Motorcycle Segment:
Adventure Touring / Dual-Sport
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking reliable service and maintenance for the Cagiva Elefant 900
Key Competitors Era:
Honda Africa Twin, BMW R80GS/R100GS, Yamaha Tenere, Suzuki DR Big
Engine Origin:
Powerful Ducati L-Twin engine, renowned for torque and character
Chassis Design:
Robust frame and long-travel suspension suitable for off-road excursions
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level expertise for maintaining and repairing a classic adventure bike
Engine Mechanical:
Top-end, bottom-end, valve train, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, ECU diagnostics
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive, chain and sprockets
Suspension:
Front forks (Marzocchi), rear shock absorber (WP or Sachs), linkage (if applicable), adjustments
Brakes:
Front and rear hydraulic systems, caliper service, master cylinders, brake lines, rotor specifications
Electrical System:
Lighting, instrumentation, wiring harnesses, battery, fuses, relays, starter, alternator
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetors (if applicable for specific export markets) or fuel injection system (throttle bodies, injectors)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust headers, mufflers, mounting hardware
Frame Chassis:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, swingarm pivot
Bodywork Fairings:
Panel removal and installation, decals, seating
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, brake fluid replacement, coolant flush
Disassembly Reassembly:
Complete engine teardown and rebuild, gearbox overhaul, suspension component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical and mechanical faults
Adjustments:
Carburetor synchronization (if applicable), idle speed, clutch and brake lever free play
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality wiring schematics for all electrical systems
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (if applicable for EFI models)
Rebuild Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, piston ring gaps, bearing tolerances
Visual Aids:
Hundreds of detailed photographs and illustrations showing procedures
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, L-twin (90-degree V-twin)
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 68 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.3:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder (driven by bevel gear shaft)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 HP @ 7000-7500 RPM (model dependent)
Torque:
Approx. 76-80 Nm @ 5500-6000 RPM (model dependent)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (EFI) for most 900 AC models, potentially Weber carburetors on earlier or specific export versions
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 21 Liters (including reserve)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 Liters (with filter change)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 20W-50 or 15W-50 motorcycle-specific oil meeting API SG or higher
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Clutch Type:
Wet multi-plate, cable-actuated
Final Drive:
O-ring sealed chain
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available within the manual
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.8 - 1.0 Liters
Transmission Oil Type Recommendation:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Crash Test Info:
Motorcycle safety is primarily determined by rider skill and mechanical integrity, not standardized crash testing like cars.
Braking System:
Dual 300mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 240mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear) - Brembo components common
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals
Frame Construction:
Strong tubular steel trellis frame
Handling Stability:
Long-travel suspension and stable chassis geometry contribute to on and off-road stability
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, warning lights
ABS:
Not typically equipped with ABS on this model year
Electronics:
Basic CDI or EFI ECU, basic charging system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km (critical due to Desmodromic system)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km
Chain Lubrication Adjustment:
Every 1,000 km or after riding in wet conditions
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 12-24 months (hygroscopic)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W or 15W (specific weight depends on fork model, e.g., Marzocchi)
Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring looms, corroded connectors, regulator/rectifier issues are common on older bikes.
Fuel System Wear:
Degradation of fuel lines, potential issues with EFI sensors or fuel pump longevity.
Desmodromic Maintenance:
Requires precise valve clearance adjustment, can be complex if not done regularly.
Suspension Seals:
Fork and shock seals can wear over time, leading to oil leaks.
Cagiva Motorcycles:
Italian manufacturer with a history of performance motorcycles, often utilizing Ducati engines.
Elefant Lineage:
The Elefant was Cagiva's flagship adventure bike, evolving through various engine sizes (350, 650, 750, 900) and configurations.
Elefant 900 Features:
Launched in the early 90s, it featured the potent 904cc Ducati engine, updated chassis, and dual-disc front brakes.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy
Key Milestones:
The 900 AC model (Air Cooled) marked a significant step in performance and refinement for the Elefant line.
