🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cagiva

Model:

T4 500

Year:

1988

Type:

Dual-Sport Motorcycle

Engine Code:

Likely derived from the Rotax 504cc parallel-twin engine, specific Cagiva designation to be detailed in manual

Chassis Code:

T4 500 - specific chassis identifier to be confirmed in manual

👋 Introduction

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.

📋 Manual Details

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)

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

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 Specifications

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)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh gearbox

Optional Transmission:

N/A

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate clutch, cable operated

Final Drive:

Chain drive (O-ring sealed chain recommended)

📐 Dimensions

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 Features

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.

💡 Technology Features

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.

🔧 Maintenance

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.

📚 Vehicle History

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.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

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.