With Italjet we doubt there is a middle ground; You either love their models or you just hate them. The newly introduced Dragster 459 Twin SmartShift and Roadster 400 They are the living image of this theory, because both are something totally different from what one would expect, from carrying the logo of any other brand in the sector. Two models that go one step further both aesthetically and dynamically.
Italjet Dragster 459 Twin SmartShift in detail
After the official launch of the Italjet Dragster 700 Twin, the transalpine brand returns this season to EICMA 2025 with the little brother of this exclusive and atypical device, the new Dragster 459 Twin SmartShift. They do so, as they themselves explain, in response to the requests of those who were enamored of their scooter model with manual transmission, but who, however, preferred that it equate an automatic transmission system to use.
And they clarify that it is “built on the same platform as its big brother, the 700, and with the same aggressive styling and unmistakable Italjet DNA. Not content with a simple CVT, we have developed SmartShift, Italjet’s intelligent automatic transmission. Leave it in automatic for a smooth ride like that of a maxi-scooter, or take full control with the paddles on the handlebars, which allow you to shift up or down when the road demands more fun.”
Regarding the technical aspect, as detailed by Le Repaire des Motards, the new Dragster 459 Twin SmartShift will be powered by a 449 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, double overhead camshaft Euro 5+ parallel twin engine. With everything, a final power of 47.6 HP at 9,500 rpm, along with a maximum torque of 41 Nm at 8,000 rpm.
The block would in turn be associated with a 6-speed Smart Shift Auto gearbox. This can operate in auto mode or through buttons placed on the control panels. For the cycle part, Italjet follows its unmistakable design philosophy, where a tubular chassis is completely exposed, also being the main element of this section.
The Dragster 459 rests on a fully adjustable Marzocchi inverted fork and a rear swingarm with ISAS (Italjet Stiffness Adjustment System) that works together with an adjustable Marzocchi monoshock. Braking is controlled by a team signed by Brembo, with double 270 mm front discs and a single disc, 260 mm in diameter, anchored to the rear axle.
The entire system is integrated into two alloy wheels, shod in this case with Pirelli tires measuring 120/70 ZR15 and 160/60 ZR15, front and rear respectively. Other relevant data that refers to the main characteristics of this Dragster 459 Twin SmartShift are, for example, the 1,540 mm wheelbase declared by the brand or a driver’s seat positioned 815 mm from the ground.
Likewise, a dry weight for the Dragster 459 is estimated to be around 180 kg, to which we should add the 16 liters of fuel that we can refuel in its tank. Finally, if we talk in terms of equipment, the latest member of the Dragster family will include as standard elements such as a full-color TFT screen, as an instrument panel, ABS, traction control, Full-LED lighting, DRL daytime running lights.
All this for a estimated price of about 9,900 eurosalthough it will not be until the middle of next year 2026 when the first units of the new Dragster 459 begin to arrive at the brand’s official dealers.
Italjet Roadster 400 in detail
The other protagonist of the Italian firm’s stand at EICMA 2025 is this Roadster 400. A model that perfectly blends a perfect combination of retro style and modern innovation. As detailed by Italjet in its official presentation: “Its design pays homage to the classic silhouettes of the past, while being inspired by fighter aircraft.”
They conclude by explaining: “The sculpted side panels refer to the air intakes of the turbines, and are not just an aesthetic element. They are functional cooling ducts that channel air to the two internal radiators.” In the mechanical section, the Roadster 400 has a 394 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled single-cylinder Euro 5+ engine with 4 cylinder head valves.
In this way a final power of 41.5 HP at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 41.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The engine works together with an automatic transmission system assisted by a dry centrifugal clutch. As we can see, the Roadster 400 stands out significantly in terms of performance.
A trend that is replicated over and over again in any of the sections that shape the model. Starting with its cycle part, where both the tubular steel frame and the Ohlins suspension system it uses leave no doubt that we are facing a peculiar machine in any aspect.
With a dry weight of just 151 kg, the assembly rests on a single-sided front swingarm with DLAS system (Dynamic Linkage Articulated Steering), assisted by a vertical shock absorber and with up to 90 mm of wheel travel. Behind it operates a swingarm with progressive linkage and the same DLAS equipment, but in this case with 120 mm of travel. For braking, Italjet opts for double 280 mm front discs and a 260 mm rear disc.
The alloy wheels are covered by rubber measuring 120/70 ZR13 at the front and 150/70 ZR13 at the rear. With a declared wheelbase of 1540 mm, the driver’s seat is located 790 mm from the floor in this case. The Roadster 400 also has a fuel tank with the capacity to hold up to 12 liters.
Finally, if we talk about equipment and finishes, beyond its general lines, completely different from any other model in the segment, the new model of the Italian brand has, among others, a TFT instrument panel, Akrapovic exhaust system, ABS, traction control, LED lighting and DRL daytime running lights.
The Roadster 400 could reach European markets on next September 2026 for a rate of around 7,500 euros. And yes, we agree with the brand when it states: “We create, we evolve and we can safely say that this is unlike anything that exists on the planet.”
