Italjet ’ s Dragster 125 and 200 scooters , but on closer inspection , the Dragster 500GP is about as far from a scooter as you can get . While the 500GP retains Italjet ’ s signature design language , and even makes the move to more conventional suspension , it ’ s in the engine that it really sits aside from the rest of scooterdom . Instead of an anaemic engine mated to a CVT transmission , the 500GP sports 43hp at 8000rpm and 43Nm of torque at 6,000rpm from its 450cc single-cylinder engine . Instead of a rubber band-like CVT transmission , the 500GP has a 6-speed manual , just like a ‘ real ’ motorcycle .
On top of that , Italjet has dropped the hubcentric steering in place of a 47mm USD fork while the brakes are monstrous dual 270mm units from Brembo . All this comes at a cost , and the Dragster 500GP weighs in at a hefty 180kg dry . Add in oil and a full 12 litres of fuel and you ’ re knocking on the door of 200kg . We can ’ t help but wonder who and what the 500GP is for , but we do know we dig it .
BENELLI
Benelli had plenty on show at EICMA this year , with a new 250cc platform on show alongside the multiple variants of the TRK adventure bike . Starting with the smaller bikes , the new BKX250 and BKX250S look to be gunning for KTM in the small-capacity adventure and supermoto markets . The engine puts down about what you ’ d expect , a maximum power output of 25.8hp at 9250rpm and 21Nm at 8000rpm . The timing features a double overhead camshaft with four valves per cylinder , a wet clutch and a 6-speed gearbox . Joining Benelli ’ s 500cc parallel-twin platform is the new Tornado which finally gives the brand a more modern-looking option to sit alongside the Leoncino 500 . In fact , Benelli says the styling
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