Listen, now I know this might seem like a stretch, but hear me out. The new Stealth 125 and 500 naked bikes from Italian brand Fantic sort of remind me of the Ducati MH900e. For those unfamiliar, the MH900e just has to be one of the most radically styled bikes in Ducati’s lineup.
Launched back in 2001, the bike was only made until 2002, and only 2,000 examples were ever produced making it a highly sought after model among die-hard Ducatisti. Now, one thing that really captured my attention about the MH900e was its aggressive stance. It had a level boneline giving it a very retro-racer look, and its exposed trellis frame and undertail exhaust system screamed custom cafe racer.
I mean, just look at it.
Well, as it would turn out, the new Fantic Stealth, which has just been launched at EICMA, shares those design features, too. I don’t know if it’s all just a coincidence, or if the designers at Fantic used the MH900e as an inspiration for the Stealth, but I certainly think that this new naked streetfighter looks really, really good.
Of course, unlike the MH900e, the Stealth is designed to be a mass-produced machine. And so its aggressive styling is watered down by practical accouterments such as a more upright seating position, a cushy saddle, and more sensibly mounted footpegs. Nevertheless, we still see the exposed trellis frame and subframe, as well as a neat undertail exhaust system—something we’re seeing much less of these days in favor of bulky and chunky underbelly-mounted bread boxes.
Fantic offers the Stealth in two flavors, a 125cc version for beginner riders, specifically those with A1 licenses in Europe; and a 500cc version for more intermediate riders. In the context of the global market, the Stealth 500 makes a lot of sense. We’ve been seeing new offerings from both big and small brands in this displacement bracket, and it’s clear that the market favors small to midsize machines, especially now.
On paper, the Stealth 500 could hold a candle to similar bikes in its segment. According to Fantic, the Stealth 500 has a power output close to the limit of the A2 license bracket—that’s to say, around 47 horsepower (I don’t know why they didn’t just give us a number). It’s a big thumper, too, so expect it to be full of braaap energy, perhaps similar in character to KTM’s rambunctious 390 series.
Needless to say, Fantic would be remiss not to sell the Stealth 500 in the US market, where bikes like the Kawasaki Z500, CFMoto 450NK, and KTM 390 Duke are flexing their muscles in their latest iterations. Surely, folks looking for an aggressively styled naked streetfighter with an Italian flair will appreciate the uniqueness the Stealth brings to the table.
Let’s just hope the price is right.
Sources: Fantic Motor, EICMA
