will be in competition at major Enduro and Motocross races across the World. Indeed, Fantic Motor will simultaneously announce its comeback to Off-Road racing through a major involvement aiming at promoting the all-new Off-Road range as well as the brand image among the racing world. Simultaneously, Fantic Motor Racing Department has been set-up around Witteveen and Cocco among others. Racing activities will be run by off-road most experienced teams.
“In Motocross, Fantic Motor factory bikes will be run by Team Maddii Racing, contesting the Italian and European 125 Championship with two riders. In enduro, Fantic will field two teams; Jolly Enduro Team of Franco Mayr and Team D’Arpa Racing, which will race the World and the Italian Championship with Fantic Motor Factory bikes.which is owned by Yamaha Motor. These motors are used in two-stroke 50cc and four-stroke 125cc engines, used in Fantic’s Motard and Enduro models.”