If, like us, you were a boy or girl racer of the 1990s, you too would have lusted and drooled after an Italjet Dragster to park alongside your RGV, NSR, TZR or KR-1S. Well, they are back baby!
The Dragster name is iconic in Italjet circles, and it has returned to Australia! Inspired by the original ’90s Dragster, with a trellis frame and centre-hub steering, the reborn Italjet will go on sale this month for an R/A price of $9990… Exciting stuff! Press Release: Italjet Australia.
The new 2022 Italjet Dragster 200 is on its way to Australian dealers now for the Ride Away price of $9990.
We are pumped to see the Dragster back! If, like us, you were a boy or girl racer of the 1990s, you too would have lusted and drooled after a Dragster to park alongside your RGV, NSR, TZR or KR-1S. I still remember seeing them in the city when I was using a Yamaha Zuma 50 for transport. Oh how I had scooter envy. I lusted after a 180! Damn, what a machine… Well, they are back! Check the details out!
Incorporating high-end engineering mixed with motorcycle racing DNA, the Italjet 200 is powered by a 181cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-valve, Euro5 four-stroke single-cylinder engine producing 19.8hp (14.5kW) and 15.5Nm, embedded in package that weighs just 112kg (dry).
A prototype of the resurrected Italjet with modern designs and materials was first unveiled at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, followed by a three-year period of refinement and collaborative input from Italian MotoGP rider and now brand ambassador Andrea Dovizioso. With some pandemic-enforced delays also thrown into the mix, production of the Italjet commenced in October 2021, with the first shipment now on its way to Australian dealers.
“A three-year period of refinement and collaborative input from Italian MotoGP rider and now brand ambassador Andrea Dovizioso” There is some great heritage behind the new era four-stroke Euro5 Dragster…
The quirky Dragster 200 features a molybdenum-chrome frame reinforced with die-cast aluminium plates, while the signature trellis frame – as well as providing a strong, lightweight structure that simplifies placement of engine and components – connects the steering head to the swingarm pivot and provides a unique rigidity due to its interwoven structure.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing the Italjet brand to a new batch of devotees, as well as those who remember the brand with fondness from the 1990s and the turn of the century.”
The unique centre-hub steering, in the same mould as the famous Bimota Tesi 3D, separates the steering, braking, and suspension functions, providing unique stability. The system filters any kind of roughness, without transmitting vibrations to the handlebar, say Italjet.
The Dragster features a trellis frame, centre-hub steering, Brembo brakes, Paioli shock and Pirelli tyres…
There’s a Paioli monoshock at the front and rear with preload adjustability while, remaining true to its Italian heritage, the Italjet is fitted with Brembo brakes and Pirelli tyres. The package is completed by an aluminium front swingarm, MotoGP-style hand/lever guards, passenger seating and a standard scooter centre-stand for convenience.
Italjet Australia’s Fredy Arnet is excited by the arrival of the Italian company’s new-age masterpiece. “Like so many others, I was taken aback at the Dragster prototype shown at the EICMA show 2018 – but ‘prototype’ probably isn’t the best word, because the production model that’s going on sale in Australia is remarkably similar in design and spec to what we saw in Italy.
“And the centrepiece of that is of course the centre hub steering, but in many other ways it’s above and beyond anything else on the market – the distinctive styling one of them!
“Quite simply, the Dragster is a stunning example of Italian ingenuity, attention to detail and, most importantly, a passion to create a vehicle that excites.” Fredy Arnet.
“Quite simply, the Dragster is a stunning example of Italian ingenuity, attention to detail and, most importantly, a passion to create a vehicle that excites.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing the Italjet brand to a new batch of devotees, as well as those who remember the brand with fondness from the 1990s and the turn of the century”.
ITALJET
Italjet was founded in 1959 by Leopoldo Tartarini, who was an integral part of the Ducati racing and business family before embarking on his own two-wheeled adventure. The Dragster moniker undoubtedly holds the halo as the most well-known of the Italjet models, with the two-stroke 50 and 180cc platforms previously sold in Australia.
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The 2022 Dragster 200 will be available in three liveries – grey/white/red, grey/yellow and black/grey – and comes with a two-year unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.
For more information about the Dragster and to find your local dealer, visit the Italjet Australia website: www.italjet.com.au
