Ready to rally: Fantic unveil XEF and limited launch edition race replicas

Fantic have unveiled this XEF Rally, marking the Italian manufacturer’s first foray into the race replica market. The bike has been developed based on Fantic’s Dakar racing experience.

The XEF is powered by a 450cc single-cylinder, DOHC engine housed in a double girder frame combining an aluminium front and steel rear section.

Developed with endurance rallying in mind, the new Fantic gets a 30-litre fuel tank described as “Dakar proof”. The tank is, in fact, two tanks – one lateral and one central – the first to aid shock protection and the latter the overall ergonomics of the bike.

Bumps and jumps are softened by KYB 48mm, fully adjustable forks and a fully adjustable KYB rear shock set-up. Front wheel travel is 310mm while the rear is 300mm

Instrumentation comes in the form of the shock, dust and water-proof, 7” RallyScreen that can be controlled via the touchscreen or two controls on the handlebar.

RallyScreen has an Android operating system and switches on and off with the bike, but also has an internal battery that allows riders to programme itineraries remotely. It can also be removed and carried around when needed.

Stopping power is provided by a Moto Master caliper on a single 300mm front disc and a 245mm disc rear set-up.

Dimensions so far released include a seat height of 955mm, a 1480mm wheelbase and a claimed kerb weight of just 140kg.

Fantic will also release a limited ‘Launch Edition’ of just 50 examples. Powered by the same 450cc engine the Factory model’s differences include a front-mounted oil radiator and larger oil filter.

The limited edition model also gets upgraded CNC billet wheel hubs developed for great rigidity and a full titanium Arrow exhaust system shaves 1.5kg off the overall weight.  

Buyers will also get a competition kit comprising a Fantic Rally Jersey and a 144-litre trolley toolbox, to carry all spare parts at every race.

Both Fantic Rally bikes will be available from the end of November 2022.  No price has been released.

Fantic XEF Rally in detail

Two-for-one: The fuel tank is like no other – holding 30 litres it is divided into two parts. The first, positioned laterally, provides aerodynamic and shock protection. The second, located centrally under the seat, offers slim ergonomics and perfect weight distribution.

Rally Screen: The 7″ TFT dash allows riders to check GPX tracks, digital roadbooks and use any navigation app on the market, either via the touchscreen or two controls on the handlebar.

Protection is the key: For riding off the beaten track, the XEF features a 5mm-thick carbon-kevlar under-shield to keep the engine, tanks and exhaust safe from impacts.

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New Fantic XEF 450 Rally will face Dakar in January

First published on 31 December 2021 by Dan Sutherland

Fantic’s all-new XEF 450 Rally is set to make its Dakar debut in January. The 450cc single will be piloted by former runnerup Franco Picco, who helped develop the bike. It will then go on sale in the summer of 2022.

At the heart of the Rally lies the same fuel injected DOHC engine as the one found in Fantic’s XEF 450 enduro.

It’s Euro5-compliant and uses an aluminium perimeter frame – also taken from its paredback sibling – coupled with an aluminium swingarm.

From here the two models differ, with the Rally developed to cope with offroad riding at higher speeds – a challenge typical of larger desert rallies.

Starting with the fully adjustable KYB suspension, the monoshock and 48mm upside-down forks have both had their settings tweaked.

The front brake disc has also been increased by 30mm to 300mm. Also improving handling are Michelin Desert Race tyres which wrap around 21in front and 18in rear spoked rims and replace Mitas on the enduro.

The Rally also gets a larger 30-litre fuel tank – jumping up from the 7.9 litres on the enduro to help it conquer longer rally stages.

Also new is a tall instrument tower, which sits above a calculator-sized LCD screen and is shrouded by a plexiglass fairing to protect riders from the wind and dust.

This drapes down into a sleek set of body panels, which incorporate the large fuel tank either side of the engine. Protruding from the base of the motor is an Arrow exhaust system – shedding weight and offering extra punch off the dunes.

Whether that will be standard fitment on the production bike remains to be seen, but Fantic say they will offer a Factory kit.