The FANTIC CABALLERO 250: A Modern SCRAMBLER ICON

IMG_0427_compressed_2025_07_02_191025.webp Motorcycle & Industry

The neo-classic scrambler "Caballero" is a gift from the long-established Italian brand "Fantic." This time, we will introduce the creator who chose this attractive motorcycle, Nobuki Kato, and his beloved motorcycle.
(Eye-catching image by Satoshi Yano)

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Fantic Caballero Flat Track250

What is Fantic Caballero?

The "Caballero" is a reissue model that Fantic announced at EICMA (Milan Show) in 2017. It was originally an enduro motorcycle that was popular in Europe in the 1960s, and this new "Caballero" has revived that name for the modern era.

The lineup includes three types: Scrambler, Flat Track, and Rally. The 250cc model is no longer in production, but its lightweight body with a water-cooled single-cylinder engine is attractive. It is a truly "neo-classic" motorcycle that combines a classical form with modern eq

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A neo-classical motorcycle with a classical form and modern equipment

The creator has acquired an Italian motorcycle that can go anywhere!

The owner of "Fantic Caballero Flat Track250" that we will introduce this time is Kato Nobuki, a creator who works as an artist, designer, illustrator, and manga artist.

In addition to motorcycle brands such as FANTIC, Lambretta, TRIUMPH, BMW Motorrad, and KAWASAKI, he has worked with a wide range of clients, including Nike, Shiseido, and Shiina Ringo. Recently, he was in charge of the main visuals for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2024, which many people have probably seen.

In this article, we will introduce the reasons why Kato chose Caballero and his favorite custom features.

Instagram "Kato Nobuki"
https://www.instagram.com/nobuki_kato

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Mr. Kato and his beloved Caballero Motorcycle

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The main visual for the Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2024 designed by Kato

What prompted you to purchase it?

"I first learned about Fantic Caballero when I saw it in a magazine. It's hard to find a commercially available 19-inch front and rear tracker, and I was really interested in the design.
The company that handles this motorcycle in Japan is MOTORISTS, and I was already familiar with the president, Mr. Noguchi (former president of KTM Japan), so I was asked to do an advertisement illustration for FANTIC at the time. I thought, "Well, I might as well buy it!" and so I did.

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One of its distinctive features is the impressive 19-inch tires!

What's the point of customization?

"HAVE A BIKE DAY" by designer HIGHJUMPER." My favorite part is painting the logo and the yellow line on the swingarm!
The remaining yellow parts are covered with homemade cutting sheets, and the right side cowling is sticker-tuned with stickers from shops and artists that the motorcycle has connections with, in a skateboard-like style.
On the left side, I have the number plate of the DOOR OF ADVENTURE rally event, which I have participated in four times so far!

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Tank's "HAVE A BIKE DAY. The logo was painted by designer HIGHJUMPER.

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It's actually difficult... The sticker tuning is amazing!

"HAVE A BIKE DAY."

This is a motorcycle art label created by Kato with the theme of "everyday life with motorcycles"!

"Yes! It is a message to all motorcycle lovers: "Have a good day (with your motorcycle)!""

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"HAVE A BIKE DAY." is a motorcycle art label created by Kato with the theme of "everyday life with motorcycles".

Please let us know any other custom points you have!

“The rear suspension has been replaced with an Ohlins suspension, and an Andreani cartridge kit has been installed on the front, which has significantly improved off-road tracking and limits.
The tires have become taller, from dirt track tires to scrambler tires to enduro tires. At first, I started on flat forest roads, but gradually I started going to harder forest roads, etc. ... I wanted to enjoy a variety of uncharted roads, from gravel to muddy swamps. However, now I want to go back to flat trackers, so I've changed the tires back to dirt track tires.

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The rear suspension has been changed to an Ohlins product! Block tires have been fitted to transform it into a scrambler!

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The Andreani cartridge kit improves off-road compliance and limits on the front end.

Are there any tips you use when traveling long distances?

By the way, you don't have a driver's license, so you basically go everywhere by motorcycle, right?

"That's right! B.O.B.L.Even when I participate in races for small-displacement vintage motorcycles, I can't transport myself, so I just hitch a ride lol
Is this a tip you use when going on a trip?
When touring or rallying on forest roads, it's useful to have tools, an air gauge, an electric air pump, etc. (to lower the air pressure before entering the forest road, and return it to normal when you leave the road, etc.), so I always take them with me. I keep them in an Enduristan rear fender bag, which is known for its waterproofness and durability, but I have modified it so that it can be fixed to the tank.

Enduristan is so good!
There are a lot of people around me who use it and I've always been jealous!

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We modified an Enduristan rear fender bag and attached it to the tank!

A creator who turned his passion into a job

I met Kato in March 2025 at a solo exhibition by oil painter "SANPAINT" held in Tokyo. After that, he held his own solo exhibition "HAVE A BIKE DAY. vol.I visited "B7".O.B.L.We have met up again at various events, including the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR).

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Solo exhibition "HAVA A MOTORCYCLE DAY. vol.One of the works exhibited at "7"

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The new graphic "HAVE A BIKE DAY" for Arai's popular helmet "Rapid Neo" unveiled at this year's motorcycle show." This design was created by Kato.

 

As we continued to talk, I felt that Kato's activities were a perfect combination of what he loved, what he was good at, and what was needed.
It's easy to say "turn your passion into a job," but it's difficult to actually achieve it. However, Kato-san embodies this idea by keeping his feet on the ground.
I felt a deep respect and inspiration from that.
What's next for Kato-san, utilizing what he loves? We're looking forward to seeing his future work!

Instagram "Everyone's Single Cylinder"
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

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I'm looking forward to the next development that will make use of Kato's passions!
Photo by Satoshi Yano

 
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