Fantic says it is breaking away from the traditional annual model year cycle with the introduction of a new ‘Evolution Series’ philosophy, whereby its bikes will only be updated when genuine technical improvements are ready rather than because the calendar demands it.

The Italian manufacturer claims future developments will arrive only when they deliver measurable gains in performance, reliability or value for riders, with development shaped by feedback from its factory racing programme under EnduroGP and MXGP supervisor Alex Salvini. 

Late last year, Fantic lifted the lid on its latest off-road collection, including an all-new XEF 450 and XE 300, alongside major updates to frames, suspension, engines and Euro 5+ compliance across the firm’s entire stable, as well as new plastics and the incorporation of an LED headlight across the board. Going forwards, these models will form the base of the Evolution Series bikes, which may mean well mean a slight slow down in new model releases, but pricing is likely to hold steady at least. 

The entry-point model in its five-bike line-up remains the XE125, which, as part of last year’s major range overhaul, got larger-capacity radiators, as well as a new headlight mask and LED light unit. Moving up to the other two-stroke in the collection, the fuel-injected XE 300 recently gained a reworked cylinder head, an updated exhaust valve with forged steel components, a new crankshaft, and an updated ignition system. 

Fantic also gave the 300 a new three-phase generator and voltage regulator to improve starting and current delivery across the electrical system, while a waterproofed ECU and wiring harness were added for greater reliability. 

Inside the motor, a new Stopper/Backlash System (SBS) reduces internal play for a more precise feel and improved durability. The XE 300 retains its aluminium semi-double cradle frame and KYB 48mm SSS suspension, plus handlebar map selection, 10-level traction control, and a revised start/kill control, along with a new headlight mask with LED lighting and updated graphics. 

Where the four-strokes are concerned, the collection benefits from new or redesigned chassis throughout. The 250F also benefits from a tweaked airbox and redesigned exhaust. An Athena ECU manages power delivery and traction, with handlebar controls for quick map selection. The 310 underwent the fewest revisions while the 450 features a new motor, clutch, revised exhaust, and an Athena-GET ECU offering two maps and traction control. 

All models are available in dealerships now. 

Pricing  

• XE125 – €9990 

• XE300 – €10,990 

• XEF250 – €10,890 

• XEF310 – €11,390 

• XEF450 – €12,290 

Fantic XEF 450 Technical Specifications 

Engine 

• Type: Single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves  

• Displacement: 450cc  

• Fuel System: Electronic fuel injection  

• Bore: 97.0mm  

• Stroke: 60.8mm  

• Compression Ratio: 13.0:1  

• Ignition: TCI  

• Starting: Electric  

• Lubrication: Dry sump  

• Transmission: Five-speed  

• Clutch: Wet multi-plate  

• Homologation: Euro 5+  

Chassis 

• Frame: Aluminium perimeter frame  

• Steering Head Angle: 27°  

• Trail: 121mm  

• Rear Subframe: Aluminium  

• Swingarm: Variable-section aluminium with progressive linkage  

• Wheels: 21 x 1.60 (front) – 18 x 2.15 (rear)  

• Tyres: 90/90-21 (front) – 140/80-18 (rear)  

• Front Brake: 270mm hydraulic disc  

• Rear Brake: 240mm hydraulic disc  

• Front Suspension: KYB 48mm fully adjustable forks, 300mm travel  

• Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable KYB shock, 306mm travel  

Dimensions 

• Length: 2170mm  

• Width: 825mm  

• Height: 1265mm  

• Seat Height: 955mm  

• Wheelbase: 1470mm  

• Kerb Weight: 113kg  

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 7.4 litres  

• Engine Oil Capacity: 1.2 litres 

Fantic XE 300 Technical Specifications 

Engine 

• Type: Single-cylinder, two-stroke with reed-valve induction and electronically controlled exhaust valve  

• Displacement: 293cc  

• Fuel System: Indirect fuel injection with twin injectors  

• Bore: 72.0mm  

• Stroke: 72.0mm  

• Compression Ratio: 11.0:1  

• Starting: Electric  

• Lubrication: Separate oil injection system  

• Transmission: Five-speed  

• Clutch: Hydraulic wet multi-plate clutch with STM actuator and Brembo master cylinder  

• Homologation: Euro 5+  

Chassis 

• Frame: Semi-perimeter double-cradle aluminium frame  

• Steering Head Angle: 27.7°  

• Trail: 122mm  

• Rear Subframe: Aluminium  

• Swingarm: Variable-section aluminium with progressive linkage  

• Wheels: 21 x 1.60 (front) – 18 x 2.15 (rear)  

• Tyres: 90/90-21 (front) – 140/80-18 (rear)  

• Front Brake: 270mm hydraulic disc  

• Rear Brake: 240mm hydraulic disc  

• Front Suspension: KYB 48mm fully adjustable forks, 300mm travel  

• Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable KYB shock, 315mm travel  

Dimensions 

• Length: 2200mm  

• Width: 825mm  

• Seat Height: 970mm  

• Wheelbase: 1485mm  

• Weight: 107kg (without fuel, all other fluids included)  

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 9.0 litres  

• Engine Oil Capacity: 0.8 litres