“I almost got the original, but my budget limit was 300,000 pesetas and the Derbi Predator cost 290,000… The Dragster was going for 315,000 pesetas.” “One” told me this while we were talking casually about the new Roadster 400 “Founders Edition” of Italjet and his wet dream of owning one of the Italian brand’s scooters at the end of the happy 90s.
An idea that was on the minds of more than one of us then and continues to do so these days. Even more so when those from Castel Guelfo di Bologna come up with “rolling works of art” of this level. Because make no mistake: Italjet has not sought to launch another model on the market, rather a technological deployment that culminates in a unique sensory experience within the competitive scooter sector.
Italjet Roadster 400 “Founders Edition” in detail
Last November, on the occasion of EICMA 2025, it unveiled its new Dragster 459 Twin SmartShift and Roadster 400. Two models that go one step further both aesthetically and dynamically. Regarding the latter, the brand itself explained during its presentation: “Its design pays homage to the classic silhouettes of the past, while being inspired by fighter aircraft.”
Now, just a few months after that moment, the 777 units that make up this special Roadster 400 “Founders Edition” series, have been shipped at a rate of 9,990 euros in just 46 minutes. And it is no coincidence that there were endless fans waiting behind their keyboard to be able to reserve their long-awaited copy. It is rather the result of offering a combination of technique, technology and image that is unique in its kind.
You just have to take a look at its components and their quality, which highlights the Öhlins suspension, the Akrapovič dual exhaust system, or the elaborate Brembo brake system. Then there is a single-sided front swingarm with DLAS (Dynamic Linkage Articulated Steering) system, patented by Italjet, and assisted by a vertical shock absorber. More of the same when we delight in the level of finishes that the Roadster 400 “Founders Edition” shows off.
A good example of this is the seat manufactured in Italy by NISA Seats and with a hand-sewn upholstery with hexagonal seams. Also notable is the circular LED headlight with four light projectors or the full-color circular TFT screen, designed in the spirit of a classic chronograph. All this without forgetting the 394 cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled Euro 5+ single-cylinder engine with 4 valves in the cylinder head responsible for moving the engines with ease. 151 kilograms declared by the brand.
This is helped by a final power of 41.5 HP at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 41.2 Nm at 6,000 rpmfigures that put it at the head of the category when we talk about the weight/power ratio. As icing on the cake we have the two exclusive color schemes for this special Roadster 400 “Founders Edition” series: Matt Black and British Racing Green. As for the reason why only 777 copies were manufactured, Italjet comments:
“We will produce only 777 Limited Edition Roadster units worldwide. Not 777 per year. Not 777 per market. 777 in total. Not because we cannot make more, but because we choose not to. Perfection requires discipline. Luxury requires a limit.” The brand also confirms that after this limited edition the standard variant of the model will be launched on the market, although they state that “it will be different”.
Furthermore, they make it clear that “The Founders Edition colors will never be repeated, and the series production Roadster will not include the Founders Edition numbering plate, the Öhlins suspension or the Akrapovič exhaust system.” There is even more, since they are also preparing an extreme variant of the model in a print run of 99 copies and to which only the lucky 777 who have been able to get one of the Roadster 400 “Founders Edition” will have access:
“Confirmed Founders Edition custodians will receive priority access to a separate, future Roadster-based project. Limited to just 99 units worldwide, it will be built around the Roadster chassis but taken to even more extreme territory. Yes, even more extreme.” Looking forward to seeing what They are up to at Italjet, one last piece of advice: “Don’t give up a dream for 90 measly euros.”
