It’s true at last, Fantic Motor is heading to the USA with their XE300 two-stroke and XEF250 TL four-stroke Enduro models. 

A little over one year ago, Enduro21 hopped over to Italy to test Fantic’s enduro range, including the new XE300 fuel injected model. While there they told us the bikes would be heading to North America in the near future, a fact which was met with some scepticism in some quarters that it could ever happen due to the links with Yamaha. 

Well, get this, Fantic USA says it’s finally a reality as the historical Italian motorcycle manufacturer introduces XE300 two-stroke and XEF250 TL (trail) four-stroke motorcycles to North America. Take note though, both bikes have Fantic engines and are not Fantics which use Yamaha doner engines. 

Fantic USA, already present in the USA as an importer of e-bikes, will be importing these two models by late May/early June to the American market and they add Fantic Motor will continue to work on additional models for future distribution in the USA.

Two models… for now

Fantic Motor’s “American legacy” begins with the XE300, the home designed, developed and manufacturer electric start, fuel injected two-stroke. It’s a bike which Enduro21 tested here: Tested: 2024 Fantic XE300 and XEF310 – you really need to take these bikes seriously

Fantic’s XE300 will be joined by the XEF250 TL 250cc four-stroke which they are pitching at “all ages and all levels of riders. The TL model is lower spec and more budget-friendly with more basic suspension and other componants as well as a different doner engine which is not based on the YZ250F (as the XEF250 race bike from Fantic). 

Enduro21 checked and these two models will be closed course and not officially homolgated for street/road use.

CPD dealer network

Taking the lead in the USA is Gary Hazel, National Sales Manager. Gary’s experience includes years of successfully growing dealer networks and sales throughout the US for other brands. He’s also recognized in the off-road world for having owned a nationally known dirt bike business, Thumper Racing Company. “I am thrilled and honored to join the Fantic brand. The foundation they have established is impressive, and I am excited to build upon the brand in the USA,” stated Gary.

Central Powersports Distribution (CPD) will be handling all of the logistics from its Marshall, Texas location. “With CPD's expert support team’s knowledge of offroad OEMs like Reiju, AJP and EM; Fantic is well-positioned to offer outstanding products and services to our dealer partners with CPD’s logistics, and I look forward to us delivering unparalleled value to the new Fantic partners and customers,” said Gary.

Bikes will be available  in late May/early June 2025. Customers will soon be able to locate a dealer at www.fantic.com/us-en/dealer-locator

A little Fantic history/fact lesson for you

Fantic Motor S.P.A. was founded in 1968 in Barzago (Lecco-Milan, Italy). In the 1970’s, Fantic became the second largest Italian motorcycle manufacturer and one of the most recognized motorcycle brands, thanks to Caballero, a true legend for the young people of that period. 

After great successes in the Enduro, such as the victories at the Six Days of Elba Island, European and National Championships, Fantic became a leader in the world of trial competitions, winning three World Titles with Thierry Michaud in 1985, 1986 and 1988. 

After a fallow period, on October 1, 2014, Fantic was acquired by VeNetWork. Dr. Mariano Roman, who worked for more than 20 years as technical director of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda, was appointed CEO. 

In 2015, Fantic entered the e-bikes market with a new range of urban and offroad vehicles, alongside the enduro and motard motorcycle ranges. Just like motorcycles, Fantic e-bikes are characterized by their design, high quality Italian production and innovative technical solutions. Summer 2016 saw Fantic enter the U.S. market with its full range of e-bikes. 

The new Fantic XF1 Integra, e-bike trail and enduro with integrated battery was presented in 2017. XF1 Integra 180 was awarded with the 2018 Design & Innovation Award, the most important European award for the German cycle market. At Eicma 2017, Fantic presented the new Caballero range in two models (Scrambler and Flat Track) and 3 engines (125cc, 250cc, 500cc).

In 2018 Fantic celebrated its 50-year anniversary with a big event in Treviso and announced at EICMA Milano of the same year: ISSIMO, Caballero Rally 500 and the concept of E-Cab, Fantic's first electric motorcycle. ISSIMO is the connecting link between mopeds and e-bikes, winning the prestigious international 2019 Eurobike Award for its design (aluminum frame with specific shape) and innovation in mobility.

2019: Yamaha arrivo

2019 will be remembered especially for the announcement of the industrial cooperation between Fantic and Yamaha Motor Europe that allowed Fantic to realise new offroad racing models. 

The off-road range now has nine different models: five Enduro and four motocross models with both two-stroke and four-strokes. The newest member of the family is the XE300 two-stroke enduro bike, competing in the biggest enduro segment in Europe and equipped with their own, new engine and technology developed by Motori Minarelli. 

Fantic’s acquisition of Motori Minarelli was another milestone in the collaboration with Yamaha: Motori Minarelli, an historic Italian company with proven technological and production excellence, was part of Yamaha Group since the ‘80s. 

Fantic is the only Italian brand competing in four different disciplines—motocross, enduro, rally, and Grand Prix motorcycle racing—through its dedicated racing division, Fantic Racing. 

In just five seasons, its recent history boasts an impressive total of 40 international and national titles. Fantic’s “New Racing Era” began in 2020 with its official debut in the premier Enduro and Motocross championships. In 2022, Fantic entered the Dakar Rally, followed by its debut in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship with the Fantic Racing Moto2 team in 2023.

Racing is in Fantic’s DNA: competition, the pursuit of excellence, and passion are the beating heart of the company that designs, develops, and manufactures in Italy. 

All Fantic products, motorcycles and e-bikes, are 100% made in Italy. With over 50 years of experience, Fantic designs, engineers and assembles all its products in house, reinforcing its premium image in its 4 facilities with state-of-the-art components and technology. 

The HQ is in Santa Maria di Sala (Venice), in a new building constructed in 2021. Veneto region is also the production site for the e-bike range, while 20,000 motorbikes per year are assembled in the Motori Minarelli Factory in Bologna.

More information: www.fantic.com