Posts published in “Cagiva”

Featured Listing: One-Owner 2000 Cagiva Mito 125 with 667 Miles !

Published January 24, 2022 by Dan

Update 1.24.2022: This bike has SOLD to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller!

Check out the Bimota KB2 Laser that Shaun is also offering! -dc

From the Seattle area’s Garage Assassins, today’s Feature is a micro-giant, 125 cc cranking out 34 hp, weighing just 284 lbs. and looking for all the world like a Ducati 916 ! Always in a collector’s hands it has just 667 miles, all DOT equipment, and current registration. We’ll let Duncan pick up the story from here –

2000 Cagiva Mito 125 for sale

The 2000 Cagiva Mito 125 boasts a maximum power output of 34 horsepower and 23 Nm of torque from its liquid-cooled, two-stroke, 125cc, single cylinder powerplant that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. 284lbs. 3.4 Gallon capacity. Legendary designer Massimo Tamburrini re-styled the bike in 1994, giving it a knife-edge fairing, winged tank and monoposto seat fairing reminiscent of the Ducati superbike. Massimo Tamburrini went on to Ducati where he designed the 916 Ducati. This bike has many of the very same design attributes in a smaller package.

This entry-level machine boasts features such as a two-piece, dual seat, a full-fairing with a small, adjustable windshield, die-cast aluminum wheels, an analogue instrument cluster, a suspension package composed of a 40mm Marzocchi telescopic front fork and an adjustable mono-shock in the rear, a disc braking system both in the front and in the rear and a paint and graphic scheme inspired from racing
motorcycles.

This special find is not even broken in yet. We still have in the box a factory upgrade package. Air intake, special jets for carburetion, rear sprocket plus an exhaust upgrade, still in original packaging.

Duncan asks ~~$14,500~~ $11,400 for the 2000 Mito, and can be reached by email sennaducati79@gmail.com.

This 916 Ducati look alike is a Cagiva Mito 125 2-stroke, the same type of motorcycle that Valentino Rossi started his racing career on at a young age. Back in the day they had a 125cc class of highly modified 2-stroke street bikes for upstart racers in Europe. Cagiva was the bike. Cagiva even sold an entire massive hop up race kit to convert these little rockets into race bikes.

This one owner gem has never seen rain, never down, properly stored in a climate-controlled man cave filled with a proper collection of amazing Italian motorcycles. Owned and maintained by a skilled knowledgeable rider of many years. The bike has recently had a complete proper nut/ bolt go through. Runs perfect and strong. If you plan on riding versus display, we recommend newer tires. The tires are not cracked or damaged, just not as fresh for your riding safety.

Now just over twenty years old, this perfect Mito 125 might be a singular opportunity for the next collector.

Duncan offers assistance with worldwide shipping and asks ~~$14,500~~ $11,400 for the 2000 Mito, contact him by email sennaducati79@gmail.com.

-donn

Often Forgotten: The 1989 Ducati 750 Sport

Published September 22, 2021 by William

Some might claim that it is easy to overlook the late 80s Ducati 750 Sport with everything else that was going on with the brand at the time. We were greeted by the amazing 851 and 88, and patiently awaiting the legendary 916 to arrive. We were also lamenting the end of the F1 era of superbikes. There were people that unfairly dubbed the 750 Sport “The Poor Man’s F1”. Maybe it was a case of being overshadowed by other offerings, or just not being fully understood in period but the 750 Sport offers and enjoyable and usable option for people wanting to experience this time period again.

The 750 Sport is an interesting mix of different Ducati eras. The 72 horsepower is made with the use of a single Weber carburetor pulled from the Paso, the frame is very similar to the F1 and the brakes and suspension were the standard units from Brembo and Marzocchi. It has been claimed that around 400 of these machines came to the US, but concrete documentation from this era of Ducati is challenging.

From the Seller’s eBay Listing:

Please note this bike is technically a 1989 model, according to the frame, but it is, and always has been, titled as a 1990 model, accounting for the fact it wasn’t sold until 1990, which was a common occurrence in that time period with low production European motorcycles.

The running condition of the machine is flawless, starting right up. This bike has been part of my collection for a while and just isn’t ridden enough, so it’s time for someone else to enjoy it. It’s basically a well-maintained and well cared for bike that runs and rides with absolutely no issues. Leave it the way it is (preferred) or restore it eventually after having some fun with it. I just happen to like this machine the way it is.

The paint on the tank, fairings, etc. are original, and have never had any type of paintwork or touchup, as far as I can tell. The paint on the frame and associated parts is also original, and aside from some minor age freckling, is in good condition. The bike has never been in any type of accident or been dropped at any time. The seat is also original and is in very nice condition.

Listed with no Buy It Now button, keen watchers will be excited to see where the market prices this example. With just over 19k miles it will be more appealing to someone that wants to ride the bike, even if sparingly. This could be the most affordable way to own a classic 80s Ducati. Condition seems to be that perfect balance of used and loved. Nice enough to be proud of at a local show, but used enough to be enjoyed on the road guilt free.

The eBay listing goes to great lengths to talk about originality. Does not mention the aftermarket exhaust. The F1s are sure to sound amazing and are period correct. One nit pick is that the front turn signals are no the factory units. As luck would have it the factory units were used on a wide range of bikes of this time, so sourcing a more correct looking options should be no problem at all.

Engine Number: 750 LS 751253

Frame Number: ZDM1KA3JXLB751788

4 Responses.

1/2 Pint Performer – 2000 Cagiva Mito 125

Published April 3, 2021 by Donn

This Mito sold while we were preparing the post, but might be a good warm-up for a Featured Listing next week ! -donn

If all you had was a 3/4 front view from across the street, it would be easy to mistake Cagiva’s Mito for a lovely red 916. Quite a bit rarer than it’s full-sized inspiration, this 125 has had some serious attention, just a handful of miles, and boasts California reg.

2000 Cagiva Mito for sale on eBay

Introduced in 1989 for the European junior market, Cagiva had great competition success with the Mito, which had 34 hp on tap in the 2000 model year. Legendary designer Massimo Tamburrini re-styled the bike in 1994, giving it a knife-edge fairing, winged tank and monoposto seat fairing reminiscent of the Ducati superbike. Sales of the Evo II generation weren’t hurt by the 6-speed transmission, 17-inch Marchesini lookalike wheels, asymmetrical alloy swingarm, and 40mm usd Marzocchi forks. Even the brakes are adult-sized at 320mm, but just a single front disk.

This collector bought his Mito new and didn’t leave well enough alone, but made some significant upgrades to the powertrain. Condition is immaculate and shows just over 1,200 miles. A great explanation of the engine work from the eBay auction-

This 916 Ducati look alike is a Cagiva Mito 125 2-stroke, the same type of motorcycle that Valentino Rossi started his racing career on at a young age. Back in the day they had a 125cc class of highly modified 2 stroke street bikes for upstart racers in Europe. Cagiva was the bike. Cagiva even sold an entire massive hop up race kit to convert these little rockets into race bikes. I was able to obtain many of these upgrades and incorporate them into this bike and maintain its street legal style. First thing I did was update the cylinder. I purchased a Polini 160cc kit. Now the Italian company Polini is famous for their products, but there 160cc Cagiva kit lacked a little quality. I sent the cylinder to England to my old friend Stan Stephens. He stripped and re-plated the cylinder with a more quality ceramic plating using the proper tolerances that Polini seem to lack. He then lightly cleaned up all the porting and milled the head for the larger displacement. I added a larger manifold to install a 34mm Dellorto flat side carburetor with carbon reeds. Stock Carburetor was a 28mm. Installed the Cagiva racing kit pipe along with the fork conversion, racing kit clutch springs, Carbon carrier disk with Titanium bolts, 415 chain conversion, aluminum sprockets, racing wind screen, Steel braided brake lines, Tail Tidy, Carbon Front Fender, and kick starter. This bike came with electric starting but I removed it to save a massive amount of weight of the starter and the big metal gear attached to the flywheel. The race kit comes with a kick start shaft and gear with a removal kick starter. But to sell it I put the electric starter back on, but still have the backup kick starter installed. I then powder coated the rims white from their original ugly colour. Added Michelin pilot tires.

Performance wise the 160 Polini kit didn’t really give it much more top end but a lot more torque. I’ve had it to around 115 mph with maybe a few RPM’s to go. Depends on the gearing, weight of the rider, outside temperature, wind, etc.. It will get up to 100 mph remarkably fast for a bike its size, and corner like you’re on a rail.

This bike only has 2,000 original kilometers or 1,200 miles on it and is 21 years old ! Maybe half of that since all the upgrades. The bodywork, cases and metal look like brand new. Bike never been in harsh weather. Stored in a climate controlled garage in sunny California. All the electrical such as lights, turn signals, horn, work without an issue. Oil injection is still intact. Just put in a new battery and did a fluid flush. Included with the bike is a new Polini 160cc top end, additional gearing and the stock exhaust.

Not many riders can keep the Mito on the boil to make the pace it’s capable of, and less might be inclined to sink the slighty-used-superbike ask into a 125. But it’s a collector’s joy, a total rarity, impeccably prepared and ready to rock. If that collector is you, we’d like to hear about it.

-donn

8 Responses.

Alluring: 1985 Cagiva Alazzurra 650

Published October 15, 2020 by Mike

In the twisted family tree that is the Italian motorcycle community, there are many merges and branches. One interesting area is the history of Cagiva and their relationship with Ducati. While Cagiva owned Ducati in the mid-eighties, they were initially a customer as they purchased engines & transmissions to create their own bikes. Today’s Cagiva Alazzurra is such a beast, utilizing a sourced Pantah-based motor for power. In many ways these were seen as a poor man’s Ducati in North America – more exclusive than contemporary Japanese bikes, but with less cachet than other Italian exotics. Today the Cagiva Alazzurra is but a strange footnote for US buyers; once Cagiva took over Ducati they adopted the Ducati name as the stronger brand and the Alazzurra was discontinued.

1985 Cagiva Alazzurra 650 for sale on eBay

The heart of the Alazzurra is very similar to the powerplant that drives the Pantah, such as this week’s 600 model. Ducati produced the Pantah in different displacements, including 500cc, 600cc and 650cc (there was also a 750cc unit built for racing). In many respects, the Alazzurra could be considered a later derivation of the Ducati Pantah, as the 650cc engine was the latest evolution of the unit, with a frame design that was extremely similar to the Ducati bike. With 55 HP pushing 424 lbs (dry) the Alazzurra offered respectable performance for the time, but was typically slower than similarly sized Japanese offerings.

From the seller:
Very good condition. Has collector plates so insurance in BC is 150 bucks per year.New cam belts, braided lines, seals, including crankshaft oil seal, valves checked, oil , filter and plugs replaced, new grips , l.e.d headlight

The legend of the Pantah design long outlived the Cagiva brand in North America. Today the Alazzurra is more an oddity than a true collector’s piece, although time has a tendency to create rarity all on its own. And with 35 years gone by, the pool of well-kept imported Cagivas is shrinking. But the big question is if that helps with appreciation of the model – or its value. This particular example is located in Canada, and is offered for approximately $3,424 USD. That is actually below the MSRP for the bike when it was new. But the Alazzurra does not have as strong a following as other Cagiva/Ducati models; it is seen by many as more of a novelty than an icon. Still for many riders this was a close to a Ducati as finances would permit during this time, creating a bit of nostalgia. Do any RSBFS readers fall into that category? There are not a lot of details available on this one, but you can check it out here. Let us know what you think about the Alazzurra, and good luck!!

One Response.

Featured Listing: Texas Titled 1994 Cagiva Mito for Sale

Published June 20, 2020 by Tad Diemer

Update 7.16.2020: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

Riders like Valentino Rossi don’t spring from the womb in neon leathers, ready to drag a knee on the way out the delivery room. It takes time to hone their skills on smaller bikes as teenagers, before moving up to Grand Prix machines. The Doctor came up the way you’d expect, from 125s to 250s and on up to 500s, back when two-strokes ruled the grid. And back when he was more Doogie Howser, MD than Dr Gregory House, he earned his first championship win in 1994 on a 125cc Cagiva Mito like today’s Featured Listing.

Introduced in 1989, the Mito featured a lightweight aluminum beam frame, from which was suspended a water-cooled, 125cc two-stroke single with bore and stroke of 56 x 50.6mm, along with the expected six-speed gearbox. What you might not expect on a 125 two-stroke is an electric starter, a nice sophisticated touch. Dry weight was just 284lbs, helped along by the lightweight aluminum frame and in keeping the the bike’s sporty image. It also means the little sportbike is surprisingly agile and quick, with a top speed of just over 100mph. This is a serious piece of kit, and a version was even available with a seven-speed gearbox to better make use of the narrow sliver of power from the little engine.

This example is a Mark II version of the first-generation bike, as indicated by the upside-down forks and the single Brembo Goldline caliper up front. If you want a Mito, it’d be hard not to hold out for one of the later machines styled by Massimo Tamburini to look like a Ducati 916 that was washed in hot water and shrunk a bit, but those are very much in demand and can be pricey, when they can be found at all. This earlier version may not have the Tamburini version’s big-bike associations and looks, but it’s still a very good-looking machine and doesn’t scream “learner bike” like many other 125s.

From the Seller, 1994 Cagiva Mito for Sale:

Bike starts and runs and rides well. Is all stock (minus the front brake pump and oil pump delete). I have all original parts.

The bike is a clear Texas Titled (Bonded earlier this year) 1994 Spanish market Cagiva Mito 125cc with 26,301 on the clock.

I have a 4 minute youtube video as well, showing a depaneled tour of the bike, plus cold and hot starts (skip to 2:19 if for the hot and cold starts)

$4,500.

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The seller is asking $4,500 for this little smoker and, to be clear, it has some cosmetic issues. As you can see from the photos, there is some cracking of the panels around stress points, and some discoloration of the frame from a bit of fuel that’s spilled. Note that the carbon fiber wrap on the swingarm is actually original, and the bike has 26,301 kilometers on the odometer, which is about 16,000 miles. On the positive side, this little machine is complete and as you can see from the included YouTube video, it appears to run well. The Mito is pretty rare in the US, and the seller is upfront and honest about the bike and its condition. It might need some TLC, a respray, and a bit of elbow grease to get it looking its best, but it looks like a solid little machine for a good price or it could be the foundation of a fun restoration project.

-tad

Pint-Sized Oddball Exotic: 1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 for Sale

Published December 21, 2019 by Tad Diemer

When you see “Oro” in a motorcycle name these days, it immediately conjures images of low-production, high-spec exotics like the MV Agusta F4 750 Serie Oro. This little smoker was really anything but “limited-production” or “high-spec,” and Aletta Oro translates to “golden wing.” Of course, it’s obvious that it has nothing in common with Honda’s famous luxury touring mount, other than it being a motorcycle. Instead, the Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 was intended as a classy, entry-level bike with limited performance and plenty of style.

As you’d expect from an entry-level European machine, the Aletta Oro was powered by a motocross-derived, liquid-cooled 125cc two-stroke, with automatic oil injection to keep the little motor happily smoking. A six-speed gearbox helped newbie riders keep the engine in the meat of it’s meager powerband and make the most of the claimed 23.6hp. Thanks to a 277lb claimed dry weight, the little Cagiva could keep pace with its contemporaries in a straight line and the bike was a nimble handler, although ultimately limited by the budget suspension components.

Styling is very, very 1980s with pearl white bodywork and a red frame. Fuel goes in the normal place at the top of the tank, but the right-side fairing features what looks like a fuel door that hides the radiator cap. The dash is pretty comprehensive, although not shown here, with an absolutely huge tachometer front-and-center, temp gauge, and a digital fuel gauge, as well as the usual speedometer and row of idiot lights.

From the original eBay listing: 1986 Cagiva Aletta Oro S2 for Sale

I purchased this bike off of original owner in about 2017 and installed a brand new Polini 162cc cylinder at my shop in New Hampshire. This is a stock bike otherwise originally 125cc 6 speed liquid cooled 2 stroke auto mix. Dash works and headlight/taillight work. Turn signals are cracked a little and have been repaired once (very poor design). I have personally taken this bike apart and ridden all over NYC this past summer and fall. Bike does a healthy 75+mph and shifts through all gears. Starts 1 kick and sounds very healthy. Can provide videos and additional photos upon request.

CLEAN STREET TITLE AND REGISTERED IN MY NAME. CURRENTLY BEING USED ON ROAD ONCE A MONTH OR SO.

Please keep in mind this is a very rare all original bike and there are almost none of these in the USA. this is not a showpiece but a running riding bike perfect for inner city domination or to hop on the highway for short trips here and there.

I can also deliver up to 350 miles of NYC for Gas/tolls/fee discussed. Thanks.

The bidding is currently up to $2,000 with a couple days left on the auction. I highly doubt these will be worth much anytime soon, but you can’t beat a weird 80s Cagiva for novelty value. And, unlike a Motocompo or Monkey, it’s a thoroughly usable novelty, one that could make a great commuter or city bike, as the seller mentions. The biggest issue would likely be bodywork, although I’d expect you should be able to find plenty of used parts, if you’re willing to look online and trust shippers outside the US. This one isn’t pristine, but when will you have another opportunity to pick up something this rare for so little?

-tad

3 Responses.

9/16ths Scale: 1998 Cagiva Mito

Published November 16, 2018 by Mike

Legendary motorcycle designer Massimo Tamburini had a long and storied career. From co-founding iconic motorcycle manufacturer Bimota, to penning some of the most striking designs in motorcycling history for the likes of Cagiva, Ducati and MV Agusta, Tamburini has been responsible for many a rider’s dream machine. You might have seen some of his design genius in bikes such as the Bimota KB2, the Tesi 1D and the DB1. For Ducati he was involved with the 851/888 and the Paso and had a hand in the Supermono works. But his greatest contribution to motorcycling – his most admired design theme – was around the Ducati 916. Everything that came after it was simply a small step along this theme – including the 748/996/998 and the entirety of the MV Agusta F4 lineup. So strong was this theme that the design language translated to smaller machines as well, which is where we pick up the story on today’s fantastic Cagiva Mito.

1998 Cagiva Mito 125 for sale on eBay

Powered by a single cylinder, liquid cooled two stroke, the 125cc Mito was considered as an entry level sport bike for Europe’s small-bore crazed culture. Popular in areas where larger capacity motorcycles are prohibitively expensive due to taxes or license requirements the smaller scoots are immensely popular and technologically advanced. In the case of the Mito, that technology includes design elements straight off of the legendary 916, including twin headlights and the tail section. Nifty hardware includes the twin-beam aluminum frame, asymmetrical rear swing arm with preload-adjustable rear shock, Brembo binders (that’s a single 320mm unit up front), 40mm Marzocchi front forks (including steering damper), 7-speed transmission and an estimated 34 HP (stock) at 12,000 RPM. Tipping the scales some 15 under 300 lbs, this is a race track replica rocket provided you are of suitable stature with the skills to keep the revs on the pipe.

From the seller:
This machine is virtually new as it only was ridden 399 km since its conversion from a stock 70mph (110 km) bike to one that will show 112 mph(180km) on the speedo.Its collectibility is enhanced by its 7 speed gearbox and of course the styling, which was done in the spirit of the Ducati 916.Being a 2 stroke machine,many states allow small displacement bikes plates for highway use or find a track site to enjoy this super handling lightweight. The mods we performed were not optimized for competition, but were done to keep the reliability and add to the enjoyment of the bike.Recently upgraded, cleaned fuel system,and new battery was fitted.

The seller claims this particular Mito has been hot-rodded, but not much info is included as to what was actually done. Generally this is done via boring out the displacement and porting the cylinder. Expansion chambers and silencers are other popular mods to help two strokes breathe better and make more power. Other than the unknown mods, this is a low mileage example that appears clean in the few, blurry photos. This has all of the hallmarks of an Evo I machine, with both the 7-speed gearbox and the tri-spoke wheels. Later Evo II models went to a more robust 6-speed gearbox and a different set of wheels. Any Mito is potentially collectible – after all we do not see them every day here in the US – but there is not enough data to determine if the 7 cog bikes are any more valuable than the 6 speeders. Either way you are in good company; even the vaunted Barber Motorsports Museum proudly highlights the Mito in their extensive collection.

This is not an auction, but rather a straight-up buy it now listing. Pricing is a fair $6,500 (especially for the low miles!), although the states in which you can register this bike might not be one in which you reside. Even if not used on this street, this little Mito will eat larger bikes alive on a tight and twisty track. Smart buyers are encouraged to check first, ask lots of questions, and do your homework. So who *doesn’t* want to have a mini-916 in their quiver? It’s great for show, and from the mods sounds like it is ready for some GO. Check it out here, and let your inner child racer run free. Good luck!

4 Responses.

Have Blue – 1987 Cagiva Alazzurra 650SS

Published May 5, 2018 by Donn

Cagiva re-badged the Pantah for 1985 and tried on their own badging and design features. The Alazzurra had toned down its testosterone content a bit, but was improved in some good ways. This 1987 example has been a labor of love for its present owner, who has made some long term investments in the bike’s future.

1987 Cagiva Alazzurra 650SS for sale on eBay

The belt driven cams of the desmodue help the Alazzurra push 55 hp and 36 ft.-lbs. torque. Right side-up 35mm forks and dual Marzocchi shocks are appropriately light weight, as are the 260mm dual disk brakes. The supersport fairing flows sweetly and it looks like there is beaucoup ground clearance.

The Virginia owner has made several improvements to the Alazzurra, without indulging in any sort of bling – well, maybe the red brake lines. Here is his rundown from the eBay auction:

Since I’ve owned it, I’ve done the following:

1- fixed a leaking base gasket ($100 + labor)
2- adjusted the valves to the perfect spec. ($150 + My Labor)
3- replaced the belts ($40 + My Labor)
4- new chain and custom rear sprocket ($80 + My Labor)
5- upgraded stainless steel brake & clutch lines and hardware with speed bleeders ($180 + My Labor)
6- rebuilt the ignition sensor wires ($30 + My Labor)
7- powder coated the exhaust ($100 + My Labor)
8- brand new battery ($65 + My Labor)
9- rebuilt the carbs ($60 + My Labor)
10- rebuilt the key ignition switch. ( + My Labor)
11- replaced the leaking petcock and fuel hoses. ($130 + My Labor)

I’ve REALLY enjoyed working on and riding a true Italian cult bike. I don’t have to sell it, but it’s time to move on.

There is also a cold start video – here –.

Cagiva soon realized that tossing out a well-known name and competition history was folly, leaving the friendly Elefant in a tough position. Luckily this Alazzurra has weathered that storm and looks ready for a long weekend on the Blue Ridge Parkway, perhaps as the new owner takes her north or south and home again…

-donn

4 Responses.