The Fantic is the best-built bike in class,, no question. It’s not a hand-built bike, but components like the CNC-machined alloy swingarm plates and top-yoke give it a high-quality feel. Paint finishes are good, castings neatly done, and bodywork well fitted.

The attention to detail is impressive, too – most manufacturers will treat items like numberplate illumination lights as functional, parts-bin items, and they’ll be made cheaply and used across multiple models to save money.

The switchgear and mirrors are generic items (the latter have a pivot point just above the attachment points, so they’re really easy to move out of the way for storage or squeezing through tight spots. but everything else is Caballero specific, meaning there’s no obvious scope for visual enhancement. Even the homologation-compliant rear mudguard isn’t offensive and integrates with the bikes styling.

Reliability shouldn’t be in question – treated with typical care the CP2 engines are proven to last. Fantic’s record for quality control and reliability is good – the few reported issues on the Caballero 500 are related directly to its engine, so won’t affect the Yamaha-powered 700.

The Caballero is too new to comment on insurance costs yet, but there’s nothing to suggest it’ll be more expensive to insure than a Ducati Scrambler: it’s likely to be a relatively small-volume seller simply due to the smaller dealer network, so theft rates are likely to be lower: the more popular the bike, the greater the demand for used spares, and the greater number of unpleasant people who’ll steal bikes to get them…

Running costs should be low – it’s economical, and the pricer major services aren’t due until 24,000 miles. Access to most parts is easy too, so labour costs won’t be excessive. Standard Pirelli tyres are reasonably priced compared to bigger bikes, and there’s only one front brake caliper, so the pad bill is cut by half compared to many bikes…

The Caballero is excellent value for money in material terms – cheaper than its main rival, with equal or better spec and superior detailing.

The aforementioned Ducati Scrambler 800 is an obvious rival, as is the similarly CP2-engined Yamaha XSR700. You might also consider the KTM-powered Husqvarna Svartpilen 701, or - if you're not so bothered about the power output - the Moto Morini Seiemmezzo SCR.

Its worth considering the second hand used bike market when shopping for a Fantic Caballero 700 Scrambler as bikes slowly trickle into the market. Grab yourself a bargain with a decent chunk off the new price by looking through MCN's classifieds. Additionally, try MCN Compare for a competitive insurance quote.

The simplistic image belies a bike with plenty of features and modern touches. As well as the rider aids mentioned earlier, the small circular TFT dash also offers Bluetooth phone connectivity to make it easier to control calls and media, if you use a headset in your helmet.

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