FANTIC GETS A BOOST FROM YAMAHA: 2020 JAPAN/ITALY CONNECTION

2020 Fantic XE125 will be joined by an XX125 motocross model. Obviously there are more Yamaha parts on the Fantic than just the engine.

Although not available in the USA, Fantic and Yamaha has signed a deal for the Italian brand to use Yamaha 125cc two-stroke, 250cc two-stroke and four-stroke Yamaha engines in some of their 2020 models. Fantic Motor is an Italian manufacturer that began manufacturing motorcycles in 1968 and has in the pas used Motori Minarelli small displacement engines. Since Motori Minarelli is owned by Yamaha, it makes the new deal make more sense.

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.”