Italjet will make a welcome return to the Australian market in 2022, with the arrival of its new Dragster model, based on an iconic design born in the 1990s. The first shipment is on its way to local dealerships.
With unique features like a trellis frame and centre hub steering, the reborn Italjet Dragster will go on sale this month, with a ride away price of $9,990. It incorporates high-end engineering mixed with motorcycle racing DNA.
The Italjet Dragster 200 is powered by a 181cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-valve, Euro5 four-stroke single-cylinder engine producing 14.5kW of power and 15.5Nm of torque, embedded in package that weighs just 112kg.
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 brand ambassador Andrea Dovizioso.
The quirky Dragster 200 features a molybdenum-chrome frame reinforced with die-cast aluminium plates, while the signature trellis frame connects the steering head to the swingarm pivot, and provides a unique rigidity due to its interwoven structure.
The unique centre hub steering, in the same mould as the famous Bimota Tesi 3D, which separates the steering, braking, and suspension functions, provides unique stability. The system filters any kind of roughness, without transmitting vibrations to the handlebar.
There’s a Paioli mono-shock 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.
There’s also MotoGP-style hand/lever guards, passenger seating and a standard scooter centre stand. Italjet Australia’s Fredy Arnet is excited by the arrival of the Italian company’s new-age masterpiece.
“Like so manty 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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
Italjet was founded in 1959 by Leopoldo Tartarini, who was an integral part of the Ducati racing 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.
The two-stroke 50cc and 180cc platforms were previously sold in Australia. 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.
Hi Andrew,
Where can I buy this Italjet dragster and when its going to be launch here in Australia? By the way I’m base here in SA.
Hi Daniel
They certainly are an impressive looking bit of kit – we were due to road test one but unfortunately I was struck down with the Rona. The local dealer in South Australia is Scootaround and they are located at 581 Tapleys Hill Road Fulham. Let us know how you go – Cheers