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Fantic
  
YearEventEdit
2026

JM Racing, owned by Jacky Martens, will be responsible for the Fantic Factory MXGP team starting in the 2026 season.

2022

Fantic acquires the long-established Italian manufacturer Bottecchia Cicli (bicycles).

2020

Maddii Racing becomes the official factory team for Fantic's return to motocross racing.

Fantic acquires 100% of Minarelli (Motori Minarelli) shares from Yamaha. This means that Fantic will transition from being an engine purchaser to its own engine manufacturer.

2016

Fantic enters the e-bike market (Fantic Bikes).

2014

The investor network VeNetWork (an association of Venetian entrepreneurs led by Alberto Baban) acquires 100% of the shares in Fantic Motor. Mariano Roman is appointed managing director.

2005

Fantic returns to the enduro and supermoto market with a new range of models and revives the "Caballero" name.

2003

Venetian industrialist Federico Fregnan acquires the trademark rights to Fantic. He relocates the company headquarters to Dosson di Casier (province of Treviso). 

1997

Fantic is officially declared insolvent and the factory gates in Barzago are closed.

1995

Declining sales of 50cc models and fierce competition led Fantic to cease production in 1995.

1988

Thierry Michaud wins his third Trial World Championship with Fantic.

1986

Thierry Michaud wins his second Trial World Championship with Fantic.

1985

Thierry Michaud wins the Trial World Championship with Fantic.

1980

Fantic Motor Deutschland GmbH is founded and takes over imports from Schwaiger.

1975

Gottfried Schwaiger (Italo-Motor), based in Baden-Baden, takes over Fantic imports to Germany.

1969

The Caballero 50 is unveiled at the EICMA in Milan.

1968

Henry Keppel-Hesselink and Mario Agrati found Fantic in Barzago (province of Lecco). Agrati came from the entrepreneurial family that already controlled the Agrati-Garelli Group. The goal is to produce recreational vehicles for the US market (minibikes).

Last edited: 2/20/2026 · Jürgen Wißler