Adopts 6-speed Manual Transmission | ITALJET Plans to Launch a Sports Scooter, the Dragster 500GP, in 2024

Motorcycle & Industry

Italy's Italjet presented the new Dragster 500GP scooter at the Milan Show (EICMA) 2022. It is a higher-end model than the 200/125 already on the market and shares the series' distinctive combative form and bare trellis frame style, but the 450cc engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The adoption of a telescopic fork marks a further evolution into a new model.

Although the price has not yet been announced, Italjet has announced that the Dragster 500 GP will be released in 2024, and expectations are high for Japan sales.

Photo: Masashi Kono / Webike

A mass of individuality, the top model in the dragster series

The Dragster 200/125 was announced in 2019 and will be launched in Japan by MV Agusta in 2022. With its exposed truss frame and hub-steering front mechanism, it has been the talk of the town. The Dragster 500GP is the largest displacement model in the Dragster series.

The engine is a 450cc liquid-cooled DOHC single, with a short stroke of 94.5 x 64 (mm) bore x stroke.
Output is 43HP (32kW)/8000rpm. The most distinctive feature of this engine is that it uses a 6-speed manual transmission despite its scooter style. The suspension is that of a standard sports model, and the power transmission is chain-driven. A shift/brake pedal is mounted in front of the frame-mounted step.

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The Dragster 500GP was unveiled at the Milano Show 2022. The unique design with an exposed trellis frame is common to the series, but the engine and suspension system has been significantly updated.

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The Dragster 500GP uses a 6-speed manual transmission. For this reason, it does not have a footboard but is equipped with step and control pedals similar to those on ordinary sports bikes. The drive system is also chain-driven, a structure that defies common scooter wisdom.

Inverted forks for a ride quality common to sport bikes.High expectations for Japan's release

Furthermore, the front wheel suspension system, which had been a feature of the dragster series, was changed to a telescopic 47mmΦ inverted fork. The ISS (independent steering system) hub steer used on the 200/125 (strictly speaking, different from the standard hub steer) was replaced by a standard sport bike system. The unique ride quality, in which the front end does not sink, had a certain rider preference, but the telescopic fork made it easier for riders accustomed to sports bikes to accept the new style. The rear shock was changed to twin double hydro-pneumatic shock absorbers.

The concept of the Dragster 500GP, a unique sports scooter, is to combine the familiarity and easy handling of a scooter with the fun of controlling a motorcycle through a manual transmission. It is a very unique and innovative model, as Italjet describes it as "the only one of its kind.

Some Japanese riders may be interested, but unfortunately, the current status of the domestic release has not yet been announced. Italjet, however, has set 2024 as the year for the overseas launch. The already released Dragster 200/125 is being marketed in Japan by MV Agusta, and once it starts appearing in overseas markets, it will probably come to Japan in the not-too-distant future. This is a sports scooter to watch out for.

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The dragster series was also characterized by the use of a hub-steer-like suspension system called the independent steering system. However, the Dragster 500GP adopted an inverted telescopic fork.

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The rear suspension, which was a single shock for the 200/125, was changed to a twin shock for the 500GP. This is the result of the desire for a higher level of driving performance. An exhaust system-like box can be seen under the belly.

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The vehicle is announced to weigh 180 kg, have a wheelbase of 1484 mm, and a seat height of 820 mm.
The wheels are 15 inches front and rear, and the specified tires are Pirelli. The brakes are double discs at the front and a single disc at the rear, both equipped with Brembo calipers.

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The 200/125, which makes its strong debut in 2019, is available for purchase in Japan, imported and sold by MV Agusta. The day may not be far off when the 500GP can be ridden in Japan!

Scenes from the local presentation are also available on Youtube

Main specifications of Dragster 500GP

Overall Length x Overall Width: 2045 x 750mm
Wheelbase: 1484mm
Seat height: 820mm
Weight: 180kg
Engine:Liquid-cooled DOHC 4-stroke 4-valve 450cc
Maximum Power: 43.5PS (32kW)/8000rpm
Maximum torque:4.38kg-m (43Nm)/6000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 12L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120-70-15, R=160-60-15

Original Source. [ ITALJET ]

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