Motorcycle Segment:
Dual-sport / Adventure Touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile machine for on-road and light off-road use, with an emphasis on ruggedness and simplicity.
Key Competitors 1987:
Yamaha XT600, Honda Transalp, Suzuki DR600, BMW G/S series
Frame Type:
Steel tubular frame
Engine Configuration:
Single-cylinder, four-stroke
Suspension Setup:
Long-travel suspension for off-road capability
Braking System Front:
Disc brake
Braking System Rear:
Drum brake (common for the era, though some variants might have disc)
Fuel Capacity Liters:
Approximately 17-20 liters (typical for the class)
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the 350cc and 500cc engines, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, valve train, and lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul and adjustment (likely Mikuni or Dell'Orto), fuel tank maintenance, fuel pump operation, and fuel line routing.
Ignition System:
CDI ignition system components, troubleshooting, timing specifications, and spark plug selection.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch operation and adjustment, chain drive maintenance and adjustment, and rear hub servicing.
Suspension System:
Front fork disassembly, seal replacement, oil levels, and spring specifications. Rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures. Disc and drum brake systems.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (starter motor, alternator/generator, lights, switches), battery maintenance, and fuse identification.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing and body panel removal/installation procedures, seat maintenance, and luggage rack fitting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and fluid capacities, filter replacement (oil, air), chain lubrication and tensioning, brake adjustment, and general inspection points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Major Repairs:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension fork rebuild, and brake system component replacement.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing parts such as clutch plates, spark plugs, brake pads, fork seals, and electrical switches.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures focusing on identifying the root cause of malfunctions, rather than just symptom masking.
Rebuild Information:
Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including necessary clearances, torque specifications, and part interchangeability (where applicable).
Performance Tuning:
Basic tuning recommendations for carburetors and ignition timing to optimize performance.
Engine Type 350:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore Stroke 350:
Specific dimensions not provided, but typical for a 350cc single
Displacement 350 Cc:
~350cc
Engine Type 500:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder
Bore Stroke 500:
Specific dimensions not provided, but typical for a 500cc single
Displacement 500 Cc:
~500cc
Horsepower 350 Approx:
25-30 HP (estimated)
Horsepower 500 Approx:
30-35 HP (estimated)
Torque Approx:
Torque figures would vary between 350 and 500cc models, generally in the 25-35 Nm range.
Carburetor Type:
Likely single Mikuni VM or Dell'Orto PHM carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Delivery:
Gravity feed from fuel tank
Safety Ratings Motorcycle:
Motorcycles of this era did not undergo standardized crash testing like automobiles. Safety is primarily dictated by design and rider skill.
Active Safety Features:
Responsive braking system, stable chassis geometry, capable suspension for varied terrain.
Passive Safety Features:
Frame strength, protective bodywork (fairings, fenders), rider protection equipment (helmet, gear) is paramount.
Oil Change Interval Km:
Every 3,000-5,000 km or annually, as specified in the manual.
Air Filter Cleaning Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km, or as recommended by plug type.
Chain Adjustment Lubrication:
Lubrication every 500-1000 km, adjustment as needed for slack.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (API SG or higher recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approximately 1.4-1.8 liters (for 350/500cc, check manual for exact figure).
Fork Oil Type:
Specific weight fork oil (e.g., SAE 10W) as per manual, capacity per fork leg.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, carburetor jetting issues, fork seal leaks, aging electrical connectors, exhaust gasket leaks.
Potential Reliability Concerns:
As with many older Italian motorcycles, reliability can depend heavily on consistent maintenance and previous owner care. Electrical gremlins can occur.
Cagiva Heritage:
Cagiva is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1978, known for its sportbikes and off-road machines, often utilizing Italian and sometimes Japanese engines.
T4 Development:
The T4 series was Cagiva's entry into the dual-sport market, built to handle both paved roads and light off-road trails, evolving from earlier enduro models.
Production Period:
The T4 range was produced through the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the 1987 model being representative of the initial release.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy
