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Driving report Italjet Formula 125
well finally
The Italjet Formula 125 was presented for the first time in 1994. Now the two-cylinder scooter is finally ready for series production.
Even at the first presentation, scooter fans licked their fingers for the Italjet Formula 125. After all, the Italian manufacturer had given the two-wheeler a special technical feature that raised great expectations: The Formula 125 is the first modern scooter with a two-cylinder two-stroke engine. The engineers had to struggle with various technical problems for a long time. The alternator was not powerful enough in the prototypes, the rubber V-belt of the variator had to be replaced with one made of Kevlar, and there were also some problems with the ignition.
But what takes a long time is finally good. In mid-February, the first models were finally able to prove what they can do on the Imola race track. The little racers quickly show that they are not out of place on the Circuito. The two-cylinder engine does not even use the 125 cc and 15 HP power permitted for the 1b driver’s license. The designers at the engine specialist Franco Morini resorted to the cylinder of its smaller brother, the Formula 50, and gave it a stroke of 43 instead of 37.5 millimeters with the same bore. The result is a full 114 cm³ displacement. The fact that only 13 little horses tug on the V-belt in the continuously variable automatic transmission did not bother the first test drive. Finally, the Italjet takes off properly and, according to the speedometer, reaches an amazing 140 km / h. Which is of course far exaggerated.
The chassis, almost identical to that of the Formula 50, withstands brisk pace without complaint. The Formula 125 purrs through the curves of the racetrack in a stable and precise manner. Which is certainly not least due to the front wheel guidance, a stub axle steering. Their special geometry prevents the telescopic fork from dipping when braking. The well-coordinated spring elements also contribute to the convincing driving behavior, although the rear damping made a slightly too soft impression. The spring base is continuously adjustable for different loads. Unevenness is comfortably cushioned at the front. The torsion bar can also be adjusted. To do this, however, part of the cladding must be removed.
If you are really fast on the road, you have to expect the exhaust to hit the right-hand side. The Italo scooter also stands up quickly when there are waves in curves. The pull on the hand levers is transferred from the steel flex lines with a crisp pressure point to the two 175 millimeter hydraulic disc brakes. Hard braking maneuvers are no problem: both front and rear, the deceleration is flawless and easy to adjust. However, the left lever must be properly closed.
Despite all the sportiness, the Italjet 125 also has the usual scooter equipment. A full-face helmet fits in the helmet compartment, gloves or a map in the lockable storage compartment. The scooter driver should prefer to carry his wallet with him, as the flap looks easy to crack. Otherwise, the workmanship is decent.
3500 Formula 125 are to come to Germany this year. The first will be available from dealers at the end of March for 6590 marks. A tuning kit that gets the last bit of power out of the in-line twin will certainly not be long in coming.
Technical data – Italjet Formula 125
EngineLiquid-cooled two-cylinder two-stroke in-line engine, Mikuni carburettor with membrane inlet, Æ 16 mm, separate lubrication, electric and kick starter, stepless automatic belt system, battery 12 V, bore x stroke 41 x 43 mm, displacement 114 cm³, rated output 13 PS (9.6 kW at 7500 / minMax. Torque 1.3 kpm (13 Nm) at 7000 rpm Chassis tubular steel frame, Ackermann steering with adjustable torsion bar spring and disc brake (Æ 175 mm) at the front, drive unit swing arm with a hydraulic, steplessly adjustable spring strut and disc brake (Æ 175 mm) at the rear, suspension travel f / r 100/110 mm Tire size front 120 / 70-11 rear 130 / 70-12Dimensions and weightsLength 1820 mmWidth 640 mmSeat height 800 mmWeight 100 kgTank capacity 10 litersEquipment / PriceAvailable colors silver, racing red, matt blackGuarantee one year without mileage limitPrice including additional costs 6590 marks
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