Chris Moss will get to grips with the Fantic. Right here’s what it’s good to know:
An undoubted left-field addition to the take a look at, the Fantic XEF 250 Path must be absolutely understood to be appreciated. Clearly extra targeted on off-road efficiency, the Italian bike is distinctly in need of creature comforts and tech, these points doubtless defining how nicely it fits you. In case you simply need to use the 250 for the street, then it might not be your first alternative. But when spending extra time on the filth is a choice, then it warrants extra severe consideration.
Not having ridden the Fantic earlier than, I selected it first to get acquainted, the earliest impressions quickly underlining its extra targeted id. The lofty positioned seat makes simply getting aboard a problem, its slender, plank-like nature clearly in need of consolation once you do. Extra used to those kinds of bikes, I used to be glad to tolerate it, and instantly loved its total toy-like really feel, and character of the 250’s perky motor, with its close-ratio field serving to to maintain it in its candy spot. Although performing fairly modestly, allied to the Fantic’s slimness and really mild weight, the single-potter helps give the bike loads of enjoyable issue. Getting a bit buzzy at increased revs provides to its total rawness, however because the 250’s really easy to throw round, with the lightness additionally lowering the workload for the first rate brakes and firmer, however well-controlled suspension, I preferred how readily I may benefit from the 250. It was a pleasure to zip keenly alongside Northumberland’s slender backroads, however then the enjoyment was quickly halted.
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It may need immediately fired up very first thing, however after refuelling the tiny, mile-limiting 7.5-itre gas tank (one other discouraging issue for some), the Fantic known as time on additional enjoyable and wouldn’t restart. Flattening the battery had us attempt bumping it, however after repeated rear wheel locking, we needed to get it working through a bounce begin pack at a neighborhood storage.
“Getting a bit buzzy at increased revs provides to its total rawness, however because the 250’s really easy to throw round, with the lightness additionally lowering the workload for the first rate brakes and firmer, however well-controlled suspension…”
Fortunately, it by no means precipitated me an issue after that, and religion returned in spades after we joined the wonderful Kielder Forest Drive, described precisely within the on-line brochure as a ‘12-mile journey on unsealed forest roads, by means of breathtaking surroundings’. Gary and I clocked up further mileage looking for the others after an unintended separation. However getting misplaced and having to sort out extra testing off-piste terrain suited me completely, the Fantic feeling proper at house on muddier, rockier, and altogether extra slippery surfaces. Although with out both ABS or traction management techniques, the emphasis was on rider management.
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The rewarding part served as an ideal warm-up to the next day’s long-distance trial’s sterner challenges. After I’d disappointingly slipped off the Honda on the primary particular take a look at, Fantic-mounted Charlie and I seemed on the subsequent one, a steep, rocky incline, with shared concern. Being new to off-road excursions, he determined he’d bypass the slippery-looking ascent, then giving me a brand new lease of life by swapping the 300 Rally for the 250. Armed with the better-suited Fantic weapon, I reached the highest of the hill moderately comfortably, feeling distinctly extra content material with life than I had on the backside. You must meter the ability rigorously as throttle response is sharp at increased revs, however by and huge the Fantic simply dug in and summited with out extra wheelspin or fear. The AX41 Bridgestone tyres additionally influenced the success, and although I assumed the 50/50 rubber may battle, simply as that they had on all of the moist roads to date, they coped admirably. I didn’t make fairly pretty much as good a job of attending to the highest of the subsequent, even more durable climb, however rider error moderately than machine failings precipitated that.
Ross later proved in a spirited run alongside dry roads simply how nicely the bike-tyre mixture labored and admitted he’d ended up liking the 250 – even when Charlie didn’t take care of it. Poor Gary by no means received to pattern it off-road. My solely gripes with the Italian bike included the home-made look of a few of its minor elements, making it look a bit unfinished in locations and truly seem extra Chinese language-built than the Voge, with the uninteresting and unimaginative paint job additionally spoiling the general aesthetics. Having to drag the clutch in to begin it, even in impartial, and the difficult-to-reach starter button restricted full endearment, too.
Successfully not having a rear mudguard had each bike and rider trying filthy earlier than lengthy, and never having an honest gas gauge was a ache, too. The fruity-sounding Arrow finish can didn’t please all ears both, even when we preferred it.
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That polarising subject sums up the bike actually. It’s a machine you’ll be able to solely absolutely take pleasure in on the proper time and place – simply as I’d performed in Northumberland. Elsewhere although, its focus means there’s an opportunity, relying on who you might be and the place you trip it, you’ll not at all times discover favour with the Fantic.
MoreBikes Editor Ross’ opinion
Essentially the most off-road targeted of the bunch by fairly a ways, the XEF 250 truly makes for a deceptively usable journey bike – when you alter the rock-hard seat and stiffer suspension arrange. It’s a path bike although, rather more attuned to seeking out inexperienced lanes than cruising down twin carriageways, and riders with an oz of mechanical sympathy will wince whereas making progress on larger, quicker roads. All is rapidly forgotten once you discover a steep, rocky incline, wind open the throttle and let the Fantic do what it does finest…
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Tech spec
Fantic XEF 250 TrailPrice: £5599Engine: 250cc, liquid-cooled, 4v, DOHC, singlePower: 21bhp (15.8kW) @ 8.750rpmTorque: 18.6Nm (14lb-ft) @ 6750rpmTransmission: Six-speed, chain driveFrame: Metal semi double-cradleSuspension: (F) 43mm inverted forks, no adjustment, (R) rising-rate monoshock, adjustable preloadBrakes: (F) 260mm disc, twin-piston caliper (R) 220mm disc, single-piston caliper Wheels/Tyres: (F): 90/90-21 (R): 120/90-18Seat peak: 915mmWheelbase: 1420mm Moist weight: 130kgFuel capability: 7.5 litresFuel consumption: 78mpg (claimed)Guarantee: 2 years, limitless mileageService intervals: 3000 miles / 12 months
Contact: www.fantic.co.uk
