DL 650 - The Verdict

[Suzuki Al]

I managed to get to Newtown for my 600 mile service today. Roads mainly dry and no rain in spite of the forecast - a miracle that is only available to Suzuki owners, as God rides a Suzuki.

As soon as I got to the dealers the keys of the DL were thrust into my hand and off I went. I did 50ish miles of mixed roads: A Roads, Country Lanes and Single Track tarmac.

So what do I think?

Engine - Nice, but rather flat. To make good progress it needs to be spun up beyond 7000 rpm. Top gear at 5000 rpm is around 70 mph and there is very little power available here. Top is pretty much redundant when riding the DL on typical Welsh roads. Overtaking can be done pretty briskly, but there's a lot of gearbox work needed. The engine spins up quickly and acceleration is good. Fuelling is spot on - Brilliant EFI is a Suzuki trademark.

Gearbox - Absolutely brilliant. Those of you who have never ridden Suzukis, do not know what you are missing.

Handling - Good, but the front feels very light and a little remote. I wouldn't have the confidence to throw it around, but that said I had reasonable confidence on familiar as well as unfamiliar roads. Suspension is pleasantly firm.

Brakes - OK, neither here nor there, they do the job.

Comfort - Not for me I'm afraid. All your weight is going down through the bottom of your spine and after a while this position would give me back ache. Also the arms in "ape" position is tiring. Another minus, is that you are locked into position by the seats backstop.
Finally - and this single thing would stop me from buying this bike - the turbulence I got off the screen was horrendous, the vibration causing blurred vision at speeds above 70 mph, very unpleasant indeed.

Comparisons - What surprised me was how very similar, in ever way, the DL feels compared to the XT660. It handles a little worse, it goes (once it reaches the top of its rev range) a bit quicker, it feels just as light. The engines have similar vibration levels and have similar characteristics, though being a twin the DL is slightly less lumpy at tickover and just above.

Conclusion - Apart from the sitting position and the (for me anyway) killer turbulence, I quite liked it. It is a well built bike that looks substantial. It is very easy to ride, you just get on and go with complete confidence. Strangely for a Suzuki, however, it has no character and unlike the SV 650 it all seems rather antiseptic and bland.

That's my take on the DL650, for what its worth :XTmotard:

[simon]

AlStrangely for a Suzuki, however, it has no character and unlike the SV 650 it all seems rather antiseptic and bland.

That's my take on the DL650, for what its worth :XTmotard:

That's strange, from what Pete said I was expecting it to be quite fruity in the midrange compared to the SV. But then you did just step of a big 'ol boy on to something almost half the capacity.

When pete gives me the keys to try it out I'll make my own opinion:ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

That's strange, from what Pete said I was expecting it to be quite fruity in the midrange compared to the SV. But then you did just step of a big 'ol boy on to something almost half the capacity.


I did take the DL's smaller capacity into account and I had the XT, and other middleweights, in mind when thinking about the engine performance.
The SVs I've ridden were the original carbed ones mind and maybe it's the fuel injection that makes the difference. Also, I suppose that the extra weight, poorer aerodynamics and more armchair feel of the DL would contribute to my impression re: character.

Don't get me wrong, the V Strom 650 is a good package.

[XTreme]

Engine - Nice, but rather flat. To make good progress it needs to be spun up beyond 7000 rpm. Top gear at 5000 rpm is around 70 mph and there is very little power available here.

You've got to bear in mind you've just got off a B12...so you're going to notice the difference in grunt Alan.
But you're contradicting your earlier thread here when you posted how my Strom dispatched all other vehicles easily while only having 0 miles on the clock and not going over 5K revs. Now you're saying it needs to rev to 7K to make it go.


Gearbox - Absolutely brilliant. Those of you who have never ridden Suzukis, do not know what you are missing.


Agree 100%.


Handling - Good, but the front feels very light and a little remote. I wouldn't have the confidence to throw it around, but that said I had reasonable confidence on familiar as well as unfamiliar roads. Suspension is pleasantly firm.


Scott said a similar thing, but as you know I've always criticised the Bandit for it's stiff and heavy handling....so maybe it's a preference thing. Suits me perfectly, and within 100 yards I felt like I'd ridden it all my life.


Brakes - OK, neither here nor there, they do the job.


I find them excellent myself.


Comfort - Not for me I'm afraid. All your weight is going down through the bottom of your spine and after a while this position would give me back ache. Also the arms in "ape" position is tiring. Another minus, is that you are locked into position by the seats backstop.


This one baffles me Alan. Just about everybody who's ever ridden one (owners and mags) say it's all day comfortable for both rider and pillion.
So anybody who gets off a B12 and finds a Strom uncomfortable must have a very strange body posture indeed.


Finally - and this single thing would stop me from buying this bike - the turbulence I got off the screen was horrendous, the vibration causing blurred vision at speeds above 70 mph, very unpleasant indeed.


It's true that some owners have reported similar things...but I've never experienced it. Maybe the the height of the owners and/or their seating posture may have a bearing on the turbulence that they experience?
I'm a few inches taller than you so maybe it's in the right spot for me...but not for you.
But bear in mind that the screen does have 3 adjustment settings so you should be able to find a compromise.


Comparisons - What surprised me was how very similar, in ever way, the DL feels compared to the XT660. It handles a little worse, it goes (once it reaches the top of its rev range) a bit quicker, it feels just as light. The engines have similar vibration levels and have similar characteristics, though being a twin the DL is slightly less lumpy at tickover and just above.


I've never ridden an XT660 so I couldn't compare exactly.
But "handles a little worse than an XT?" and is only a "bit quicker?" and has "similar vibration levels?"
All I can say to these is......are you sure you rode the right bike Alan?
Is it possible that in your post-Bandit euphoria that you clambered aboard a Bulldog or V-Star by mistake?
Cos it really doesn't sound like the Strom I rode....or any of the Stroms that the Mags have tested.


Conclusion Strangely for a Suzuki, however, it has no character and unlike the SV 650 it all seems rather antiseptic and bland.

So a Suzuki that actually seems to be well made, smooth, reliable, with no known issues is "antiseptic and bland?".

My conclusion:
Basically I can't quite figure out how a motorcycle that's been named Bike of the Year in numerous countries across the world (including the UK) doesn't even measure up to an XT660 or a Bandit 12.
Can anybody explain this one to me....or has Alan finally lost his marbles? :ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

I speak (wrote) as I found Pete. It's a nice bike, the engine spins up well and it goes fine. I have not compared it to the B12 in any way, as for the XT? Like I said the Strom handles a little worse and goes a little faster and feels very similar, which is surprising as they look so completely different.

Comfort? I must be strange ;)

[XTreme]

My missus has been on most of the bikes I've had since the early 80's.

She read your review Alan and thinks that you need help! :ljl:

And I don't argue with her...even the Rottweilers are terrified of her. :lg:
So Alan....you need help mate! :ljl:

[Renegade]

Yup ! You definately need help Alan.



FOR RIDING THE THING IN THE FIRST PLACE !
:ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

Yup ! You definately need help Alan.



FOR RIDING THE THING IN THE FIRST PLACE !
:ljl:

I was only obeying orders :rolleyes:

[Renegade]

I was only obeying orders :rolleyes:

:yen: :p:

[Suzuki Al]

Talked to a guy today who has also just bought himself a Wee Strom. The screen turbulence is, literally, doing his head in - every ride causing a headache, no matter what position the screen is in. He, like me, is an experienced rider and, again like me, has never experienced such a bad effect from a screen. Like I said, I was getting double vision.

Anyone considering a Wee Strom should take an extensive test ride before deciding. Some riders aren't getting this probelm, some are.

[XTreme]

As a matter of interest....how tall is he Alan?

[Cupid Stunt]

It's exactly the same for ALL bikes with a large screen

The buffeting is caused by turbulent air coming off the sides and top of the screen

This has always been the single biggest issue on the Caponord too and there is only one solution (I'll get to it in a minute)

Many many people have tried accesories such as taller aftermarket screens, Laminar lips etc and ALL have failed

The riders height has little effect (the crash helmet makes more difference)
The turbulent air rises up towards the rear of the bike, the shorter you are the further forward you are and the opposite is true for taller riders resulting in everyone's heads being pretty much in the same place as far as the stream of air goes.

The solution..
Get an aftermarket screen, cut it down so that it is about 4 inches shorter than a standard screen, keep the original screen for better weather protection in the winter and fo when you re-sell the bike
The air hitting your head will be "clean" uncompressed and no turbulence

Trust me, this has been discussed to death on many forums and I have personally tried and tested it

Strangely though, even if your helmet works well for you it won't be the same for someone else

[XTreme]

Maybe there is some turbulence on mine but I haven't really noticed it myself tbh.

[Suzuki Al]

As a matter of interest....how tall is he Alan?

He's a big lad, maybe 3 inches taller than me - 6 foot I'd say. He also has a Pan and he has no problems with this apparently.

I would agree with Cupid that all screens cause some problems, but some are known to be worse than others. TDMs have a reputation for being problematical, FJRs on the other hand do not seem to have these buffeting effects. My faired B12's screen was OK up to about 90, then there was a steady pressure from the top, at 100 riding became really difficult. I had a fly screen on the CB13 and turbulance was bad, though nothing like the Strom's. My GSXF screen was perfection. When I rode the Strom, everything was OK up to around 50/55mph just a little noise, then the vibration set in, which caused double vision.

Going back in time I never came across the problems with screens like you get today, I reckon that this turbulance problem has recently got worse on bikes with fairings, why is anyone's guess. The aerodynamics are complex, because of the interaction between ride position, screen angle, height and helmet type. On naked bikes, if you duck down a bit, you will notice that even the clocks cause turbulence.

Interesting point, is that if you drive some cars with just one back window open, you get a thrumming effect in the front seats through a vacuum being created. This goes as soon as a front window is opened as well. Something similar is happening with the Strom I reckon.

[Pete Rock]

Is it just me or anyone here wouldn´t let a small part like a windscreen change the way one sees a motorcycle? If it´s too high cut it down or buy a shorter one, if it´s too low buy a bigger one, I´m sure a crappy screen, like the one in the Strom seems to be , must have a bunch of aftermarket options.

[XTreme]

I agree Pete....if I had an issue with the screen (and I don't) I'd still have bought the Strom.
The rest of the package is so good it more than compensates for the screen.
Maybe it's because the Strom is that good, any minor issue seems worse than it actually is?

[Pete Rock]

I'd still have bought the Strom.

face it Pete, you weren´t confident in your sexuality enough to ride a Transalp

[XTreme]

face it Pete, you weren´t confident in your sexuality enough to ride a Transalp

The Transalp was great Pete....I couldn't knock it in any way.
But my advice to you is....DO NOT test ride a Strom. Or your TA will go the same way as mine.
I don't like Suzuki as a Company....I'd much prefer to have a Yam or a Honda.
But the fact is that neither of them have the capability or commitment to build a Strom-beater.
It may happen further down the line, but as both of them would have to produce completely new high tech motors to do it, the associated R&D costs would probably price it way above the Strom.

[Pete Rock]

But my advice to you is....DO NOT test ride a Strom.

don´t worry, I won´t :unsure:

I´ll avoid them like the plague, expecially those Porsche Blue ones:unsure:


here´s me looking out for them :unsure: :unsure: :unsure: :unsure:

[XTreme]

Nice dash....don't look though! :yen:


http://www.motomag.com/spip/IMG/jpg/sto06a12g.jpg

[Pete Rock]

Nice dash....don't look though! :yen:

you bastard, you know perfectly well pics always get looked at first

[XTreme]

Look away Pete! :yen:



http://www.motorrijder.be/extra/Suzuki/DL650%20V-STROM/DL650VStrom1.jpg

[Suzuki Al]

Is it just me or anyone here wouldn´t let a small part like a windscreen change the way one sees a motorcycle? If it´s too high cut it down or buy a shorter one, if it´s too low buy a bigger one, I´m sure a crappy screen, like the one in the Strom seems to be , must have a bunch of aftermarket options.

This depends Pete. Just like the original, getting an aftermaket screen would also be a lottery. The Strom is a nice bike, that's for sure, but after riding one, the buffeting from the screen was so bad that, for me, riding one any distance would be unbearable - I found it that bad. It completely coloured my view of the bike. I couldn't get off it fast enough.

Also, I didn't like the sitting position. Personally, I like to have my weight evenly supported between my legs, bum and arms, in a slightly canted forward position. The posture I had to adopt (because the seat allows for very little movement) put too much weight on the bottom of my back - almost like a cruiser. If I owned one, I would have to wear a kidney belt to prevent back ache. Also, I (again this is personal preference) like to feel what the front wheel is doing and the Strom's felt very remote and therefore cornering grip had to be taken on trust. That said it was very flickable and agile around the country lanes I rode. Apparently Beemers, (because of their lever system) have a similarly remote feel to them.

[XTreme]

Also, I (again this is personal preference) like to feel what the front wheel is doing

Spinning usually Alan! :ljl:

[Pete Rock]

Look away Pete! :yen:



:unsure:

[tom_at32]

The only thing with those DL650's is the headlights that look like a Citroen DS from 1976 and the exhaust which is too long. Superficial, me?

Having said that the bash plate on my Transalp looks very poor....:o:

I know I don't post enough. I get too much enjoyment just from reading here.

Ta.:rolleyes:

[Pete Rock]

Having said that the bash plate on my Transalp looks very poor....:o:

I think the TA´s bashplate should only be called a plate, the really hard bump I gave the TA was right on the cat so it didn´t suffer:ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

The official Yamaha bashplate for the XT was rubbish as well. But I never got to test it on a cat.:ljl:

[Little John]

No offence Suzuki Al. but is it any coincidence someone so unenthusiastic about the Wee Strom has Victor Meldew as his aviator?

LOL !!!!!!!!!

Both Stroms are fantastics bikes. Ask Robin Hood on the V-strom forum who has a XT660 as well and thinks it sucks by comparison.

[XTreme]

No offence Suzuki Al. but is it any coincidence someone so unenthusiastic about the Wee Strom has Victor Meldew as his aviator?

LOL !!!!!!!!!

Both Stroms are fantastics bikes. Ask Robin Hood on the V-strom forum who has a XT660 as well and thinks it sucks by comparison.

Simon.....you've only been here a short time and you're disagreeing with Alan.
Well done....everybody else does as well. :ljl:

[Little John]

Thanks Pete,

You'll see from my numerous posts on the V-Strom forum that I am usually very self-effacing and humble and often try to stop others having flaming exchanges on the forum, BUT they're all Strom fans and I suddenly felt all defensive!!!!!!

[Suzuki Al]

No offence Suzuki Al. but is it any coincidence someone so unenthusiastic about the Wee Strom has Victor Meldew as his aviator?

LOL !!!!!!!!!

Both Stroms are fantastics bikes. Ask Robin Hood on the V-strom forum who has a XT660 as well and thinks it sucks by comparison.

I'm not unenthusiastic about the Strom. I think, and said, that it is a good bike. It is not beyond criticism though, as it isn't a Beemer ;)

[XTreme]

Thanks Pete,

You'll see from my numerous posts on the V-Strom forum that I am usually very self-effacing and humble and often try to stop others having flaming exchanges on the forum, BUT they're all Strom fans and I suddenly felt all defensive!!!!!!

The difference between here and a model only forum is we all ride different stuff.
The model only forums are a great resource and reference point, but you'll find that everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet.
Here, there's a lot more varied opinions and ragging other bikes is all part of the banter.
Have a good old slag of Alan's Bandit 12....you've got plenty of scope there! :ljl:

[Pete Rock]

The difference between here and a model only forum is we all ride different stuff.


And this

http://www.maximumbikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1541:kc:

[XTreme]

Spot on Pete....you can't find total and utter bollocks like that anywhere else! :ljl:

[Pete Rock]

Spot on Pete....you can't find total and utter bollocks like that anywhere else! :ljl:

:lg:

[modrover]

So... when's Rock and I going to get our royalty checks then? :rolleyes:

[XTreme]

So... when's Rock and I going to get our royalty checks then? :rolleyes:

The only thing you two need is reality checks! :ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

Have a good old slag of Alan's Bandit 12....you've got plenty of scope there! :ljl:

Bring it on! :ljl:

I'm armed with endless lists of facts, figures and expert opinions to prove any doubters wrong.

"The path of tlue biking briss is the Path of the Bandit 12" - Old Chinese ploverb.

[XTreme]

I'm armed with endless lists of facts and figures

I think we'd already sussed that out Alan. :XT Alan:

[Suzuki Al]

I think we'd already sussed that out Alan. :XT Alan:

Give me any current bike and I'll give you the lowdown - I'm the anoraks' anorak :ljl:

[Pete Rock]

"The path of tlue biking briss is the Path of the Bandit 12" - Old Chinese ploverb.

They had B12s in ancient China?

[Stuart Fordyce]

Give me any current bike and I'll give you the lowdown - I'm the anoraks' anorak :ljl:

That sounds like a challenge Alan... ;)

OK then, here's a starter for your :XT Alan:...

Sachs Roadster 650 - let's see what you can do with that!

[Renegade]

That sounds like a challenge
Sachs Roadster 650 - let's see what you can do with that!

Good Points
light weight, very good handling, traffic light GP starts, wheelies and single cylinder thump

Bad Points
excessive vibration at speed, eats chains, low speed snatchiness

General Comments
The Sachs Roadster 650 motorcycle is a highly tuned but very reliable Suzuki 650 single wrapped in a Fritz Egli frame, with Paoli forks, Sachs suspension, Grimeca brakes and a lovely Lafranconi exhaust :). This bike is not a plodding CB500 commuter rival the lazy UK press thinks it is. I had to look for info in Europe to see that the French, Italians and Germans really liked this bike, a modern Goldstar? Not the best around town, go find some bends, painfully slow in straight lines and will numb your hands after 30 minutes on Motorways, go find some bends!
Cost about £4200 new but second hand offer dealer no more than £2500 (actually I only paid £1900 ;))as they are not popular (yet!) but bits will last and engine well proven. A similar Suzuki Freewind would cost £5k new and £4500 second hand, why pay this much?




Googled

:ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

That sounds like a challenge Alan... ;)

OK then, here's a starter for your :XT Alan:...

Sachs Roadster 650 - let's see what you can do with that!

Single cylinder.
List price - £3999
Top speed - 105mph
Power - 50bhp at 6500 rpm
Torque - 41 lb/ft at 6200 rpm
Dry weight - 154 kgs

According to testers it is over priced and a load of crap.

[Suzuki Al]

They had B12s in ancient China?

:lg: They used them in the 17th Century to patrol the Wall. ;)

[Stuart Fordyce]

In Ren, we have a winner, his details beat Alan's :XT Alan: hands down...

Well played Ren!

Right, so here's the next challenge, seeing as this is open to all now:

Victory Vegas 8-Ball

[Renegade]

Googled :rolleyes:


VICTORY Motorcycles are made in America and offer an alternative to Harley-Davidsons and here the M.E.N rates the entry level Victory Vegas 8 Ball cruiser

If you like your motorcycles long, low and moody black in colour, then the Victory Vegas 8 Ball should be right up your gasoline alley.

Featuring a 1500cc, V-twin, four stroke engine, making around 80bhp, which is enough to easily crack the `ton' if you're determined to prove some kind of obscure point. But the Victory Vegas, like a Harley, a Honda Shadow or any other cruiser is all about taking things easy and doing some laid-back touring.

The Victory 8 Ball is a "budget" entry-level model, which has the stripped down, matt black styling that either floats your boat, or makes you mildly depressed. Personally, I like a bit more bling on my cruiser machines, but then I go clubbing with a medallion on at the weekends...

There's no denying the Victory has top notch suspension, brakes and a sweet handling chassis - plus a meaty engine - which all combine to offer an arguably superior riding experience to its main American rival. It looks superbly made, durable and stylish.

But people don't buy cruisers for their track day ability and at nearly £12,000 on the road, the Victory Vegas seems like an expensive way of proving you are being different, yet still riding something American. Given the weakness of the US dollar, this bike should retail in the UK for thousands less than it does (as should Harleys) as the Vegas 8 Ball costs only $13,000 over in the USA.

Victory for value? I don't think so.

[Suzuki Al]

Oi Ref!!! Ren's cheating.

:ljl:

[Suzuki Al]

Victory Vegas 8 Ball

6 speed, belt drive, 8 valve V Twin, 1507cc. Only available in black.

List price - £9695
Insurance Group - 15
Top Speed - 115mph
Power - 80 bhp at 5500 rpm
Torque - 90 lb/ft at 3750 rpm
Dry Weight - 281 kgs

Good for a cruiser.

MCN says " Harder than most Harleys and well built, the 8-Ball is a cool entry into Victory ownership. Very few custom bikes have more style".

[Stuart Fordyce]

Oi Ref!!! Ren's cheating.

:ljl:
Not at all Alan: Ren's using google to get his opinions, you're using what appears to be the world's largest back catalogue of motorcycle magazines.

I'm off to bed now, so I'll set the two of you one last challenge that I'll check tomorrow morning:

Cagiva Mito 125

Goodnight...

[Pete Rock]

Cagiva Mito 125

any Italian teenager´s dream

[Tym]

£12,000 on the road, Given the weakness of the US dollar, this bike should retail in the UK for thousands less than it does (as should Harleys) as the Vegas 8 Ball costs only $13,000 over in the USA.


:ljl:

And ipods are half price over herre too

:kc:

[Stuart Fordyce]

Not at all Alan: Ren's using google to get his opinions, you're using what appears to be the world's largest back catalogue of motorcycle magazines.

I'm off to bed now, so I'll set the two of you one last challenge that I'll check tomorrow morning:

Cagiva Mito 125

Goodnight...

I woke up, I logged in, I saw nothing!

Guys, you've failed me miserably. Go to bed without any dinner. :ljl:

[Renegade]

I woke up, I logged in, I saw nothing!

Guys, you've failed me miserably. Go to bed without any dinner. :ljl:

I've been in work all day :p:

I've ridden the baby "ducati", and found it great fun, up and down the gearbox though because of the 7 speed box, I think they did them with a 6 speed box as well.

http://www.beaudrymotorsports.com/images/cag/cagmito.jpg
Googled again >>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="70%" align=center bgColor=#c0c0c0><!-- specs --><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Engine</TD><TD vAlign=top>2-stroke single cylinder liquid cooled</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Bore/Stroke</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>56 x 50.6 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Displacement</TD><TD vAlign=top>124.63 cc</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Carburetor</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Ø 35 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Ignition/fuel</TD><TD vAlign=top>Electronic CDI</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Starter</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Electric</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Transmission</TD><TD vAlign=top>7-speed</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Front Brake</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Disc Ø 320 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Rear Brake</TD><TD vAlign=top>Disc Ø 230 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Front Suspension</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Upside-down telescopic hydraulic fork (legs Ø 40 mm)</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Rear Suspension</TD><TD vAlign=top>Progressive "Soft Damp" with hydraulic single shock absorber</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Front Tire</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>110/70 - 17"</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Rear Tire</TD><TD vAlign=top>150/60 - 17"</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Weight</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>129 kg dry</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Wheelbase</TD><TD vAlign=top>1375 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Ground Clearance</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>150 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>Seat Height</TD><TD vAlign=top>760 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>Fuel Capacity</TD><TD vAlign=top bgColor=#ffffff>14 liters</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Good Points
Looks 'the nuts'
Gives pre-pubescent riders a feel of overwhelming ecstacy
Handles like one of the 'big boys'

Bad Points
Tastes nasty(especially after a ride)
The overwhelming ecstacy feeling is mostly due to 2-stroke fumes
Will seize on you at every given opportunity
Requires a second mortgage, and/or language(preferably Italian) to maintain

General Comments
The first Cagiva Mito 125 I happened upon was a MARK 2, painted in Lawson colours. It was great for a bleary eyed 17year old, who's only other taste of motorcycling had been a Honda MB5..i mean honestly, my bicycle was faster than that (and bigger too!)
But anyway, the mito could hold a tight line on the A-roads, accelerate quick enough to beat the XR2 boy racers off the lights, stop with ball-shattering accuracy, and, after mashing through the 7 gears, desparately trying to stay in the powerband, could hold a steady 100-110mph. It looked the biz too! Its only downside, which happens to be a pretty major problem, would be a complete lack of reliability. Maybe I was just unlucky with my bike, but even running it on fully synthetic oil, and regular maintenance, I managed to seize the beast twice, and eat through 2 clutch cables before happily parting with it!
Unfortunately I didnt learn, and totally besotted with the Mito Evolution's 916 looks, I was admiring my new purchase quicker than you could say 'MAMA MIA!'.
The Evolution had the same frame as the Mark2, although fairing changes and slight engine mods made it more desirable(and expensive!). The ride felt more stable on the Evo, maybe owing to the longer wheelbase, and the same 7speed gearbox meant that a similar topspeed was put to good use, but again, as with the Mark2, the little stroker lacked reliabilty, and came complete with the same expensive taste for clutch cables..it could happily chew through one every 6 months, which at £15 a pop, isnt cheap! My infinite knowledge, however, puts this down to having seven gears, and a powerband shorter than Ronny Corbert's inside leg measurement!
Overall, the mito is a great looking and handling, quarter litre bike, but, having pistons made of meatballs, and clutch cables hand-crafted from Italy's finest spaghetti, build quality and reliabilty are worse than a market stall dvd! Parts are also expensive to buy brand new, and more often than not, out of stock. Trying to find second hand parts is a joke. The Mito shares irritatingly expensive parts with its bigger Ducati siblings, such as brake discs, clutch cables, levers, mudguards etc, so maintenance is rarely cheap.
On the plus side though, for every 2 hours that you spend riding the Mito, the 8 hours you have to spend on maintenance/tracking down Cagiva dealers/anger management therapy(delete as appropriate)allow you to get to know the bike inside out! The amount of times I've rebuilt the stupid engine, I could probably quote you part numbers as well! When it does run, however, you can't help but feel just a little bit smug as you receive a nod from the R6 that wheelied by..he'll never know you rode a Cagiva ;)

[Stuart Fordyce]

I

http://www.beaudrymotorsports.com/images/cag/cagmito.jpg
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I saw a red one of these when I was out for a run this morning. It looked and sounded terrific. Bit too small and impractical for me though. This weeks MCN had lots of tempting offers in it, have to check that bank balance...