A brief history of Italjet motorcycles
Italjet Moto Srl (Italjet) was founded by Leopoldo Tartarini in San Lazzaro, Bologna, in 1959, and is still managed by the Tartarini family today. With a strong focus on innovation, the manufacturer has developed more than 150 different models of motorcycle, scooter, quad bike and even dragster over the past 50 years.
Its first motorcycle model, which used a 125cc MZ engine, was released in 1961. It was followed by a number of other machines such as the Italjet 50 moped in 1962, and the Mustang 50 SS and Vampiro 50 models in 1965. Towards the end of the Sixties, Tartarini and his friend, former American pilot Floyd Clymer, began developing a new motorcycle – the Indian 500. It was a big bike equipped with either a Velocette 500cc or a Royal Enfield 750cc twin-cylinder engine.
Italjet began importing and distributing Yamaha motorcycles in 1972 and even helped the manufacturer produce a new model, the Buccaneer 125, which had a two-stroke two-cylinder engine. This machine experienced huge racing success, winning the Italian Junior Championship for three consecutive years from 1973.
In the 1990s, Italjet launched the Dragster, Velocifero and Formula models. The following year, the company launched the Grifon, which was powered by a 900cc three-cylinder Triumph engine.
Unfortunately, Italjet went out of business in 2002, but was taken over by Massimo Tartarini, the son of the original owner, three years later.
Italjet’s range of motorcycles
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Quad bike
The Coyote has all the styling of a competition quad bike and is ideal for children. The 47cc two-stroke air-cooled vehicle has a manual pull start and automatic transmission, and is equipped with extensive disk brakes and shock absorbers. Bennetts currently do not provide insurance for quad bikes.
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Minicross
The Fast Boy 8”/10” bikes are ideal for children up to the age of 12 years old who want to get into racing. The machines have 47cc displacement, choice cycle components and a Grand Prix motorcycle design.
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Off-road
Designed for off-road riding, the Peppery is ideal for riding across sand dunes or on mud and gravel. Although it has the appearance of a go kart, its roll cage provides the greatest protection for tough terrain. Its 50cc four-stroke air-cooled engine has a manual pull start and automatic transmission and its four-litre fuel tank ensures huge range and hours of play.
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Pit bike
The new four-stroke Italjet Pit Jet 125 is based on a pit bike – short in stature (72cm height at the seat) but with a thundering personality. This machine has a two-valve air-cooled engine, kickstarter, four-speed gearbox, three-litre fuel tank, hydraulic front and rear disk brakes and a 14'' front wheel and 12'' rear wheel.
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Jack 125 and Jack 150 are popular with both men and women and are incredibly easy to ride. The machines have four-stroke engines, five-spoke wheels, powerful exhaust pipes and wide footboards.
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Dragster
The Italjet Dragster is a scooter with an open trellis frame. Originally launched in the Nineties, today’s Dragster is available in 50cc injection displacement, four-stroke 125cc and four-stroke 250cc models.
For the current range of Italjet models, please visit the website.
How Bennetts provides motorcycle insurance for Italijet owners
We're motorcycle insurance specialists and we work closely with our panel of insurers to ensure that you get our best quote to suit your insurance requirements.
Your motorcycle policy comes complete with a number of benefits, including cover when riding other motorcycles (qualifying criteria applies) and 90-day European Union insurance. We can also provide additional services for you and your motorcycle, such as helmet and leathers cover and an RAC Breakdown policy for added peace of mind.
How to get a quote for your Italjet motorcycle
Getting an insurance quote for your Italjet motorcycle is simple. We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need.
Whatever make and model you have simply complete our online form or call our dedicated customer service team on 0330 018 7990, who are on hand to find our best deal for you.
Sources of interest for Italjet owners and fans
Italjet Official Website – Italjet’s official website features current model details and useful contacts.
http://www.italjetdragster.com – the brainchild of Paul Robinson in 2000, this site includes latest news, events and information on the Dragster’s main features, tuning and styling. There is also an image gallery and message board for registered users.
