In an interview back in 2017, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, said something along the lines of; “The consumer doesn’t know what they want… you have to f*ing give it to them, they didn’t f*ing want Jimi Hendrix, but they got him, and it changed the world, and the consumer didn’t want Sergeant Pepper, but they got it and they didn’t want the Sex Pistols….” Let’s be truthful, for the most part Noel Gallagher is a self-absorbed, wholly dislikeable character, but this excerpt from his interview with GQ, rings true. He went on to say that fashion houses don’t have focus groups or customer satisfaction surveys, and look at the weird stuff they put on the catwalk every year, always weird and wonderful, but that is how innovation happens. It’s all about maintaining creative control and artistic integrity.
That’s exactly what Italjet is all about, especially with their Dragster range, and even more so with their all-new Dragster 700 Twin, a concept so innovative, so different, so new that we were all left scratching our heads wondering why? Ride it and you start to understand. But before we get there, you need to know and understand the history of Italjet a bit better. This company is all about pure innovation and adventure.
A little Italian history lesson:
We told you a bit about this lot in our 300 Dragster feature but here’s a bit of a recap.
Italjet was founded in late 1959 by Leopoldo Tartarini in San Lazzaro, Bologna. Tartarini, a former Ducati factory racer, embarked on a crazy around the world adventure on a 175cc Ducati in 1954, covering over 37,000 miles, (60,000km’s). This adventure sparked his vision for creating innovative motorcycles and led to the establishment of Italjet.
Italjet’s commitment to racing is evident through various collaborations and achievements. In the 1980s, the company sponsored American rider Bernie Schreiber, who secured victories in Enduro and Trials competitions, bringing Italjet into the international racing spotlight. Additionally, Italjet’s involvement in Formula 1 was marked by their sponsorship of the renowned pink McLaren at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1996. They became the official supplier of paddock scooters to the Williams F1 team in 1997
Over the years, Italjet has partnered with several prominent brands to enhance their motorcycle performance and design. Their collaboration with Yamaha in the 1970s allowed Italjet to become the sole importer of Yamaha’s entire range, including customer racing bikes into Italy. More recently, in 2024, Italjet became the title sponsor for Team Gresini Moto2 Racing in MotoGP, marking a significant milestone in their racing endeavours and brand awareness.
As of last week, the Dragster is offered in four different sizes: 125cc, 200cc, 300cc, and now, the Dragster 700 Twin.
The Dragster front suspension design:
Whilst this 700 wears more traditional USD suspension by Marzochhi up front, one of Italjet’s most notable innovations is the front suspension system on the smaller Dragster models. Moving away from traditional fork designs, those Dragsters feature an Independent Steering System (I.S.S.), which separates the functions of steering and suspension. In addition to technological innovation, this design really offers a cool, unique aesthetic appeal.
A stand out feature about Italjet is the fact that Italjet has had the same owners since they were founded. Currently, 2 generations on, Massimo Tartarini heads up the company and judging by the 700 Dragster Twin, and he means business.
The launch and fanfare.
The greater Bologna region isn’t just Italy, it’s serious speed territory. You’re talking Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani, Ducati, Malossi, Italjet… All within spitting distance of each other, and all just a stone’s throw from the legendary Imola Circuit. Around here, a new vehicle launch isn’t just a press event; it’s a statement. Step up and show off, or risk being politely smirked at by your illustrious neighbours.
The launch of the all-new Dragster 700 Twin was a who’s who of the two-wheeled world. Team Gresini Moto2 brought their full circus, local TV and radio personalities mingled with top international journos with Italian influencers and celebrities flitting between bikes and canapés, all dressed to the nines in the latest Milan approved fashion. There was an endless stream of Prosecco champagne and a fleet of Dragster 700 Twins gleaming under the Italian sun.
After the mingling, we were called upstairs to a museum quality display of Italjet’s most important machines through the ages, a proper history lesson in two wheel innovation. Then came the formalities, a few speeches, a little fanfare, and the Dragster 700 Twin was officially revealed during a spectacular light show that had everyone’s jaw on the floor. Yes, Italjet knows how to make a moment.
They also didn’t serve just any food, high-quality Italian cuisine that would make your Nonna nod in approval. Plates of delicate pasta and rich sauces. And just when you thought the day couldn’t get any more exciting, the track was opened at last for the first ride, finally a chance to get these bikes out on track and find out what they are all about and the bevy of international press all scrummed for a ride.
As the sun set and the bikes were finally parked, the party continued. We were invited to a gala dinner at a high-end local restaurant, which predictably descended into a rowdy, sing-along and laughter-filled soirée. Italjet, ever the considerate hosts, had a fleet of buses and shuttles on standby to make sure everyone got home safely, because while they love a good party, they care about keeping their friends out of trouble.
The spirit of Italjet shone through every moment. From the smallest detail to the largest gesture, the brand is about family, inclusion, and appreciation. Guests weren’t just attendees, we were part of the Italjet circle, made to feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely appreciated. This isn’t just a company selling scooters, this is a brand that wants you to belong.
All about the all new Italjet 700 Dragster Twin:
There are 3 models available, The Standard two liveries, namely Black/Yellow and Red/White/Anthracite and then The Gresini edition. Only the Special edition and the Gresini edition were present for duty.
So, what makes the 700 Dragster Twin so different to any other Maxi Scooter out there?
If you think scooters are cute little commuter machines, the Italjet Dragster 700 Twin is about to give you a reality check. This bike come scooter hybrid thingy looks a bit like a Supermoto machine that’s been hitting the gym and while it may flirt with scooter styling cues, under the skin it’s packed with tech, performance, and some proper Italian attitude.
Parallel twin Engine, Six speed manual gearbox:
Under that sharp, trellis framed body that looks as sexy as can be, sits a 692cc parallel twin engine by Benelli. It pushes out about 68 horsepower at 8,500 rpm with 70 Nm of torque, but the numbers, even though they easily compare favourably to any mid weight bike currently on the market, don’t tell the full story.
The bike is chain driven and paired with a six speed manual gearbox and wet clutch, giving the rider direct engagement with the road. On a scooter? Well, is it a scooter? It’s a satisfying mechanical connection with none of that CVT lag and an engine that is tuned for a broad torque curve, meaning you’ve got usable grunt across the rev range, not just at the top or at the bottom. The under seat exhaust isn’t just for show. By lowering the centre of gravity, it subtly improves handling and adds a visually aggressive touch, but most importantly it looks lekker and sounds like a million bucks.
Top shelf suspension:
The frame is a steel trellis masterpiece of design, giving a perfect balance of rigidity and flex for, shall we say…. enthusiastic cornering. Up front, fully adjustable Marzocchi upside-down forks handle the bumps, dips, and the occasional Imola curb with aplomb, while the unique, patented Öhlins rear shock setup is preload-adjustable and features variable stiffness. It all keeps the back end glued without beating you up.
“The rear suspension uses a patented system that allows its behaviour to be varied,” says Italjet. “Unlike adjustment systems that only act on the preload of the shock absorber spring, this system allows intervention on the stiffness of the suspension itself.” says Italjet. It’s all adjusted via a bar on the right side, a ride height adjuster, so that you can really dial this bike in to suit your size, riding style and terrain. Because Italjet knows a fast bike can get twitchy, there’s an Öhlins steering damper, adding stability when you push the limits.
Brembo Brakes:
Dual 270mm Brembo floating discs up front, with a 230mm Brembo rear, give you the kind of bite that makes you dive even deeper in the corners before grabbing a handful of hooks. ABS and switchable traction control are standard, and the system even lets you flick them off when you want to explore the limits of your riding capability and the tensile strength of your underpants. Slide control adds a layer of confidence, particularly if you fancy a little playful drifting without ending up on your arse. The Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres, 120/70-R15 front and 160/60-R15 rear, deliver phenomenal grip for a platform that still maintains scooter-like usability.
The seat height sits at 815mm and with a claimed wet weight of 190 kg, it’s surprisingly nimble for something so packed with tech. The cockpit is all modern Italian flair, a 5-inch TFT display puts revs, gear, fuel, ride modes, and system status right in your line of sight. Speaking of ride modes, the Dragster lets you switch personalities on the fly, from relaxed commuting to full on aggressive track play. Aero wings on the fairing and sharp trellis lines aren’t just cosmetic, they hint at the bike’s DNA while reinforcing the fact that this bike refuses to blend into the crowd.
So! What is it like to ride…. Really?
Well… hold onto your helmet, because it’s confusing, exciting, and just a little bit addictive. The concept alone is enough to make you blink, is it a scooter? Is it a motorcycle? Somewhere in between? Your brain will be scrambling from the moment you see it parked on the grid.
My session came around at 17:00. I squeezed into borrowed leathers that were… let’s just say, “optimistic” in sizing. Swinging my leg over and dropping onto the saddle, the Dragster immediately hit me with serious scooter vibes, not the commuter type, more “look at me” kind of vibes.
The cockpit is clean, a crisp easy to read 5-inch TFT display giving all the essential info at a glance, revs, gear, fuel, and ride modes, without clutter or distraction. Seat height is comfortable for most riders, and the 190 kg wet weight seems to melt away once the engine fires up, so the bike is very easy to ride despite its aggressive looks. The under seat exhaust adds a visual aggressiveness that’s hard to ignore.
Riding the Italjet Dragster 700 Twin is a lesson in contradiction, scooter vibes, motorcycle control, premium components, Mad Max flair, and genuine thrills. It’s cheeky, unique, and utterly Italian. First impressions were of an open space where a fuel tank would normally sit, but also no floorboards. Instead, you’ve got a trellis frame and a series of bolts connecting the steering to the rest of the bike, something that feels custom, Mad Max-esque, and very purpose-built. Sitting in the cockpit everything is all exactly where you’d expect. The switchgear is intuitive, levers are where they should be, and your brain quickly stops questioning the odd hybrid design.
Once I flicked the clutch lever a few times my left foot instinctively went looking for the gear lever and pegs. No scooter floorboards here, proper motorcycle foot pegs, a proper gear lever, proper brake lever, all in the right places. Handlebars are a little narrow for my liking, but the component quality is undeniable, everything feels premium, solid, and precision engineered. You can tell Italjet hasn’t cut corners anywhere.
Hit the starter button and the twin Akrapovic exhausts immediately let you know this isn’t just any scooter. That parallel twin growl resonates in your chest and reminds you this machine has real intent. Pull in the clutch, slip it into first gear, slide out the clutch, and you’re off. At first, a bit cautiously learning the unusual seating position, familiarising yourself with power delivery, clutch, gearbox, and, of course, the Imola circuit itself.
Sadly, thirty five plus hours of travel and transit time only earned me four laps around the legendary track, which was frustrating because by the fourth lap, I was finally starting to click with the bike. Once I did, the Dragster revealed its true colours. The parallel twin pulls impressively from the bottom, with smooth, buttery gear changes through the six speed manual. Even the little “lull” in the mid-range for about 500 rpm didn’t ruin the flow. In fact, it made the sudden surge of power beyond that lull feel even more thrilling, like discovering a secret boost when you least expect it.
Corners?
Well this was where I needed to adjust my riding style. That open space where the tank would have been on a normal motorcycle came into play unexpectedly. Had I been on a normal motorcycle, I would have braced the inside of my outer leg against the fuel tank as I slid off the inside to get my knee down, this did require some recalculating in my riding style when hooking into a corner. Tilt the bike in and it responded beautifully once I got used to the tank not being there. Those 15 inch wheels make it flick into direction changes faster than most scooters would ever dream, and the Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tyres hooked up brilliantly. The fancy suspension absolutely kept the bike composed, even when I got a bit…. ahem, “enthusiastic” in my lack of talent. Slide control, ABS, and traction control are all there, either keeping things tidy for me or letting me play when I flicked them off.
The front brakes are serious business and made light work of late braking, while the rear Brembo was hard to find at first. Not just me, several journos noted the same, with one bloke from Mexico taking a long lap penalty.
Chatting to the technical people from Italjet, they mentioned that the bike is hugely adjustable so they had to choose the most middle of the road settings to try and accommodate for all the different riders on the day. This bike can be set up to suit each individual owner’s style.
Straight line speed was limited by a traffic cone chicane half way down the main straight, keeping us far from the Dragster’s claimed 190 km/h, but it gave a chance to appreciate how smoothly the engine pulls, how precise the gearbox is, and how stable the chassis remains under hard acceleration. I briefly managed fifth gear in some places, feeling the sudden surge past the mid-range lull as the engine really woke up gave me a proper grin each time.
This bike had already been hammered by top riders all day, including Darryn Binder and his crew, yet it felt barely warmed up. No cooked clutch smells, no overworked brakes, no boiling coolant, no fatigue from the suspension. Everything remained crisp and ready to ride. Italjet clearly engineered this to be a proper, hard-working machine and not just a showpiece.
Dominic Ramos from Italjet SA jokingly suggested I take it on a Cape Town/Johannesburg overland trip. “Challenge accepted” was my instinctive reply. This will be the real test, how does the Dragster 700 Twin handle life outside a launch track, over hours, days, and kilometres? If it’s anything like it was at Imola, I’m betting it’ll be great. The only trouble is… I got the nod for this launch, the rest of our tribe will be vying for that trip…
Bottom line?
By the end of the launch, it was clear, the Dragster 700 Twin isn’t just a bike. The launch wasn’t just a press event. Italjet isn’t just a company. It’s a lifestyle, a family, and a little slice of Italian mischief, all wrapped up in a gleaming, trellis-framed, twin-cylinder package that leaves you wanting more.
The Dragster 700 Twin proves that scooters can be in your face, cool, and downright exciting and that Italjet is still willing to throw the rules out of the window, slap a little Italian flair on top, and make us all wonder why more bikes don’t come with this much attitude straight from the factory.
Italjet has combined advanced suspension, Brembo stopping power, adjustable ride height, slide control, and a responsive, chain driven parallel twin engine to create something that rides like a small superbike while looking like something from some futuristic parallel universe. We need more saddle time, 3 laps is simply not enough to do these machines any kind of justice. I have to wonder if they have any intention of bringing out a bigger wheeled Adventure version of this bike. That would also be a lot of fun.
Italjet in South Africa:
Starting price in Europe is €13,990. (just over ZAR300K)
Italjet SA has brought a container of these 700’s and they are all already mostly sold. How cool is that?
Dom and Mel Ramos, the faces behind Italjet SA and our hosts for the launch are passionate about keeping pricing sensible so that the brand can grow properly in South Africa. Their promise: Whatever you pay in Italy, you’ll pay here, with plenty of stock on hand. Service items, spares, and consumables are always either over the counter or delivered within 24 hours, depending where you are in SA. That’s proper, no-nonsense brand support, the kind that turns early adopters into loyal fans.
