We have already reported our impressions of the Italjet Dragster 200, and now we have test ridden the new light-tuned custom version. The exterior is virtually unchanged, but the ride has changed so drastically that no other scooter has such a painful ride!
Acceleration and top speed are increased to the point where you wonder what the normal was all about.
The new dragster was launched in 2022 and quickly became very popular. Because of the great impact of the old Dragster 180/125 introduced in 1995, many people must have a spartan image of the modern version of the Dragster, which has been revived with a 4-stroke engine instead of a 2-stroke engine.
In fact, the new dragster uses a DOHC 4-valve engine, which is rare among scooters, and one would think that it should be considerably faster. It is true that it is significantly faster than 125cc scooters, but compared to the 150cc class, the displacement is only about 25cc, so it does not seem to be that much different.
It is true that one feels a gap between aggressive styling and the motorcycle. However, the lightly tuned version of this motorcycle had more than enough power and feel to make up for this gap. At the same time, it was clear that the standard version was only able to demonstrate a portion of its potential.
The main parts installed are an Akrapovic slip-on exhaust system and a Malossi multivariator. Other parts were assembled using Bear Setagaya's proprietary know-how, and both acceleration and top speed have been improved, transforming the motorcycle into a super-painful runabout.
Katsura Muto of Shop Bear Setagaya with his Dragster 200 Revised. Since the CVT-shifted Vespa, he has been well-versed in tuning scooters with Malossi parts. His expertise was demonstrated on the dragster.
Italjet's optional parts KIT CVT/CLUTCH 200 cost (approx.) 320 USD. It consists of a CVT kit with Malossi pulleys, weight rollers, and center spring, and a centrifugal clutch.
Drivetrain tuning for responsive acceleration is always in the power band
The tuning of the Dragster 200 this time is not about increasing engine power. The Akrapovic slip-on exhaust is for street use and only increases horsepower by one. The reduction of unsprung weight by about 2 kg weight reduction is expected to be effective for the unit-swing type scooter.
The reason for the dramatic change in driving performance is the effect of the drivetrain tuning with the CVT kit = multivariator and centrifugal clutch package. Since the drivetrain of a scooter is completely different from that of a regular motorcycle, we would like to explain it with reference to the illustration by Daytona.
There are two key points. First, by replacing the centrifugal clutch, the engine speed at which drive power is transmitted to the rear wheels is increased. Since the clutch is connected at approximately 1,000 rpm higher than the normal clutch, the motorcycle lags a little behind when starting from zero, but the power is incomparable since the motorcycle can be driven in the power band from 25 km/h onward.
Second, the pulley diameter is a few millimeters larger, increasing the maximum speed by about 10 km/h. In the case of a multi-stage bicycle, this means that the pedal side gear is larger, so the speed is higher at the same rpm. This is the mechanism that increases both acceleration and maximum speed.
【1】From the engine starts to clutch in, the engine is in low gear. In the Dragster 200, the clutch shoe spreads and makes contact with the clutch outer at 4500 to 5500 rpm.
【2】From the clutch into the beginning of the gear shift point, the driver accelerates in a lower gear. In the Dragster 200 Kai, the weight roller is lighter and accelerates by shifting gears earlier to increase rpm.
【3】From the beginning to the end of the gear shift point, the weight roller moves outward by centrifugal force and the pulley approaches the ride face. In the Dragster 200, 7500 rpm is the gearshift point, and the engine accelerates from 30 to 80 km/h with a mere 500 rpm increase in rpm up to 8000 rpm.
【4】 From the end of the shifting point to the maximum speed, the engine reaches the upper limit of engine speed while remaining in high-speed gear.
In the Dragster 200, the maximum speed is increased from 120 to 125 km/h by enlarging the pulley diameter.
The blue graph is for the stock model and the red graph is for the Dragster 200. The maximum torque and maximum power output are maintained at 7500 rpm at 30 km/h and 8000 rpm at 80 km/h in the frequently used speed range (red thick line). This transforms the vehicle into a painfully enjoyable ride.
Compact as a 125 with the power feel of a 250!
The Dragster 200 by Italian scooter tuning specialist Bear Setagaya Tuning always runs in the engine's power band in the speed range that is heavily used in town, as explained so far, so it feels like riding a 250cc class scooter.
And yet, the Dragster 200 weighs only 124 kg, making it feel as if a PCX160 or Majesty S were a 250 cc scooter. Furthermore, its compact wheelbase is about the same as that of a 125cc class scooter, so it can easily slip through traffic, something that 250cc big scooters have trouble with.
On the highway, there were many occasions when I had to open the throttle to full throttle in normal operation, but the advantage is that I can cruise with a comfortable margin at about 80% throttle opening. And the stable braking power of the independent steering system (ISS), unique to the dragster series, increased the sense of security at high speeds.
The Akrapovic exhaust system installed is a European street specification, not as radical as a racing exhaust system, but it produces a nice, groovy sound that, combined with the painful acceleration, makes one feel as if riding a 2-stroke scooter.
This test ride of the Dragster 200 has shown that even with a light tune, it can be reborn to the original dragster performance. We strongly recommend it to all owners.
Although the power increase is only 1hp, the Akrapovic slip-on line (titanium black/part number: S-IT125SO1-HRTBL/JPY 150,700) is 2kg lighter.
A logoed factory option is also available.
Akrapovic Optional Carbon Heat Shield (Part No. P-HSIT125SO1/(approx.) 125 USD) is sold separately.
Bear Setagaya is an authorized dealer of Italjet Dragster 200/125.
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