The world was once my playground. The pandemic took away a big part of my identity – a world traveller. For the past two years, strict immigration rules has confined me to 50km by 27km space.
Finally, when the announcement on border reopening on 1st April came, I felt like I was released from home prison. It was no Aprils’ Fool joke. My first thought a road trip to Malaysia. Just nice, Italjet offered the Dragster 200 for a few days and I thought why not ride it to Sungei Lembing – an idyllic mining town 400km away from Singapore.
Resembling a love child between Ducati Monster and Gilera, Italjet Dragster 200 is a sport scooter built with a trellis frame that looks like no others. At petrol stations, it definitely turned heads with eyes of admiration and curiosity.
This review is on the user touring experience aspect. I am not going dive deep into the technicality of Italjet Dragster 200. However, there are unique features, like its centre hub steering and horizontal placement of both suspensions, which rendered the riding experience unusual. Front braking feels like rear braking and vice versa. Braking feels puzzling but a lot more stable because the front does not dive downwards.
Acceleration is quick with slight twist of throttle. It can easily pull up to 100km/h and peaks at around 125km/h. Its nimbleness makes it easy to squeeze between cars during traffic.
With a 9L fuel tank located between the foot rest, its low CG offers more stability and lightness in its handling. I must say the Italjet Dragster 200 is a blast to ride on the twisty trunk road up to Sungei Lembing.
Fuel consumption for city riding is 28km/L and long distance cruising is 33km/L. Thus, one tank can cover almost 300km on cruising, which is not bad for such a nimble performance scooter.
As an avid tourer, I enjoy the riding experience of the Italjet Dragster 200 but lament its lack of practicalities for commuting, let alone for touring. The only stock practical feature on the scooter is the USB charging outlet located below the handlebar.
Underseat storage is only enough to fit tools and maybe a pair of gloves. Rear rack for the Italjet is not available off the shelf. Scooter Narcotics got Bike Fabricator to custom build a rear rack and installed it just before the trip. It also lacks a side stand but that is not that big of an issue. Weighing only 120kg fully fueled, getting it up on the mains is pretty easy. On the other hand, including these practicalities may strip the Italjet Dragster of its iconic compact look and styling.
The Italjet Dragster 200 is a fun, attractive and easy ride, albeit not the most convenient one. This scooter is designed for collectors, racers, enthusiasts and those who love being the centre of attention.
Priced at S$12,800, the machine is valued for its performance, looks and exclusivity. If you have more budget to splurge on accessories and upgrades, here is a good news – the distributor does not void warranty as long as the parts are supplied by them. The scooter is available for test ride at Scooter Narcotics.
For more details visit http://www.italjet.com.sg/