We have some exciting news for fans of this iconic Italian scooter brand. After three years without a UK importer, Italjet are back!
The company, based in Bologna have been busy in Europe and Asia, but until now the UK only received the early 125 and 200cc Dragsters before they parted company with their original distributor, MotoGB.
Dragster 300
Since then, the Dragster 300 has been available in Europe, but despite this, UK riders still haven’t been able to get their hands on one (I’ve not even ridden one yet!). That’s all about to change, though, and orders are now being taken on all the 125 and 300 models, including Gresini, Malossi and Black Editions.
Only one Limited Edition 700 Twin in Gresini colours is coming to the UK…
Dragster 700 Twin
18 months ago, the order books opened for a limited run of 700 Dragster Twins. Seven very patient UK buyers left deposits for the flagship model. Those seven are dripping in designer names like Öhlins, Akrapović and Brembo.
The lucky owners will be the first customers in the country to receive scooters. They’re ready and waiting at the factory and will be shipped in the next week or so.
We were lucky enough to be invited to Bologna to test ride the 700 last September; you can read all about that here.
Premium Edition
You may not be able to own one of the Limited Edition models, but the Premium Edition is the next best thing and is available to order. It comes with a slightly less glitzy spec (Marzocchi suspension rather than Öhlins) but is still a stunner and will be one of the rarest machines in the country.
The new Italjet UK website is live but not finished yet. You can view scooters and their prices, though and place an order. You can find out all the specs and details here.
Dragster 459 Twin
This is the 700’s baby brother, and it’s got plenty of attitude with 47bhp on tap. The 459 comes with Smart Shift technology, which gives a geared-bike feel through thumb-operated controls. I reckon this one will be very popular over here.
Roadster 400
The newest addition to the Italjet stable will be the retro-inspired Roadster 400. This scooter blends old and new styling to create something pretty unique. It will be available towards the end of summer and comes with a single-cylinder 41.5bhp engine, it breathes through a one-into-two Akrapovic exhaust system and boasts Öhlins suspension.
The Roadster is likely to divide opinion, but Italjet aren’t too fussed about that. They create works of art in a world where two wheels are usually de-sexified and made to conform. Not everybody will appreciate the thought and detail that went into creating them, but riders who like to be different have plenty to choose from with Italjet’s current lineup.
Full disclosure
Here’s something I never expected to be writing, not ever in my wildest dreams. A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by Italjet. They asked me if I’d take delivery of those first seven Limited Edition 700s, get them PDI’d, registered and ship them out to their lucky owners.
Things have progressed quite quickly since then, and I can now officially announce that I am the new UK Importer/Distributor for Italjet. This is a completely separate entity from ScooterLab and will be run as a new business under Italjet UK Ltd.
You can read the official press release below.
Things you may want to know
Italjet UK won’t be run in a traditional way; Italjet are non-conformists of the highest order! Initially, we’ll be running this on a pre-order basis only. Demand is likely to be high, and we’ll take a staggered approach to market to avoid overwhelming this new venture.
From an experience perspective, I worked at a large Piaggio dealership for a while. I’m used to many of the processes and procedures involved with scooter sales, from ensuring the customer gets exactly what they ordered to final cleaning and safe delivery. I’m no corporate player, but I am a lifelong rider and scooterist who knows what the average scooter buyer wants and needs. I’ll be trying to provide a more personal service than you’d get at most dealerships.
Dealer network?
Talking of dealerships, in the early stages, there will be no Italjet dealers as such. However, warranty and servicing can be carried out at any local VAT-registered bike or scooter business, and selected partners may be appointed at a later date.
For now, though, I’m concentrating on getting Italjet UK up and running and scooters back on the roads of Great Britain. We’ll be announcing details of where you can see us at rallies and shows over the summer, and we plan to have demo scooters available on our press fleet.
ScooterLab will still be here, service will continue as normal and run alongside my other commitments as much as possible.
Iggy
Italjet UK website
Although still in the very early stages of development, you can order your new Italjet through the Italjetuk.com website. Or contact sales@italjetuk.com for more information.
Existing 125/200 warranty issues
Any 125cc or 200cc Italjet Dragsters bought from MotoGB (or their dealers) with warranty issues will need to go back to them, or one of their dealers.
You can email them at: sales@motogb.co.uk
Congratulations on your appointment! May you have every success in bringing these unique machines to the UK. I hope they sell like hot cakes! For me, I’d choose the fantastic looking future-retro Roadster over the competitor’s offerings any day and get myself a Judge Dredd outfit to go with it.
Good luck with your new venture!
Nice one Iggy, that is fantastic news, hope it works out well for you mate, and good luck for the future
Thanks Justin 🙂