Positioning:
The Cagiva T4 500 was positioned as a capable dual-sport or adventure motorcycle, offering a blend of on-road civility and off-road prowess for its era. It competed in a segment with other European and Japanese offerings, appealing to riders seeking versatility.
Competitors:
Competitors likely included models such as the BMW R80G/S, Honda Transalp, Yamaha Tenere, and perhaps some Italian counterparts from brands like Moto Guzzi. The T4 500 aimed to offer a distinctive Italian character and design.
Features:
Key features included its robust parallel-twin engine, comfortable riding position, capable suspension for mixed terrain, and the distinctive styling characteristic of Cagiva motorcycles of the period.
Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the 1988 Cagiva T4 500 model
Pages:
Exact page count not specified, but typically service manuals of this era are extensive, likely 200-400 pages.
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (assumed for the provided product name, confirm upon purchase)
Format:
Likely Printed Manual or PDF Download (confirm upon purchase)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine disassembly, assembly, internal components (pistons, rings, valves, camshafts, crankshaft), lubrication system, cooling system (if applicable, likely air-cooled)
Fuel System:
Carburetor identification, adjustment, cleaning, rebuilding; fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable)
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, coil testing, spark plug specifications, CDI unit (if applicable), wiring diagrams
Transmission Drivetrain:
Gearbox disassembly/assembly, clutch operation and adjustment, chain maintenance, final drive specifications
Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic) maintenance, oil levels, seals, rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance, caliper overhaul, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, disc and pad inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator/stator), starter motor, electrical component testing
Frame Bodywork:
Frame inspection, seat removal, fuel tank removal, body panel maintenance, fairing repair (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, chain lubrication, brake checks, tire pressure, bolt torquing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem identification for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement
Rebuild:
Engine and gearbox rebuild procedures, including specifications and tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic information.
File Format:
If PDF: Searchable text, printable pages, high-resolution diagrams. (Actual format to be confirmed)
Print Quality:
If Printed: High-quality paper, clear printing, durable binding. (Actual quality to be confirmed)
Binding:
If Printed: Spiral-bound or saddle-stitched for lay-flat use in workshop environments. (Actual binding to be confirmed)
Paper Type:
If Printed: Durable, grease-resistant paper suitable for workshop conditions. (Actual paper type to be confirmed)
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, parallel-twin (often based on Rotax architecture)
Displacement:
Approximately 478cc (often referred to as 500cc for marketing)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions to be confirmed by manual, but typical for Rotax twins of this era.
Compression Ratio:
To be detailed in the manual, likely in the range of 9.0:1 to 10.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder (typical for Rotax performance engines)
Horsepower:
Estimated 40-45 HP at 6,500-7,000 RPM (specific dyno figures to be confirmed)
Torque:
Estimated 35-40 lb-ft at 5,000-5,500 RPM (specific figures to be confirmed)
Carburetion:
Twin Mikuni VM32SS (or similar size) constant-velocity carburetors (specific model number to be detailed in manual)
Fuel Capacity:
Likely around 4.0-4.5 gallons (15-17 liters), to be confirmed by manual.
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle specific oil (API SG or higher). Specific Cagiva recommendation to be confirmed.
Oil Capacity:
Engine oil capacity (with filter change) typically around 2.0-2.5 liters. (Exact capacity to be confirmed by manual)
Length:
Approx. 88-90 inches (2235-2286 mm) - typical for dual-sports of this era, confirm in manual.
Width:
Approx. 34-36 inches (864-914 mm) at handlebars, confirm in manual.
Height:
Approx. 50-52 inches (1270-1321 mm) to top of windscreen/fairing, confirm in manual.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 57-58 inches (1450-1473 mm), confirm in manual.
Dry Weight:
Approx. 360-380 lbs (163-172 kg) - actual dry weight to be confirmed by manual.
Wet Weight:
Estimated 390-410 lbs (177-186 kg) with fluids - actual wet weight to be confirmed by manual.
Payload Capacity:
Not typically specified for this era of motorcycle, but designed for rider and moderate luggage.
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycles of this era did not have standardized crash test ratings like cars. Safety is derived from design and rider skill.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Front likely dual discs, rear single disc. Specific caliper models (e.g., Brembo, Grimeca) to be detailed in manual.
Suspension Stability:
Adjustable front forks (preload/damping) and rear monoshock (preload/damping) contribute to stability. Specific adjustments detailed in manual.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals. Bulb types and specifications in manual.
Ergonomics:
Designed for a comfortable, upright riding position suitable for long distances and varied terrain.
Infotainment System:
N/A - This era of motorcycle did not feature electronic infotainment systems. Focus is on mechanical and electrical functionality.
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A - No electronic rider aids such as ABS, traction control, or rider modes were standard on this model.
Connectivity Options:
N/A - Basic electrical system only. No data connectivity or communication features.
First Service:
Typically at 600-1000 miles (1000-1600 km) for an initial oil change, filter check, and general inspection.
Routine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. Specific interval from manual is definitive.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 3,000 miles (5,000 km), clean or replace as needed. Manual will specify cleaning procedure or replacement interval.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect and gap every 6,000 miles (10,000 km), replace as needed. Specific plug type and gap from manual.
Valve Clearance:
Check every 12,000-15,000 miles (20,000-25,000 km). Critical for engine performance and longevity. Specific clearances and procedure in manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Refer to manual for specific DOT requirement and replacement interval.
Coolant:
If liquid-cooled: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (50/50) with corrosion inhibitors. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Fork Oil:
Specific viscosity (e.g., Showa SS-01, Kayaba KHL15-10) and volume per fork leg. Manual is essential.
Transmission Oil:
Likely SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil for the gearbox. Capacity and specific type to be confirmed by manual.
Carburetor Issues:
Clogging due to fuel aging, inconsistent idling, poor fuel delivery. Regular cleaning and proper fuel stabilizer use recommended.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corroded connectors, aging wiring, weak charging system can be common in bikes of this age. Manual's wiring diagrams are crucial.
Suspension Wear:
Worn fork seals, leaking rear shock absorber. Rebuild or replacement of seals and oil is standard maintenance.
Clutch Slippage:
Can occur with age and high mileage; clutch plates may need replacement. Adjustment is also key.
Cagiva Legacy:
Cagiva, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1978, quickly established a reputation for sporty, stylish, and often innovative machines. They produced a range of motorcycles, including off-road, street, and touring models, often utilizing engines from other reputable manufacturers like Rotax or Ducati (in earlier years for smaller bikes).
T4 Lineage:
The T4 500 was part of Cagiva's push into the dual-sport market. It was developed to compete with established adventure bikes, offering a blend of Italian design flair and performance. Successors and variations of the T4 line existed in different engine displacements.
Manufacturing Era:
The T4 500 was produced in the late 1980s, with the 1988 model being a key year in its introduction or early production phase. Cagiva's production spanned several decades before its acquisition and eventual integration into other brands.
Industry Awards:
Specific industry awards for the 1988 Cagiva T4 500 are not widely documented. Its success was measured more by its capability and sales within its segment.
User Ratings:
As an older model, user ratings are found in enthusiast forums and classic motorcycle reviews. Generally praised for its handling and off-road capability for its time.
Certification Standards:
Compliant with the emissions and safety standards of its production era. Manual will detail specific regulatory compliance for its market.
