BMW S 1000 R versus Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW S 1000 R

Naked
Fantic

Fantic Caballero Scrambler 500

Scrambler

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2014 bis 2024~
Built von 2021 bis 2024~
RRP 16.000 €
RRP 6.990 €
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Pros:
  • Full of performance ...
  • .. but still easy to control
  • high-quality workmanship
  • cool sound
Pros:
  • partly high-quality parts
  • very light and manoeuvrable
  • crisp sound
  • chic scrambler look
  • LED Headlights
Cons:
  • Pillion operation only for emergencies
  • Sitting position for some people probably too sporty
Cons:
  • partly inferior parts
  • doughy front brake
  • Reluctant to idle

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.450 mm
Length :
2.090 mm Height : 1.115 mm
Seat :
814 mm until : 830 mm
Weight :
199 (max: 407 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.425 mm
Length :
2.080 mm
Seat :
820 mm until : 840 mm
Weight :
157 kg

Engine

Motor design: In-line four-cylinder 4-stroke 4 Cylinder
Displacement: 999 ccm
Hub: 50 mm
Hole: 80 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Single-cylinder four-stroke 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 449 ccm
Hub: 64 mm
Hole: 95 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 261 km/h
Performance: 165 HP at 11.000 U/Min
Torque: 114 NM bei 9.250 U/Min
Tank contents: 17 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
266 km

Performance: 39 HP at 7.100 U/Min
Torque: 40 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
4 l
Reach:
286 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Aluminium composite bridge frame, motor supporting (aluminium)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 117 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 190/55 ZR 17
Frame type:
Central tube (steel)
Front suspension:
USD 41mm (travel 150mm)
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarmstead swingarm with variable cross-sections and progressive steering
Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 140/80 R17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 220 mm)
Front brake
One, floating saddle ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc ( 230 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The S 1000 R is basically a double R, from which the fairing has been removed and the torque curve on country roads has been optimised. It is super sporty, which can be an disadvantage and a disadvantage at the same time. If you want to sit upright on your streetfighter, you are out of place here. If you are looking for proximity to the front wheel and asphalt, you will find it here!

In any case, we had tons of driving fun and did not feel overwhelmed despite the immense performance. This is exactly why you have to compliment BMW: Not all manufacturers succeed in putting such a grenade on the wheels for (almost) everyone. To anticipate misunderstandings: Of course, this motorcycle is not a beginner's machine!
 
The test machine was kindly provided by Bergmann & Söhne in Pinneberg - thank you!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: from 14.740 €
  • Used (7 years old): 8.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2014
  • Colours: red, grey-yellow, white-blue-red

Conclusion - what sticks

Awesome, an imperfect bike! The Fantic Caballero 500 is a typical Italian: Here a little diva-like, boastful and loud, but absolutely endearing and emotional. You like them or you don't like them, there will be hardly anything else in between. Performance and technical equipment take a back seat to the Caballero, with design, sound and the wonderfully mocking single-cylinder engine in the foreground.
 
The test bike was provided by Legendary Cycles in Hamburg. There is the Caballero 500 Scrambler as a demonstrator. And while you're there, take a look at the many other bikes from Legendary: There are bikes from Indian, Benelli, Royal Enfield, Moto Morini, Mash and Fantic. Delightful shop. Coffee is also available, but do not press "Capucchino", the milk frother is broken.

Price/availability/colours/years of construction

  • Price: 7.090€
  • Used (3 years old): 5.500€
  • Years of construction: 2018-2022
  • Colours: red, bright yellow