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
Modified Alazzurra (check your spelling guys). Will never really be worth much especially if its missing part of lower front fairing, original exhaust, and for some purists the mirrors. These are not really worth that much even when all original and in great condition. These are really a budget solution for someone looking for an older Ducati to ride. I personally think that these look pretty nice with complete fairing and dual Silentium exhaust. Never was a real fan of the mirrors, so slapping on some cool bar ends was actually an improvement. Looks like this bike found a buyer, hopefully he didn’t drink the “vintage Duc” cool aid.
Alazzurra should be in everyone’s spell checker… 🙂
Bought this bike and brought it home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Great fit for running around the mountains as well as the Shennendoah Valley. Took al nice long ride through the foothills and not once did I feel concerned about proper spelling or mirrors. While the ones who are so concerned about those things, I’m riding it and loving it. Who knows, I might just turn it into a custom Cafe Racer. And by the way, I’m 71 and have been riding for over half a century.
great RPippin thanks for the update, shiny side up in the foothills… 🙂