THE long-awaited Italjet Dragster 125 and 200 scooter has finally been launched in Malaysia by Chear Global Sdn. Bhd.
Launched at the EICMA show in 2018 to an enthusiastic public, the Dragster is reborn from the original iconic model of the same name, albeit with a much more powerful 250cc two-stroke twin providing its motive force.
Nicknamed the Urban Superbike, the new Dragster is equipped as such but in a smaller, scooter package and sporting some tricks superbikes should be jealous of.
Low centre of gravity is taken to the extreme with the fuel tank located below footpeg level. A steel trellis spaceframe with die cast aluminium plates form the chassis.
The patented Independent Steering System (ISS) front suspension is only found on high-end superbikes such as the Bimota Tesi and Vyrus.
The ISS separates the steering from suspension movement via a complicated CNC machined swingarm and steering linkage system, maintaining suspension geometry under braking or road surface imperfections. It also allows maximum braking by limiting load transfer to the front wheel and remaining in a neutral attitude.
Braking is by Brembo front and rear, controlled by Bosch 2 channel ABS on 200/190mm discs front and rear. Wheels are 12/13 inch front and rear, shod with Pirelli Angel tyres; a 120/70 R12 and 140/60 R13 respectively.
Die-cast handlebars and many billet touches give the Dragster an exclusive look. Lighting is LED throughout and a dinky LCD instrument panel by Facomsa only displays the essentials. Suspension is Bitubo front and rear, reputedly tested by none other than Andrea Dovizioso, ex-MotoGP rider.
Both the 125 and 200 variants differ only in engine capacity. The Dragster 200 has a 181 cc DOHC, liquid-cooled, Euro 5 compliant single-cylinder engine with a claimed 17.2 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque @ 7,750 rpm.
The 125 gets a 124 cc engine producing 9.2 hp @ 9,500 rpm and 10.5 Nm of torque @ 7,750 rpm.
Fuelling is by Magneti Marelli EFI. Both weigh in at 140 kg and share the same 770 mm seat height. Both also share the same colours; Anthracite/Yellow, Anthracite/White/Red and Black/Grey. Neither sport any capacity stickers whatsoever.
The Dragster 125 is priced at RM29,500 while the Dragster 200 is tagged at RM34,800 (does not include road tax, insurance or registration).
