TRIUMPH DOLOMITE SPRINT
The first 16-valve saloon for everyone
FANTIC KOALA 50
Beaches
YEAR: 1987
I bet you’re smiling already.
Straight from the beaches of the ’80s, the Fantic Koala 50 makes its comeback: beefed-up shapes, unique design and a riot of colour. As over-the-top as the decade that gave it life. The only exception in a collection dedicated solely to cars — a brilliant pick for classic two-wheeler enthusiasts.
Historical background
The Reputation of Fantic Motor
By 1987, Fantic Motor of Barzago (LC) had already clocked up 19 years of history and two World Trial Championship titles (1985 and 1986 — with a third to follow in ’88!). Off the racetrack, it had proven its ability to shake up the motorcycle market with bold and innovative designs — just think of the legendary Caballero. And right around ’87, it surprised once more with the launch of the Koala 50cc — a moped unlike anything else on the road at the time. Compact yet imposing, its standout feature was its chunky wheels — halfway between a showpiece and a bike ready to take on the Paris-Dakar. Its livery was loud and proud, defined by vivid colours — early versions came in metallic emerald green and electric blue, both with metal flake finishes — enhanced by custom-designed decals and contrast lettering. Even the “Koala” font captured the spirit of this chunky 50cc — cheeky and characterful, much like its marsupial namesake. Double cradle frame, 4-speed gearbox, liquid cooling: a proper motorbike for all the teens who wanted (and could afford) something more than just a basic scooter. Production ceased in the ’90s after a few technical updates and new colour variants. Unsurprisingly, many were sold along Italy’s coastlines — thanks to that beach-ready aesthetic, evoking sunshine, seaside and summer holidays. Dads of straight-A 14-year-olds had to fork out around 3,500,000 Lire — roughly €4,800 today — for this “fat moped”. Accessories and helmet (mandatory for minors from ’86 onward) not included, of course.
So much for “back-to-school discounts”…
Technical specifications
- SEATS: 1…+1 🙂
- LENGTH: 193 cm
- WIDTH: 84 cm
- HEIGHT: 133 cm
- WHEELBASE: 116 cm
- WEIGHT: 99 kg
- ENGINE: 2-stroke single cylinder engine
- DISPLACEMENT: 49,6 cc
- POWER OUTPUT: 3 hp approx.
- FUEL: Petrol
- DRIVETRAIN: RWD
- TRANSMISSION: 4-speed manual
- SPEEED: 45 km/h …
Look at me – Smile magnet
Hair gel, chewing gum, sunglasses. Boxer shorts and a t-shirt — ideally one with pop idols from the era (you’re spoilt for choice in 1987…) — and the classic Invicta backpack over your shoulders. Hit the electric start or the kick-starter, give the stand a flick — and off to the beach you go. No matter if it’s been decades or if the sea is miles away — the Fantic Koala somehow brings the summer to you. A ride that’s fun, carefree, and surprisingly agile, despite those gloriously oversized tyres. It creates a strange floating sensation while riding — but you soon get used to it, and it actually helps the shocks iron out potholes, gravel or cobblestones. The saddle and handlebars, together with the frame’s geometry, make it an easy and upright ride for bikers of all shapes and sizes. Powerful disc brakes at both ends. While its performance might not blow your mind, the overall ride absolutely will: every kilometre on the Koala feels like therapy — not just for the rider, but for everyone watching it pass by. This electric-blue 50cc beams good vibes all around, a perfect throwback to a time when looks weren’t just about style, but a bold expression of who you were. Today, the Koala stands as a stylish alternative to today’s cookie-cutter supermarket scooters, often loud in colour but lacking creativity and soul.The Koala gets you to the office, out for a Sunday cruise — or simply becomes a collector’s gem. It can even be a showpiece: just dedicate a corner in your home or office, and treat it like a painting or work of art.
In search of blue – Passione Classica’s Fantic Koala 5
Bought from a collector of racing mopeds, this Fantic Koala was a bright oddity among the more subdued tones of bikes with six decades of history behind them. The restoration began the moment it came home, and it was no ordinary job. First, the 100cc Polini engine was removed. In its place, I found the original engine for this model — brand new — along with the correct Orto 12010 pump. The tank was sandblasted and fitted with a new mixer. Next came the respray of all fairings and reproduction of every decal — done professionally to match the era’s colours and quality (yellow, grey, pearly white, and reflective details). I even sourced a brand new pair of tyres, in addition to the ones already on the bike. The original logbook was carefully preserved, and I had it re-registered with new plates and documents. This 50cc is not road-used — it’s taken out every two weeks on private ground to keep its mechanicals in top shape. It also has a custom-made dust cover.
A restoration that brings back the charm of an evocative object, calling up memories of an unforgettable decade — and the energy of its endless summers.
Driving experience – Smile magnet
Hair gel, chewing gum, sunglasses. Boxer shorts and a t-shirt — ideally one with pop idols from the era (you’re spoilt for choice in 1987…) — and the classic Invicta backpack over your shoulders. Hit the electric start or the kick-starter, give the stand a flick — and off to the beach you go. No matter if it’s been decades or if the sea is miles away — the Koala somehow brings the summer to you. A ride that’s fun, carefree, and surprisingly agile, despite those gloriously oversized tyres. It creates a strange floating sensation while riding — but you soon get used to it, and it actually helps the shocks iron out potholes, gravel or cobblestones. The saddle and handlebars, together with the frame’s geometry, make it an easy and upright ride for bikers of all shapes and sizes. Powerful disc brakes at both ends. While its performance might not blow your mind, the overall ride absolutely will: every kilometre on the Koala feels like therapy — not just for the rider, but for everyone watching it pass by. This electric-blue 50cc beams good vibes all around, a perfect throwback to a time when looks weren’t just about style, but a bold expression of who you were. Today, the Koala stands as a stylish alternative to today’s cookie-cutter supermarket scooters, often loud in colour but lacking creativity and soul.The Koala gets you to the office, out for a Sunday cruise — or simply becomes a collector’s gem. It can even be a showpiece: just dedicate a corner in your home or office, and treat it like a painting or work of art.
Look at me – Passione Classica’s Fantic Koala 5
Bought from a collector of racing mopeds, this Fantic Koala was a bright oddity among the more subdued tones of bikes with six decades of history behind them. The restoration began the moment it came home, and it was no ordinary job. First, the 100cc Polini engine was removed. In its place, I found the original engine for this model — brand new — along with the correct Orto 12010 pump. The tank was sandblasted and fitted with a new mixer. Next came the respray of all fairings and reproduction of every decal — done professionally to match the era’s colours and quality (yellow, grey, pearly white, and reflective details). I even sourced a brand new pair of tyres, in addition to the ones already on the bike. The original logbook was carefully preserved, and I had it re-registered with new plates and documents. This 50cc is not road-used — it’s taken out every two weeks on private ground to keep its mechanicals in top shape. It also has a custom-made dust cover.
A restoration that brings back the charm of an evocative object, calling up memories of an unforgettable decade — and the energy of its endless summers.
Price
€ 5.000,00
The cars in my garage
