85 cagiva 650, CL, Allentown

[chuck peterson]

https://allentown.craigslist.org/mcy/5968203888.html

Unusual looking Ducati!....looks like great fun

[Testarossa]

These are lovely bikes. Had a chance to pick up a nice one here about seven years ago and kick myself for passing it up.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Looks just like the one I rode at Fred Heistand Motors in Manheim, PA back around '88. Technically, not a Ducati, rather a Cagiva with Ducati powerplant. But, it's basically a Ducati Pantah slightly revised.

[Dilliw]

My brother has one rotting away along with his '75 GT.  I'm going to just take the GT from him one day but I'm sure he would part with the Alazzurra if anyone is looking for a project.  I think it's a runner but needs some cosmetics.

[Rough Edge racing]

 That engine looks very similar to my 96 Ducati 900M. And the 900 has little Cagiva elephant logos on many of the non metallic parts and cam covers...I think Ducati still uses the basic design in at least one new bike....

[huub]

its  basically a 650 pantah with different bodywork.
it was produced on the same production line as the pantah ( or the 750 F1)
quite a fun bike , and these 650 engines are pretty bullet proof.
mine mutated into a pantah TL , just because ik like the style...

[Testarossa]

The only issue I've heard about with this engine is the design of the ignition timing pickup, which is apparently set inside the crankcase and vulnerable to failure due to oil soaking. Solution is to fish it out and reseal it with plastic dip or something. Possible I misunderstood when the seller explained it.

[Rough Edge racing]

  I assume the 650 has timing belts and Desmo valve action.... If the belts need replacing ( something like every few years) and valve clearances checked, and you can't do it yourself, a dealer may charge $500 or more ???  Something to consider unless the seller has a receipt showing it was done...

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

  I assume the 650 has timing belts and Desmo valve action.... If the belts need replacing ( something like every few years) and valve clearances checked, and you can't do it yourself, a dealer may charge $500 or more ???  Something to consider unless the seller has a receipt showing it was done...

Did both on my Cagiva Elefant (same basic engine except both carbs are in the V). Easy peasey even though I'd never done one before. Valves were all still in spec. so didn't need adjusting. Might have been a *bit* more work if I had to do that.

[Rough Edge racing]

Did both on my Cagiva Elefant (same basic engine except both carbs are in the V). Easy peasey even though I'd never done one before. Valves were all still in spec. so didn't need adjusting. Might have been a *bit* more work if I had to do that.

  It's takes a bit of time to adjust the valves but it's not difficult for someone with reason mechanical skills and an understanding of what's going on. Of course you never have the lash cap you need......Same for the belts, just close up work....

[danomar]

I hemmed and hawed over the S and SS Cagivas when they were new. Never got one, but they are very competent bikes that can be turned into fun race bikes fairly easily. The paint on the craiglist Cagiva is not original and perhaps of dubious taste, but it seems to be an honest example. Slightly high price but maybe worth it.

[Turin]

I had one that was heavily modified, and it was great fun. This example is sporting the same 2-1 exhaust mine had and it makes the little pantah sound glorious. This one is a little pricey, but that exhaust...

[ozziguzzi]

Have a 1986 (the year the Alazurra was released here) TWO WHEELS very comprehensive road test when it was lined up against the R65 monolever. Came second so what does that say!!!!!!!
If you'd like a copy, then give me an e mail address. I can't post it here on WG (forgotten how)

[jpv7]

The pantah motor is a gem.  Very smooth.  I've owned a few air cooled Ducs.  Belt changes are easy, and not required that often if you do it right. 

Valve adjustments are simple - you will probably only do it once, right after you buy the bike.  Once the bike is broken in, they just don't change unless you are racing.

Despite what you hear, these are among the easiest and cheapest bikes to maintain yourself.

[kevdog3019]

The Marzzochi shocks off this Cagiva are what I have on my "super" Lario and what Ed races with on his 650 Guzzi race bike. They work well!  This bike looks sweet to my eyes.

[dguzzi]

As you all must know (?) Ed Milich won Daytona races a few times on his Cagiva. He has some nice write ups over at Guzzitech.  Mine has done quite well, chasing the 750's (F1's and the 748 Ducatis)

[swooshdave]

The only issue I've heard about with this engine is the design of the ignition timing pickup, which is apparently set inside the crankcase and vulnerable to failure due to oil soaking. Solution is to fish it out and reseal it with plastic dip or something. Possible I misunderstood when the seller explained it.

I have some special Teflon wires that were meant to go on my Alallazura but I sold the bike (ok, traded it) back to the guy I got it from. If someone needs them let me know.

[cwiseman]

I'm not even really sure why but this thing gives me morning wood.

[Dilliw]

I have some special Teflon wires that were meant to go on my Alallazura but I sold the bike (ok, traded it) back to the guy I got it from. If someone needs them let me know.

My brother is here and he actually needs those.  I will PM you.