ITALJET DRAGSTER 500
Fuel tank transplantation To be able to use the original fuel tank in
uniformity between these two somewhat different products.” In May 2023, the end inspection took place at the Dutch Vehicle Authority. Adjustments were evaluated, including several physical tests followed by a test drive. The inspector couldn’t do more than pass Mashi’s Dragster 500 with flying colors and hand him a new registration certificate, mission accomplished! And let’s be honest: we’ve seen enough scooters come by over the past few years, from consumer projects to those of manufacturers. And we can safely conclude that this Italjet Dragster 500 ranks in the top three of the most unique and impressive scooters we’ve seen. It’s Mashi’s ultimate Italjet Dragster 500, but we can imagine that in Italy, they must also look admiringly at this Dragster 500 from Gelderland. But most importantly: Mashi finally has the Dragster hedreamed of, with the right power and driving experience.
combination with the Nexus fuel pump unit, the Nexus fuel tank was partially transplanted into the Dragster fuel tank. The best plastic welder from the respective company was employed, but the bending angle of the float was also adjusted to ensure that the values would match on the dashboard. Rear suspension also proved to be a challenge. For instance, the original mounting point for the shock absorber was used on the left side, while a new solution had to befound on the right side. A new mounting point was devised, and the structure was reinforced. The beauty of all the modifications (because there are many more...) is that everything has been done to give it an original appearance, something that seems to have been achieved! Not without a hitch But projects like these never go without a hitch, and this time was no exception... Initially, the original Trellis frame seemed to handle the extra power and weight well, but over time, it began to twist more and more. Back to the drawing board! Mashi attributes the lack of torsional rigidity to the fact that the original mono-arm usually absorbs a lot of forces. Together with Ronald, they brainstormed solutions, finding one in adding additional reinforcement across the frame. Mashi explains: “At strategic points, we added cross tubes. Thin cross tubes under the buddy seat were replaced with stronger pipes. We also welded four bridges. Tubes were added to the underside of the footplate and welded together. Additionally, we placed 5mm plates in the openings between the footplate and the leg shield. To finish it off, three more connecting plates were added, forming a bridge between the front of the frame and the mid-section. The steering tube connection to the frame was also filled and fully welded. With this reinforcement, we firmly anchored the frame in its ‘shoe’.” Passed the inspection with flying colors The frame now looked even more staggering, and gained some mass, but if you didn’t see the original next to it, you’d be convionced that it rolled straight out of the factory. Mashi had the frame powder coated in the same color he uses for his own products: RAL7016 with an antistatic additive. The latter doesn’t have any technical value in the case of this Dragster, but Mashi found it to have aesthetic value: “Both this project and my work are forms of tuning and optimization, so there is a form of
New project on the way Nevertheless, the enthusiast continues to dream further and has already started preparations for an even more ultimate Dragster... This will be equipped with the new 530 HPE engine block as used on the latest Piaggio MP3. Once again, an original (but completely modified) trellis frame from the first type Italjet Dragster will be used. The project will be realized in collaboration with Wimoto, a company specialized in high-end motorcycle conversion projects. The bodywork will be entirely manufactured from carbon fiber. If interested, there are considerations to build this exclusive Dragster for customers as well... To be continued!
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