Category:
Adventure Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a capable off-road and on-road adventure motorcycle with a distinctive Italian heritage.
Key Competitors:
BMW R80/100GS, Yamaha XT600, Honda Africa Twin (early models), and other large-displacement dual-sport motorcycles of the era.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, 90-degree V-twin desmodromic engine derived from Ducati.
Suspension:
Long-travel front forks and rear monoshock, providing excellent off-road capability.
Styling:
Distinctive 'Lucky Explorer' livery and a robust, purposeful adventure touring design.
Fueling:
Fuel injected (i.e. models), offering improved performance and emissions over carbureted variants.
General Coverage:
Repair and maintenance for the Cagiva Elefant 900 i.e. Lucky Explorer models from 1990-1992.
Specific Components:
Engine, transmission, chassis, electrical system, fuel system, brakes, suspension, bodywork, and accessories.
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, removal, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and installation of the 904cc V-twin engine, including valve clearance adjustments, carburetor/fuel injection tuning, and lubrication system.
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, final drive maintenance, and oil specifications.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for ignition, lighting, starting, charging systems, and component testing.
Fuel System:
Inspection and maintenance of fuel injection system (i.e. models), fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel lines.
Brakes:
Brake fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber adjustments and replacement, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing removal and installation, seat maintenance, and general body panel adjustments.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment, and lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding guides, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major components.
Adjustments:
Carburetor/throttle body synchronization, idle speed adjustment, clutch and brake lever adjustments.
Installation:
Correct procedures for installing new or rebuilt components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Includes detailed pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photographs to guide repair procedures.
Special Tools:
References and illustrations for necessary special service tools.
Torque Specifications:
Provides essential torque values for all critical fasteners.
Wear Limits:
Includes specified wear limits for components to ensure proper functionality and longevity.
Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, Desmodromic V-twin
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 68 mm (approximate, based on Ducati 900SS engine)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (approximate)
Valve Train:
2 valves per cylinder, Desmodromic actuation
Horsepower:
Approx. 72 HP @ 7500 rpm (speculative, actual may vary)
Torque:
Approx. 75 Nm @ 6000 rpm (speculative, actual may vary)
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (i.e.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Length:
Approx. 2200 mm (speculative)
Width:
Approx. 850 mm (speculative)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (speculative)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 210 kg (speculative)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 235 kg (speculative)
Fuel Capacity:
26 Liters (including reserve)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (motorcycle specific safety is assessed differently than cars)
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake. Likely Brembo components for this era.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, multi-reflector design.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame providing rigidity.
Body Protection:
Standard handguards and optional engine/fairing protection.
Dashboard:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and essential warning lights. Basic but functional for its era.
ABS:
Not typically equipped with ABS on models of this vintage.
Auxiliary Power:
May have provision for accessory power outlets, but no modern connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km or annually, as per manual recommendations.
Valve Clearance:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km, critical for desmodromic engines.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50, API SG or higher (specific Cagiva recommendation to be confirmed in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 Liters with filter change (specific capacity in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 3 if specified)
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 10W or 15W (specific viscosity in manual).
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion and poor connections in aging wiring harnesses can lead to intermittent faults.
Desmodromic Valve Adjustment:
Requires precise adjustment and can be complex for inexperienced mechanics. Regular checks are crucial.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Early fuel pump designs can sometimes experience issues; this manual will cover diagnosis and potential replacements.
Carburetor Synchronization:
For pre-i.e. models, but synchronization of throttle bodies is critical on i.e. models for smooth running.
Cagiva Background:
Cagiva, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer, was known for its innovative designs and performance motorcycles, often incorporating Ducati engines.
Elefant Lineage:
The Elefant line was Cagiva's successful entry into the adventure touring market, with the 900 i.e. representing a significant evolution with fuel injection.
Lucky Explorer Livery:
The 'Lucky Explorer' livery was a tribute to Cagiva's participation and success in the Dakar Rally, associated with prominent sponsors like Lucky Strike.
Manufacturing Origin:
Italy
Engine Supplier:
Ducati (engine technology and supply)
Rally Success:
The Cagiva Elefant platform achieved significant success in the Dakar Rally, cementing its reputation as a capable adventure machine.
Magazine Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often praised its robust build, off-road prowess, and distinctive styling, though some noted the complexity of its Italian engineering.
Manual Quality:
Certified as 100% complete and intact, with no missing or corrupt pages.
