The Cagiva Elefant650 is a behemoth of a motorcycle, born from the grueling Paris-to-Dakar rally where street engines are pushed to their limits in off-road chassis.
Its 90-degree V-twin engine, borrowed from the 650 Alazzurra, is a force to be reckoned with. The desmodromic valve actuation ensures that the engine remains protected from over-rev damage, and its cases have proven unbreakable even after 6,500 miles of P-D pounding.
The Elefant’s sheer size is daunting – its wheelbase is just over 60 inches, seat height is 35 inches, and wet weight is a substantial 454 pounds. However, this bulk belies its incredible agility and handling on both pavement and fireroads.
When you throw the Elefant into a turn, its massive V-twin engine comes alive, delivering instant power and traction that’s hard to match. The Ducati-derived desmo engine may seem counterintuitive for off-road use, but it proves to be an inspired choice, providing incredible durability and smoothness under heavy load.
The Cagiva Elefant650 is not just a dual-purpose motorcycle – it’s a statement of intent from a company that refuses to compromise on performance. It’s a bike that can conquer the toughest terrain with ease, yet still deliver blistering acceleration and handling on paved roads.
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
1989
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
Desmodromic valve actuation
Engine cases are unbreakable
82 x 61.5mm bore and stroke
10.1 compression ratio
Valve sizes identical to Ducati Alazzurra
8500-rpm redline
Five-gear transmission
Solid mounted engine
Aluminum mounts isolate engine from frame rails
Engine is hung by two alloy arms from the backbone
Aluminum cross-member supports engine from the front
Seat height of 35 inches
Wheelbase over 60 inches
Wet weight of 454 pounds
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*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
