The Italjet Roadster 400 is a bold new scooter design with retro cues, from a company that specializes in the outlandish. [Note: This article has been updated to include full specs and images of the Italjet Roadster 400.]
Known for the outlandish Dragster sport scooter, the Italian brand Italjet quietly dropped an entirely fresh design at EICMA today. The all-new Italjet Roadster 400 has all of the wacky engineering we've come to expect from Italjet, but with an entirely different aesthetic.
Where the Dragster is distinctive for its aggressive high-performance vibe, the Roadster plays in retro-futuristic territory. Think of it as The Jetsons meets Cyberpunk.
According to Italjet, the design “pays homage to the classic silhouettes of the past, while drawing inspiration from fighter jets.” That influence is clear in the Roadster's turbine-like side pods, which act as cooling ducts for the twin radiators that are hidden inside.
Italjet has finally revealed a spec sheet for the Roadster 400 [see below], plus more images that show off its design. Although it uses a trellis frame like the Dragster does, the Roadster's chassis is quite clearly a new design.
The suspension has changed drastically, too. In place of the Dragster's single-sided front suspension, the Roadster uses Italjet's brand new Dynamic Linkage Articulated steering, which incorporates the scooter's twin Nissin front brake calipers. Italjet describes the system as "a two-piece scissor linkage, in which the lower element integrates both the wheel spindle and the fixed brake mount." They go on to describe it as a "highly rigid structure," which "reduces components and enhances steering accuracy while preserving Italjet’s distinctive handling character."
The rear swingarm and linkages use the same system, and in true Italjet fashion, each end's Öhlins shock is mounted in the most unusual of locations.
As implied by its name, the Roadster 400's engine has a capacity of 394 cc. It makes a respectable 41.5 hp and 41.2 Nm of torque, and uses a belt drive, as per the Dragster's powertrain. A peek at the right-hand side reveals a chunky exhaust header, which splits before disappearing into the bodywork and emerging in twin Akrapovič mufflers behind the seat.
The other big takeaway is how premium the whole thing feels. From the matte black and bronze paint, to the multi-textured seat upholstery and discreet red details, the Roadster is the personification of tasteful Italian flair. Billet aluminum spoked wheels hide behind the scoot's gargantuan brake discs, while finer touches like CNC-machined lever guards with integrated LED turn signals show that Italjet's designers are all about the details.
We've dropped the full Roadster 400, and all the images we have of it, below. Our takeaway? It's a scooter that we desperately want to ride and/or park in our living room—but until Italjet hands us the keys, we'll have to be content just to ogle it.
Italjet Roadster 400 Specs
Engine Single-cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled; Capacity 394 cc; Power 41.5 hp @ 7,500 rpm; Torque 41.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm; Transmission CVT; Clutch Dry centrifugal automatic; Primary drive Belt; Frame Tubular steel trellis frame; Suspension Linkage-actuated leading arm suspension; Suspension travel 90 mm (front), 120 mm (rear); Wheels Spoked light alloy; Tires 120/70 ZR13 (front), 150/70 ZR13 (rear); Brakes Dual 280 mm discs (front), single 260 mm disc (rear); Wet weight 152 kg [333 lbs]; Seat height 790 mm; Wheelbase 1,540 mm; Fuel tank capacity 12 l [3.2 gal]; Standard equipment ABS, traction control, LED lighting with daytime running light, passenger foot pegs; Optional equipment Anti-theft system, heated grips; Expected price €7,500 [about $8,717]
Source: Italjet
Comments