In some ways the Cagiva Raptors could be called the new Rickmans (these were superbikes built in the UK in the Seventies that used a trick frame, made from Reynolds tubing). These tasteful frames often housed a breathed-on Japanese motor pirated from a CB750 or a Z1. They worked because they matched proven engineering with an in-house ability to build a chassis that worked. There's no doubt that Cagiva can build a working chassis, and the donor motor from Suzuki's TL1000, is already well- known for power and reliability. Cagiva has arguably out TL'd the TL by adding some sensational Italian styling that works well on the eye. Actually, the styling was done by none other than Miguel Angel Galluzzi, an Argentinean. So, how does the Cagiva recipe work on the road?
The 90 degree V-Twin, liquid-cooled engine was an inspired choice since Cagiva wanted to out-do Ducati, the company they had recently sold. Cagiva needed an engine that would square up to Ducati's brilliant eight-valve liquid-cooled Vee which they knew would be in the Monster chassis before too long. The Suzuki engine is a perfect choice. The motor is narrow like a Ducati and also powerful like a Ducati. Cagiva was hoping that the Japanese heritage would add reliability, a point that is sometimes questioned with the Ducati option. The 98 x 66mm 996cc and 105 horsepower engine certainly delivers the poke you'd expect from a big V-twin and it seems to be reliable enough, at least when fitted in the Suzuki TL range. Get the needle up to around 4,000 rpm on that wacky triangular analog tach and the engine is ready to rip up the pavement. Suzuki claimed 120bhp from the same motor, so where's the missing 15bhp? The answer lies in the method of measurement, with Suzuki running the Dyno off the crank and Cagiva taking a reading at the rear tire, where it matters.
Specs
Engine: Liquid-cooled 90° 4-stroke V-Twin
Valves: 4 per cylinder, DOHC
Capacity: 996cc
Bore x Stroke 98 x 66 mm
Comp ratio: 11.3:1
Intake system: Digital fuel-injection
Clutch: Wet multiplate
Transmission: 6speed, chain final drive
Ft Suspension: 43 mm inverted Marzocchi, 120 mm travel
Rr suspension: Sachs damper, preload adjustable
Front brakes: 2 x four piston Brembo calipers,
2 x 298 mm discs
Rear brakes: twin piston Brembo caliper,
220 mm disc
Front wheel: 3.50 x 17 cast aluminum
Rear wheel: 5.50 x 17 cast aluminum
Front tire: 120/70 x 17 Bridgestone BT56
Rear tire: 180/55 x 17 Bridgestone BT56
Rake/Trail: 25.2°/110 mm
Wheelbase: 1440 mm (56.7 inches)
Seat Height: 770 mm (30.3 inches)
Fuel capacity: 18 liters (4.7 gallons)
Dry Weight: 192 kg (423 lbs)
Instruments: Digital speedometer and scrollable
digital readout for coolant temp, odometer, trip
mileage (x 2). Tachometer, warning lights for neutral,
high beam, turn signals and low fuel.
