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*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 02/2003 ***

Highlights

  • A rarely available example of the 750cc Ducati powered Cagiva enduro
  • Boasting a low, believed original, mileage in a highly original condition
  • Presented in the popular “Lucky Explorer” Lucky Strike sponsorship livery

The Appeal

Cagiva were relative newcomers to motorcycle production having entered the fray in 1978. Originally an engineering company focussing on small, machined parts, Cagiva quickly carved a niche producing small capacity, two stroke motorcycles underpinned by significant racing success.

With Cagiva’s acquisition of Ducati in 1985 they suddenly had access to a range of four-stroke, V-twin motorcycle engines of significantly larger capacities. It wasn’t long before they started to fit these engines to their large enduro frame, known as “Elefant.” The Elefant, so named after the Elephant in the original Cagiva logo, attained international notoriety after Edi Orioli won the 1990 Dakar Rally riding one. He repeated the feat in 1994, further cementing the Elefant’s reputation as a tough and durable enduro machine.

The History and Paperwork

  • The motorcycle appears to be a UK supplied and registered bike
  • Showing first registration as June 1996 
  • All Cagiva Elefant’s were supplied with KM speedometers regardless of market
  • The motorcycle has been enjoyed by a total of 9 owners
  • This represents an average period of tenure of nearly 3 years
  • The current owner acquired the motorcycle in August 2020 
  • Clearly lightly used by all owners with a mere 20,000 kms recorded
  • The motorcycle comes with the original owner’s manual and book pack
  • There are a good number of invoices and previous MOTs on hand also
  • The last MOT expired in August 2019
  • The motorcycle is currently registered as SORN



The Interior

  • The riding environment of the Elefant is typical of a big 90’s enduro
  • This means a reasonably low seat height and high, upright bars
  • This helps promote a comfortable, upright riding position
  • Protection from the elements is afforded by the big fairing and screen
  • The Perspex screen is deeply tinted 
  • Within the fairing are nestled the twin gauges and a number of warning lights
  • Other controls are situated at the base of the grips in traditional style
  • The grips are fitted with knuckle guards 
  • Large oblong wing mirrors are fitted for good rearward visibility
  • The low saddle and tall tank combine to create a nicely enclosed riding environment
  • The generously padded saddle provides adequate pinion accommodation
  • Foot pegs for both rider and pillion are present and folding for longevity
  • A useful alloy luggage rack is fitted to the rear mudguard
  • A small, lockage storage cubby is also present
  • The condition of the riding environment and contact points look to be in great condition

The Exterior

  • This Elefant is presented in the red and white Lucky Explorer livery
  • This is in tribute to the Dakar winning machines and Lucky Strike sponsorship
  • The overall presentation appears very good for the motorcycle’s age
  • The appearance of the Elefant is dominated by a big alloy sump guard
  • The tall and upright stance of the motorcycle is also very distinctive 
  • The wheels are alloy rimmed, spoked examples and are in a very clean condition
  • These are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion trail tyres with decent remaining tread
  • The well shielded tailpipe sits high up by the saddle
  • The Elefant is a real eye catcher in its bright and distinctive livery
  • There are a couple of areas exhibiting some surface corrosion
  • These include to the gear selector lever and some sections of exhaust
  • These are not unusual for enduro model of this type 

The Mechanics

  • Thanks to Cagiva’s ownership of Ducati many quality parts were available
  • Not least of these was the Ducati V-Twin 750cc desmodromic engine
  • A well proven unit this was originally good for 60bhp and 50 Ib-ft
  • With a dry weight of a mere 191 kgs this was sufficient for spirited performance
  • Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a five-speed gearbox
  • Suspension is care of 41mm Marzocchi forks at the front
  • Rear suspension is by an Ohlins, rising rate adjustable swing arm
  • Brakes are by Brembo with quad piston callipers at the front
  • Prior to the motorcycle being registered SORN around £1,700 was spent on maintenance
  • This was undertaken by Cagiva independent specialists
  • The work included carburettor tuning, timing belt replacement and routine maintenance
  • As the motorcycle has been off the road for six months plus the owner can attest to its current running condition
  • Given its prior maintenance it is likely to only require a light recommission
  • The owner does report that the front disk and pads need replacing
  • As pictured, these are included with the motorcycle

Summary

At the turn of the 1990’s Cagiva was a less well-known brand in the UK, despite its then ownership of Ducati. That all changed with the high-profile successes enjoyed by the brand in the Dakar rally, of course. Since then, the big capacity enduro motorcycles of this period have become increasingly popular and sought-after. This is thanks to coverage received by YouTube channels such as “Harry’s Garage” and their, for now, reasonably attainable price point.

This is a great example of the 750cc Elefant too. It’s in a great overall condition and boasting a very light usage history. It’s very original, too, which is essential for the informed collectors and connoisseurs. There is plenty of documented provenance on hand with this bike, as well, making it a very desirable and hard to find proposition for all the big-capacity enduro enthusiasts out there. 


Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1996
  • Make Cagiva
  • Model Elefant 750
  • Colour Red and White
  • Odometer 20,304 Kilometres
  • Engine size 748
Listing Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Surrey
  • Country United Kingdom

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