Fantic Motor began in 1968 by manufacturing and exporting
enduro motorcycles, mini-bikes and go-karts. Today they continue in the same
genre, though the names have changed to dual-sport and motard (supermoto), and
they have returned to the US market in 2016, as Fantic USA Inc. Fantic launched
in 2015 also new models of electric bikes, the Fat Bike and has now a complete
line of eMTB and commuter electric bikes.
Fantic began exporting to the United Kingdom in 1972, as part
of a wave of manufacturers who took advantage of "sixteener laws," legislation
that forbade sixteen-year-old motorcyclists from riding motorcycles up to 250
cc, as they had been used to. As a result, European and Japananese manufacturers
exported their sporty and lightweight below-50cc engines, which had been common
in Europe, to England also. Fantic produced a "sensational chopper moped" and a
TI ("Tourismo Internazionale)," both of which became very popular quickly, with
the reputation of being some of the fastest mopeds on the market, going as fast
as 70 mph.
From the 1970s until the early 1980s, Fantic produced a series
of 50cc mopeds called Fantic Motor Lei. The Fantic Motor motorcycles were first
imported into the U.K. in 1972 by Barron Eurotrade Ltd whose headquarters were
based at 51 High Street Hornchurch, Essex. The idea of forming the company and
importing the Fantic came about because one of the founders saw the 50cc
'Chopper' model publicised in an American motorcycle magazine that his brother
in law sent him from the States. The U.K. market of learner riders had several
other makes of what were classed as Mopeds, (Motor and Pedals), but the Fantic
T.I. quickly gained popularity with the rapid growth of a dealer network. The
six speed gearbox was a strong selling point, and the perky Italian Minarelli
49cc engine proved to be very reliable. Stories of the T.I. model reaching 70mph
were an exaggeration, as only just over 50-55mph could be achieved, and in the
right conditions. The 125cc Chopper model could top 80mph, as Terence Shea found
when the model was first demonstrated to him at the Fantic factory in Barzago ,
Italy. He test rode the new 125cc chopper model, reaching a top speed 130 km/h
(81 mph). The chopper model was the original inspiration which the new U.K.
importer saw as very special and distinct for a niche market, and fame grew.
Part of the original marketing and advertising included a Fantic 125cc chopper
model being given to comedian Dick Emery. There were many photos of Dick Emery
with Terry Shea and Frank Harris of the U.K. importer, and one was blown up very
large which showed Terence Shea standing next to the 'bike with his hand on the
handlebars with Dick Emery sitting on it. Another popular model was the 125cc
Caballero was for on/off-road, which was for a different sector of the market.
The market for these types of Mopeds only lasted a handful of years. The
official U.K. importers glossy studio photograph of the 125cc Chopper model was
taken in London, and Terence Shea and Frank Harris of the Barron Eurotrade
importer was taken from Hornchurch to London on a trailer towed by car. There
was confusion in central London as to which turn to take at one particular
junction on the way to the studio, which resulted in the trailer having to be
unhooked and physically turned around in the narrow road and extremely busy area
for the correct journey to the studio to be continued, much to the amusement of
onlookers.
In the 1980s, Fantic enjoyed success in the Observed trials
world championships, taking three titles as well as seven wins at the
prestigious Scottish Six Days Trial.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.