Fantic Motor
Fantic Motor, an Italian motorcycle company, established its mark in the industry in 1968 with the production and exportation of enduro motorcycles, mini-bikes, and go-karts. Over the years, the brand has evolved, yet it continues to hold on to its roots by producing what is now known as dual-sport and motard (supermoto) motorcycles. Following its 2016 return to the US as Fantic USA Inc., the company expanded its product line to embrace the electric revolution with an impressive selection of electric bikes, including the innovative Fat Bike.
During the early '70s, Fantic identified the potential of the UK market, driven by new legislative norms - the "sixteener laws". This legislation limited sixteen-year-old motorcyclists to machines below 50cc. Capitalizing on this, Fantic, among other European and Japanese manufacturers, exported their sporty and lightweight below-50cc engines to the UK. This marked the beginning of the "moped revolution" in Britain, with Fantic playing a pivotal role.
The '70s and early '80s marked Fantic's venture into the moped segment with the Fantic Motor Lei series, one of their prominent 50cc mopeds. These machines were initially imported into the UK by Barron Eurotrade Ltd, and they swiftly gained popularity among learner riders. The brand's reputation grew substantially due to the moped's impressive performance and the robustness of the Italian Minarelli 49cc engine.
Fantic's 125cc Chopper model holds a special place in the brand's history. Imported to the UK, the Chopper model became a sensation and served a niche market with its unique design and commendable top speed. The company's innovative marketing strategies, including gifting a Fantic 125cc chopper to comedian Dick Emery, further contributed to the brand's fame.
Apart from the road-going mopeds, Fantic also ventured into the off-road segment. The 125cc Caballero was a highly sought-after model for on/off-road enthusiasts. However, the demand for these mopeds didn't last long.
During the 1980s, Fantic made a significant impact in the world of Observed Trials Championships. With three titles and seven wins at the prestigious Scottish Six Days Trial, the company further established its dominance.
Fantic's forward-thinking approach led them to acquire Minarelli from Yamaha in October 2020. This acquisition solidified Fantic's commitment to continuous innovation, indicating promising prospects for future models.
