CAGIVA ELEFANT 900 (1993 - 1999) Review

Version: E900

Year: 1999

Annual servicing cost: £175

All round ability. I ride professionally doing about 20k per year. I have access to multiple, modern machines. I own 3 Italian classics and one Japanese (Z1000). The Elefant still remains my favourite. Like others I have adapted the bike; Corbin seat is probably the most significant change. 2018 I took it to Bulgaria and back, fully loaded, Stelvio Pass, Transfagarasan. Didn’t miss a beat. If you are tempted and see a decent one for sale snap it up, you won’t be disappointed. As with any bike it pays to stay on top of servicing, checks etc.

Buying experience: Bought privately from an Italian engineering fanatic (bikes and cars). I now understand his passion.

Version: 900i.e. Lucky Explorer LTD Edition

Year: 1993

Annual servicing cost: £150

Must have reached CLASSIC status by now - surely? From memory this was one of the most expensive bikes in the UK at launch along with the 851. The 900i.e. was only produced in a run of 1000 worldwide and there can't be many still used in the UK. The clutch is HEAVY in town but the bike comes alive on a fast wide road. Oh and you need looooong legs!

Buying experience: Bought from a friend who had owned it from around 6 months old. Strangely enough the bike was made in 1990 but no databases seem to realise the bikes were built prior to 1991. The logbook states GAGIVA and even after writing to them asking for a change to CAGIVA - they have declined.( no surprise - according to DVLA - my BUELL is DIESEL fuelled!)

As usual the MCN review misses the mark completely. The Elefant always was, and in my mind, still is, the best Adventure Traily ever made. I've had my 1997 Lucky Exporer 900 for 6 years now. It is light, robust, fast, loud and totally rewarding to drive. I recently bought a brand new Guzzi Stelvio but I spend far more time on the Fant. If I had to ride a bike around the world the Stelvio would be left in the garage. Yes I've played around with the bike. I've got a Remus can on it, Dynojetted it, even put 900SS heads on it (bigger valves). The result is a raucous hooligan of a bike that eats up A & B roads, munches miles on the Motorways but can still be used off road. I've had a KTM 950 Adventure and it wasnt as good in my eyes. Perhaps I am in the minority now but I like my bikes with character (that doesn't mean unreliable). I absolutely love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!