| 1977–78 Fantic TX 220 Gran Turismo Super Six |
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| Performance |    |
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| The Fantic GT displaced only 50cc, but given the limitations of the class, it was a screamer. The unrestricted Super Six version (Model TX 220) was a truly hot number in the sporting 50 class, not a moped. It generated at least a full horsepower more any of the other 50cc bikes of the time, which was about a 20% power advantage. It was incredibly peaky, however, only running strongly between 8,000 RPM and its 9,500 RPM readline. Thankfully, the six-speed manual transmission allowed the rider to keep the engine on the boil. As a result, the Super Six could easily run at 55 MPH solo all day long, and exceed 50 MPH with two full-grown riders. The downside was a lack of oil injection and a smokey 20:1 premix ratio. |
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| Handling | |
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| Little bikes can have unsophisticated frames, skinny tires, and basic components and still handle well. The Super Six had competent if unremarkable suspension and a high-quality Grimeca hydraulic front disc that was nearly overkill. |
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| Looks | |
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| The Super Six was tasteful and nicely proportioned, but kind of bland, though the mag wheels are a nice touch. Little details like the sidecover lettering are amateurish and the finish on many parts is a bit crude looking. |
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| Reliability | |
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| Little Minnerelli motors were incredibly strong, but the rest of the bike was relatively cobby. Like all tiny bikes, these were routinely trashed by teens. A third of a century later, you're not likely to find one in good condition, even in Europe. |
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| Practicality | |
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| Sporting 50s are immense fun, but not a very useful choice for real transport compared to either the additional 'go' a somewhat larger bike provides, or the convenience of a CVT scooter of similar performance. Deduct my standard 2 points for non-US models and practicality is negligible, though the sizable standard rear rack earns it a half point. |
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| Desirability | |
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| I'll most likely never get a chance to own a Super Six, and I'm okay with that. But if I stumbled across one for sale, I'd want to snatch it up. |
