The Italjet Dragster 700

Is it a motorcycle, or is it still a scooter?

Last year we sent Sean across to the launch of the Italjet Dragster 700. You can read all about that here. When they arrived in SA, we bothered the guys almost to death for a local ride – but, they were up to something…

Once all was done, we got the scoot for a long ride – and we reckon that it was sure worth the wait…

What were they up to?

Well. Here’s something you probably don’t know. This is the first Dragster in the world with a quickshifter. ‘Strue! A proudly South African project by the folks from 300Plus. That was the delay – and to be frank it was so worth the wait.

They were also tasked with building a link pipe for the Akrapovic pipe in order to give it a bellow, rather than just a muted roar… It’s all good!

When is a scooter no longer a scooter?

Well we’re glad you asked. By definition, a scooter is any motorcycle with the engine placed under the seat, rather than up front like on a motorcycle. So – yes, it’s a scoot with a fuel injected 692cc parallel twin engine neatly nestled in the Trellis Space frame under your bum.

However, this scoot runs at speeds in excess of 200KPH surprisingly comfortably whilst looking seriously cool all the while.

You read that correctly. 210 KPH odd to be precise.

But that’s only the half of it.

It’s how it gets there that makes this bike so lekker and the way it corners and handles and – did we mention turn heads?

Well it does that too. Everywhere you ride.

This is certainly not your pop’s old “Help my trap” by any means. This is a finely crafted piece of Italian engineering and design that hosts some of the most delectable go-fast kit known to man. Without reprinting the brochure – just look at it!

Ohlins Steering damper, Marzocchi front suspension, an Ohlins unit out back and high end Brembo brakes – complete with cooling fins.

Did we mention that it has a chain final drive?

Yup with a slick six speed box.

Ummm what else?

Pirelli Rosso Corsa tyres are mounted on small 15” wheels also define this as a scooter, but it produces roughly 68 HP with around 70NM of torque. Actually, probably more with that pipe that’s now been vented…

Compliment all of this with beautiful bits like controls, levers, mirrors, winglets, fins, LED lights and minimalistic body panels and that cool transparent clutch cover and you do have something that is seriously unique and special.

So. Is it still a scooter?

Well not like any scoot you’ve ever ridden before.

Riding her is like a million bucks, firmly sprung, undeniably racey, polar opposite to the softly sprung commuters and commercial machines that you might have ridden in the past. It’s adventure bike comfortable and spacious, racey and insanely good fun.

The clear, easy-to-read 5-inch TFT display offers all the information you could ever want or need, along with connectivity.

Even with the long 1553mm wheelbase – the same length as many Adventure bikes, she turns on a dime, eats up corners and will probably out-drag most bikes around this capacity from light to light.

She is named Dragster after all.

This is a very desirable and collectable piece of Italian engineering. It’s something that every petrol head should go and ride.

Better yet – park one outside your local coffee shop and watch the conversation swirl…

Completely unique, absolutely different. And it goes as good as it looks…

Italjet now offers their Dragster in four capacities:

125cc, 200cc, 300cc, and this Dragster 700 Twin.

For your stockist: italjetsa.co.za