The Cagiva Elefant650 embodies the unbridled spirit of the Paris-to-Dakar rally, where street engines are pushed to their limits in grueling off-road conditions.
Combining the best of both worlds, the Elefant seamlessly merges street and dirt technology, boasting a 90-degree V-twin engine with desmodromic valve actuation that protects against over-rev damage. The result is an incredibly rugged and fast machine capable of tackling both paved roads and unforgiving off-road terrain.
Its sheer size is imposing: a wheelbase of just over 60 inches, seat height of 35 inches, and wet weight of 454 pounds make the Elefant a force to be reckoned with on the streets. The dual-purpose design has proven to be a masterstroke, allowing riders to effortlessly transition between asphalt and dirt.
Key Specifications
Engine Type
Four stroke, 90 Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder.
Engine Capacity
39.6 cubic inches / 649 cc
Max Power
54 hp / 40 kW @ 8400 rpm
Max Torque
39.8 ft-lb / 54 nm
Fuel Tank Capacity
4.6 US gallons / 17.5 L
Weight (Wet/Kerb)
458.6 lbs / 208 kg
Seat Height
35.6 inches / 905 mm
*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer
All Specifications
Make & Model
Model
Cagiva Elefant650
Year
1985
Engine
Engine Type
Four stroke, 90 Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder.
Displacement
39.6 cubic inches / 649 cc
Bore x Stroke
82 x 61 mm
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Max Horsepower
54 hp / 40 kW @ 8400 rpm
Max Torque
39.8 ft-lb / 54 nm
Engine Management System
2x 36mm Dell’Orto carburetors
Cooling System
Air cooled
Performance
Top Speed
179 km/h
*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer
Transmission
Gearbox
5 Speed
Final Drive
Chain
Electrical & Electronics System
Starter
Electric
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension
Air adjustable forks 42mm tubes
Front Suspension Travel
8.6 inches / 220 mm
Rear Suspension
Single shock absorber. adjustable for spring preload
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tire Size
90/90-21
Rear Tire Size
130/90-17
Front Brakes
Single260mmdisc 4 piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Single240mmdisc 2 piston caliper
Dimension & Weights
Seat Height
35.6 inches / 905 mm
Wheelbase
59.8 inches / 1520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
4.6 US gallons / 17.5 L
Wet (kerb/curb) Weight
458.6 lbs / 208 kg
Dry Weight
191 kg/ 421 lbs
Features
90-degree V-twin engine layout
Desmodromic valve actuation for over-rev protection
Engine cases proved unbreakable in 6500 miles of use
Dual-purpose chassis design
Wheelbase: over 60 inches
Seat height: 35 inches
Wet weight: 454 pounds
Large engine and frame isolation with aluminum mounts
Similar approach to Yamaha’s 250G road racer
Engine is solid mounted but isolated from steel frame rails
Primary imbalance cancelled by 90-degree engine layout
Secondary shakes remain, limited to horizontal plane
Five-speed transmission
Redline: 8500 rpm
Transmission ratios identical to Cagiva’s 650 Alazzurra
Know someone who’d find this useful? Share this page with a friend, your riding club or your favourite motorcycle community.
Explore our collection of detailed Cagiva motorcycle specifications and model information.
*We strive to provide the most comprehensive and accurate specifications possible. However, certain details may not be available if the manufacturer did not disclose them or if the information is no longer publicly accessible. If you find any discrepancy with any data on this site, please feel free to let us know at contact@throttlecraze.com
