The Fantic Caballero 500 by Deus

In the heyday of two-stroke motorcycles, the thrill of riding was epitomized by the sheer fun packed into just 50cc.

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Back then, as the UK increased the age for learner riders, a wave of small-capacity mopeds flooded the market. Among them, the Italian-made Fantic Caballero 50 stood out, delivering big attitude in a pint-sized package. Fast forward to today, and Deus Ex Machina’s workshop in Milan pays homage to this icon with their modern rendition: the Fantic Caballero 500 dubbed ‘Fuoristrada,’ seamlessly blending the nostalgia of the ’70s with adult-sized excitement.

Embarking on your first motorcycle ride is an unforgettable experience, often marked by bikes like the Honda EX-5 in Malaysia. While larger options were available, parents often chose the PeeWee for its approachable nature. Yet, competition from the likes of Italian and Japanese manufacturers offered similarly sized bikes capable of impressive speeds. Models like Yamaha’s FS1E and the Caballero 50 played a pivotal role, prompting regulatory changes worldwide, including speed restrictions alongside capacity limits for young learners.

First introduced in 1969 at the Salone del Ciclo e Motociclo di Milano, the Fantic Caballero captured hearts with its charisma and distinctive design. Decades later, Deus Milan still holds fond memories of this classic, seizing the opportunity to pay homage to its iconic lines. While Fantic continues the Caballero legacy with larger four-stroke engines, Deus Milan’s ‘Fuoristrada’ captures the essence of the original, infusing it with modern flair.

Straight out of the box, the Caballero exudes scrambler aesthetics, but Deus Milan sought to enhance its ’70s charm further. Crafting their own fenders, they meticulously redesigned the front and rear, replacing the factory assemblies with classic-inspired counterparts. The addition of an old-school “mask” style cowl and vintage light arrangement pays homage to early Dakar and Desert Rally machines, while the seat receives extra padding and retro stitching reminiscent of ’70s Italian motorcycles.

A striking matte grey paint job adorns the new fenders, fork guards, and radiator covers, while the tank proudly wears the iconic red and yellow reminiscent of the original Fantic bikes. Slimming down the bike’s profile by removing the factory side covers, Deus Milan emphasizes authenticity, while oversized knobby tires complete the visual transformation.

Despite initial skepticism regarding its Chinese Zongshen powerplant, experienced riders attest to its prowess. With real-world punch and simplicity, the Caballero shines on the road. Deus Milan enhances the experience with an SC project muffler for extra sound, complementing the Brembo-designed braking system and premium TFX suspension components.

Built on childhood dreams, the Fantic Caballero 500 by Deus is a testament to timeless adventure. Equipped with Garmin navigation for the ultimate weekend escapade, this Italian big boys’ toy invites riders to rediscover the joy of riding in style.