CAGIVA RAPTOR 1000 (2000 - 2005) Review

Item: CAGIVA RAPTOR 1000
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)

Cagiva Raptor 1000 motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£110
Power:	105 bhp
Seat height:	Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm)
Weight:	Medium (423 lbs / 192 kg)

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Is the Cagiva Raptor 1000 the wise alternative to a Ducati Monster? Penned by the same designer, the similarities are outstanding. The Suzuki engine is more reliable than any Duke but Cagiva parts back up can be patchy and specialist knowledge scarce. Small, fast and unstable on rough surfaces and stacks of fun.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Cagiva Raptor is a bike at it’s best being flicked into tight turns on twisty roads – and it excels at it. The stubby chassis and relatively simple suspension means bumps on the exits to corners can make the bars shake – it’s all part of the fun. Brakes are excellent if in good condition.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Cagiva Raptor 1000's engine is borrowed from Suzuki’s TL1000. It’s a gutsy V-twin which made 124 bhp at the rear wheel in the TL – it’s detuned to a claimed 105bhp in the Cagiva Raptor but short gearing means it’s still rapid. Showing its age next to the latest power plants like KTM’s compact V twins but still a legendary engine.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

There’s so few Cagiva Raptors in the UK it’s hard to identify any trends. The Suzuki engine is reliable and other problems seem scarce although electrics can be troublesome. Finish can be patchy and can rub of where clothes of boots touch the bike. Exhuast down pipes can rust if exposed to water and salt.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Cagiva Raptor's list price is too high for a niche bike. Resale values are pretty low – second hand buyers don’t get an importer backed warranty. Best go for a discounted new bike – we’ve seen them advertised for as little as £3999 – probably the cheapest 1000cc new bike you can buy. Find a Cagiva Raptor 1000 for sale.

Equipment

2 out of 5 (2/5)

The Cagiva Raptor 1000 is not over endowed with extras but it’s a minimal, purposeful tool - like a shotgun with the stock cut down and the sight filed off. The clocks and peg hangers are nice styling touches. You can always add a screen if the wind blast gets too much but that’s not really what the Cagiva Raptor’s all about.

Specs
Engine size	996cc
Engine type	8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame type	Tubular steel trellis
Fuel capacity	15 litres
Seat height	805mm
Bike weight	192kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Twin 298mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	39 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£110
New price	-
Used price	-
Insurance group	14 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	105 bhp
Max torque	66 ft-lb
Top speed	150 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	11.8 secs
Tank range	125 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2000: Cagiva Raptor 1000 released.
2000: Cagiva V-Raptor released.
2001: Cagiva Xtra Raptor introduced.
2005: All models discontinued.

Other versions

Cagiva V-Raptor: Similar to the standard bike but has straighter, lower bars, 7bhp extra, carbon cans and a wacky fairing.
Cagiva Xtra Raptor: As V-raptor but with lashings of carbon fibre and superior Marzocchi suspension, different rear linkage for faster steering and a steering damper.

Owners' reviews for the CAGIVA RAPTOR 1000 (2000 - 2005)

4 owners have reviewed their CAGIVA RAPTOR 1000 (2000 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your CAGIVA RAPTOR 1000 (2000 - 2005)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine:	5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment:	3.5 out of 5 (3.5/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£110

5 out of 5 Possibly the best bike you have never heard of !!

04 September 2023 by Nick Vincent

Year: 2005

Annual servicing cost: £120

Unbelievably good value for money, reliable if you bother to maintain it and a lot of the the components are either Suzuki (some electrics and engine ) or Italian ( brakes chasis etc ) so its a lot of fun. The Suzuki TL 1000 engine is tuned for maximun torque on this model and so has plenty of V twin grunt for road use and sounds absolutely fantastic. It has a low seat height so it can be a bit cramped for lower riders and on the minus side is only usually going to return around 30 mpg.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The suspension lets the bike down its adequate for its time but suspension has moved on since the bike was made. I improved mine with a new rear shock and uprated fork internals.The brakes are great ...Brembos but as I said before keep the back brace cleaned regularily. Not a great bike for a pillion as its cramped and the bike has so much torque you will be constantly bashing crash helmets with the rider.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is an absolute beauty.You can go down to 30 mph in top gear and then pull up to the top speed without hesitation, its very flexible. The engine got a bit of a reputation when it was fitted to the Suzuki TL 1000 of being a bit of a beast but the Cagiva has a different more friendly ECU mapping and I find it very easy to ride.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Very reliable in the engine department but let down by the finish of the engine casings and some the cycle parts. I have 2 Raptors and they both needed to have the rear brake caliper seals replaced and the brake master cyclinders replaced as they are very exposed to the elements but for an older motorcycle I guess this is just part of the general maintenance, the side stand design is absolutely awful so Im always extra careful when I park up.Apart from that no problems at all.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Cheap to run if you keep the bike cleaned regularily to prevent corrosion and the engine appears bulletproof. The main cost is fuel.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Dont worry about the mileage just buy one thats been well looked after.

5 out of 5

30 August 2022 by 392aaron

Version: v raptor

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £150

All the fun of a Ducati Monster but far more relible and lower maintenance with an ultra reliable low maintenence Suzuki TL1000 engine. Chassis feels more nimble than the Duke. Only criticism is the rubbish crimped pipe side stand with a tiny foot.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Always begging for a twisty mountain road. Suprisingly comfortable for a low saddle short wheel base bike and I'm 6"2. Not ideal for long hauls obviously, motor would be great, not so much sporty chassis (buy a Navigator or V storm). Unless your Missus is under 4 foot or you can't stand her, I'd advise against pillions

Engine 5 out of 5

Torque Monster, Ample power anywhere in the rev range. Prone to a bit of spark plug fouling if started on choke and switched off before engine has had time to get to optimium running temp

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No issues at all

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Cheap to service, no problems. Bit thirsty on juice

Equipment 3 out of 5

She's bare bones, only got what you need

Buying experience: Privately. Paid AUD$2500. Great Value

4 out of 5 something different

14 December 2016 by Richard

Year: 2004

Annual servicing cost: £50

Poor fuel range but surprisingly comfortable and usable.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes excellent feel and power for an older bike suspension typical italian stiff.

Engine 5 out of 5

TL1000 tuned for torque, any gear any revs it goes

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

still looks good at 12years old

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Do it myself.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Puig screen looks good and works.

Buying experience: Superbike for the £2000 but you are taking a gamble on the chassis parts.

5 out of 5 It's my bike, therefore great!

05 October 2006 by philattersall

Had it couple of months. I think it's the bee's knees. great riding position. Lovely engine (of Suzuki tl/sv fame) in fact one of the great engines. Pull all the way through the rev range. Quite rev for a v-twin mind. Handling is good. Get's quite skittish when really pushing it. Part of the fun though. Looks cool. nice touches. Raptor claws everywhere. Frame and petrol tank are a work of art. great bike. Top engine, USD forks, brembo brakes. cool design. Still want that SV1000? Strengths: Engine. design.  Weaknesses: fuel range......

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5