Monday 8 April 2013

Bike Consideration : 2007 Cagiva Mito

I have always had a liking for Ducati 916- and when I saw an advert for its younger sibling ie Cagiva Mito on Mudah, it was a recollection of the love that I had for Massimo Tamburini's macho and ever-green design of a superbike era lost in today's re-interpretations. I made an appointment to see the bike vide its owner, AM and after a few calls (no thanks to the Garmin which couldn't locate that part of town in Cheras), I finally found the place.


With the monies tucked safely in my pockets, I introduced myself and was given the permission to see the classic red Mito. This bike was assembled by Mofaz Motorcycles Sdn Bhd in 2007 and represented one of the last batch of 300 Mitos that were still with the legendary 2-stroke engine. It was selling at RM19k when new, which was a pretty high price then when one considers that the more technological-advanced inline-four Kawasaki ZXR250 could be purchased at just north of that price.

Turned on the bike, the power valve checked (two distinctive Zzzzz Zzzzz sounds) and the bike roared to live. It was a rough 2-stroke engine sound, very unlike the parallel-twin and inline-four engines that I was used to); and much referred as a lawnmover engine (same 2-stroke type) on the Net.

It was a concealed space and we were soon enveloped by thick white smoke so we have to kill the engine quickly. I asked if we could have the bike in the open space so that I could check the bike better, and AM agreed.

Out in the sun, the age of the bike showed as per the following :

1) The front lenses were blurred and had condensation marks, but these could be settled by polish, I believed. -I can live with that, my heart whispered.

2) The right indicator was broken and kept in place with scotch tape, but I could get a replacement indicator for RM120 at Mofaz. -I can live with that, my heart whispered.

3) One of the counter casings were broken, but I could hunt for a replacement off eBay. -I can live with that, my heart whispered.

4) The banana swingarm had a relatively deep, sharp cut into its metal, which AM explained was due to parking woes. -I can live with that, my heart whispered.

5) There was discolouration but it was after all almost 7-years old, so that was to be expected. I was planning to update its paint scheme to the latest Ducati scheme anyway. -I can live with that, my heart whispered.

Pursuant to the test-ride, some warning bells started to ring as per the following :

6) The oil warning light was on throughout the test-ride. AM informed me that he had serviced the bike a month ago. A check in the 2T tank revealed that there was very little 2T oil left. AM wasn't sure what type of oil was it using as he had been planning to sell the bike for a long while, so he wasn't too concerned about the maintenance. There would be air mixed with the remaining oil for sure, and I could top-up the oil but there was going to be concerns on how low the oil had been during rides and that could lead to the engine seizing as there would be no oil when the bike was leaning into corners.

7) The clutch had too much freeplay. It was not the adjustable type, so the freeplay would need some rectification works.

8) The gear change was not very smooth. That could be due to the clutch having too much freeplay- and I couldn't find the neutral gear easily. However, the evasive neutral gear was a common problem for the Mito given its racing pedigree.

9) The handling was not what I expected from the nimble Mito run-about. I checked at its tires and they were hardened over the years since 2007. A change of tires would be necessary to ensure a safe ride.

I called Mofaz to check if I could send the Mito for them to assess its overall conditions and was attended by a very nice mechanic called Ravin. He explained that the service centre was not taking in any Cagiva bikes for servicing as they were in the midst of shifting from Sungai Penchala to Puncak Alam, and would only re-open for business in 2 months' time. However, he spent a good 15 mins at least explaining about the bike and the likely maintenance necessary to put it back to shape.

As the mileage was recorded at 9,200 km, he told me to set aside RM1,500 for a top-overhaul that Mitos generally require by 10,000 km. This would include the pistons, rings, oil change, etc. The centre carried most normal wear-and-tear items, but any bigger repair items would need to be ordered from MV Augusta/Cagiva from Italy; so I was informed to expect the pricing of any items to be similar to maintaining a Japanese 600cc superbikes.

To put the bike into dependable shape, he told me that I should change the tires as these would have hardened substantially. Right again! This man knew what he was talking about indeed. Last but not least, I asked him how much should I offer for a Mito of such condition; but he was unable to put a price down without checking the bike in details. However, he estimated a 2007 Mito to be worth app RM7,000 ono, which AM was willing to part with the bike for RM7,500.

Cost of entry for the Mito was thus estimated as : RM7,500 (purchase) + RM1,500 (top-overhaul) + RM900 (medium-level tires) + RM120 (indicator light) + RM100 (counter cover) + RM1,000 (misc works including clutch) = RM10,220.

Top-up a bit more and you could get for yourself a decent Japanese 250cc (Kawasaki Ninja 250R, and Honda CBR 250) from recent years, or the Naza-repackaged Hyosung 650R.

Given that the maintenance and parts would be a bit of a hassle, I guess I would be better off sticking to a more recent bike using the more environmental-friendly 4-stroke technology. Guess I'll be marvelling at the Mito from afar still.

Forsaken, but not forgotten. The myth of the Mito. 




Update : Pursuant to the post, I saw that another Cagiva Mito has been placed on the market. This one was also a Mofaz-assembled Mito from 2008 with 10k km mileage, with an asking price of RM6,500 negotiable. I am wondering if this particular example has  gone through the top-overhaul; if it has indeed done that and the price could be negotiated to RM6,000, this could just be the best Mito buy for the immediate period.


Ride safe, mates!

Sunday 7 April 2013

Cagiva Mito by MV Augusta

Just look at these beautiful pictures of the charming Cagiva Mito...




NST : Mofaz's Cagiva Mito 125 launch @ Q1 2007

BERNAMA, The Malaysian National News Agency KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Motorbike importer, Mofaz Motosikal Sdn Bhd today launched the MOMOS Cagiva Mito 125 motorcycle today.

Mofaz's president, Mohamed Fauzy Abdul Hamid said the MOMOS Cagiva Mito 125, a 125cc two-stroke sport motocycle, was the last batch of its kind for Cagiv.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of the model, he said Mofaz, which is the exclusive distributor for Cagiva, has been given rights to assemble 300 units of the MOMOS Cagiva Mito 125 model locally.

The new model was launched by Deputy Information Minister, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

MOMOS Cagiva Mito 125 which comes in matte black and classic red has been priced at RM19,244.50
Mohamed Fauzy said the company will be launching the four-stroke engine motorbike by end of this March

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ABOUT 13 years ago, the Cagiva Mito 125, made its debut and won the hearts of many Mat Motors with its Ducati 916 styling. It was then the obvious step of ownership from the trusty Yamaha RX-Z's and TZM's.

It is now available at an affordable price range which was announced at the official launch last Tuesday at Saloma Theatre Restaurant along Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.

The two stroke, 125cc Cagiva Mito has been assembled locally and re-named as the Momos Cagiva Mito 125, Fauzy's Edition. It is still distributed by the Mofaz Group under Mofaz Motosikal Sdn Bhd (or Momos).

Despite the dated design by Massimo Tamburini (who also designed the MV Agusta F4), the Cagiva Mito is still desirable as it mirrors the iconic Ducati 916. It is now available for an on-the-road price of RM19,244.50.

Asiaone : Cagiva Mito- Singaporean James Bond's ride



DUCATI and MV Agusta are two of the most famous names in the Italian sportbike scene.
While Ducati might be a household name thanks to MotoGP and Casey Stoner, the MV Agusta name is equally revered by enthusiasts, with its F4 RR312 being the fastest ever production motorcycle around the Nordschleife.


So how does Cagiva fit into all this? Simple. It is the perfect introduction to the bigger and more powerful bikes for riders saddled with a Class 2B licence, that is, a licence that only allows bikes under 200cc to be ridden. Enter the Cagiva Mito SP525.

Made by MV Agusta, the Cagiva Mito has a cult following of sorts. It was after all the great Valentino Rossi's first bike. With 35hp from its 125cc two-stroke powerplant, the Mito is just one of a handful of two-stroke bikes you can buy brand new. Forget horror stories told by old timers about two-stroke bikes.
The new Mito SP525 is surprisingly easy to ride. Old two-strokes from the early '90s had an on/off powerband that made wearing diapers optional unless your name was John Kocinski.

But this is the 21st century and while the SP525 does get more powerful as the revs climb, it is much more linear.

The new electronic carburetion system not only improves rideability but also helps the bike pass Euro 3 emissions as well.

We didn't get to put a knee down but we can vouch for the 129kg bike's low speed manoeuvrability - important as it is unlikely that the average owner will be a hot-blooded 17-year-old who just got his 2B licence. This is because the Mito costs a cool S$15,000. Only a handful have been sold since it was made available last November.

Exclusivity is almost ensured and one is unlikely to see your burger or pizza delivered by Mito.
Distributor Hong Seh Superbikes says its target audience is "not someone who has to work a double shift doing deliveries to buy the SP525; Cagiva is a lower power premium brand". And a look at the top spec parts list will tell you what your money buys - Brembo brakes, upside- down Marzocchi forks, Gremica rims etc.

Cagiva Mito SP525
Engine: 125cc two-stroke, liquid-cooled
Gearbox: 6-speed constant mesh transmission
Max Power: 35hp @ 12,000 rpm
Weight: 129 kg
Suspension: Marzocchi inverted forks, Sachs rear damper with adjustable
pre-load
Brakes: Front 320mm floating disc, rear 230mm disc
Tyres: Front 110/70Z R17, rear 150/60ZR17 Michelin Pilot Sport
Distributor: Hong Seh Superbikes
The Mito is still the only motorbike in its class to boast a steering damper as factory equipment. It is fully blinged from the factory, just add rider in leathers. But we save the best for last and it is how the Cagiva Mito SP525 looks. Nobody would think this a 125cc bike. It is more like a 400cc or even a 600cc sports bike.

The lines - essentially unchanged since famed Italian designer Massimo Tamburini penned it back in 1994 - have been freshened up a little but this bike looks fast even when standing still on its kickstand.

If James Bond were Singaporean and only had a 2B licence, this would be the bike that he rides. Enough said.

NST : Cagiva Mito Review @ 2007

Speaking of myths, this is like David vs Goliath. ARMAN AHMAD slingshots
about in the Cagiva Mito.



My ears are ringing. I’ve been riding for about half an hour in the sun
- but I’m not even sweating. It’s midday, and I’m zipping through traffic
at insane speeds on a Saturday wearing just my full face helmet, a thin
T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Some people sitting in the cars I overtake are probably thinking I’m
crazy. Other motorists will probably think I’m just a regular hooligan.
Except the fast, loud little two-stroke machine that I’m riding is no
regular rempit machine – it’s the legendary Cagiva Mito 125.

My ears are ringing because the din from its two-stroke race derived
engine is barely muffled by the exhaust. My back hurts because the
race-inspired seating is cramping my style. As I flick through the gears
and work the clutch, the hot sun is biting into my exposed arms but I
couldn’t care less.

I rev the bike’s engine past 7,000 rpm and go screaming into a
roundabout. An elderly Chinese aunt frowns at me as she watches me corner
at an insane angle. But she and her Honda City are soon mere dots in the
bike’s rear view mirror.

You may wonder why I’m displaying such foolish bravado. No, I haven’t
been experimenting with hallucinogens.

I just picked up the bike from Mofaz the day before, and I have been
riding since morning. I’m hooked.

The buzzsaw engine doesn’t produce much power but the bike weighs a
mere 129kg. Acceleration is nothing to shout about. It’s probably as fast
as a Proton Saga.



However, the bike has razor sharp handling. It changes direction at the
flick of your wrist. Who cares about power anyway when you don’t have to
brake?

Once you climb on the seat – you get a race-like view of the road
ahead. The meter is simple and uncluttered, with a steering damper
situated under it.

Despite the sluggish acceleration, the bike’s top speed is acceptable -
somewhere in the region of 180km/h. But it would be hard to travel long
distances on the bike. It’s better suited to short distances in the city.

In short, the Mito won’t be challenging any Ducatis but it’s a lot of
fun to ride. It would be well suited to beginner riders – even women
riders. Just think of it as “My first Ducati”.

It is incredibly beautiful. When I was testing it, I was surprised to
find the red Mito attracting so much attention. I’ve ridden bikes five
times the price and 10 times the capacity but they didn’t attract as much
attention as the little Mito.

The mere mention of the name Mito may conjure up some memories for old
school bikers. In Italian, mito means myth or legend.

The bike was first introduced in 1990 as the Cagiva Mito Lawson to
commemorate Cagiva’s GP 500 victories by motorcycle racing legend Eddie
Lawson.

When it first came to Malaysia, it caused a sensation with its
upside-down forks, Brembo brakes and beautiful Italian styling.
If my memory serves me correctly, it sold here for about RM15,000,
pretty affordable for any exotic Italian brand that was affiliated with
Ducati.



Over the years, the Mito gained a somewhat cult status in Malaysia,
with die-hard fans braving spare part shortages to maintain their bikes
in working condition.

In 1994, the Mito was restyled in Italy by Massimo Tamburini, the same
guy who drew up the design for the Ducati 916.

In fact, if you parked both bikes side by side, only a few details
would differentiate the 900cc superbike and its 125cc sibling.

Although the fairing had been changed, most of the innards were still
the same crazy two-stroker that caused a sensation in the early 90s.
Needless to say, when the bike was introduced here as the Mito EV
(evolution), it was an immediate hit.

That was 13 years ago.

It has been a while since the Mito was imported to Malaysia. However,
Mofaz is bringing in a final batch of some 300 bikes.

According to them, the bike will be the last batch to be produced with
the two-stroke 125cc engine.



There are rumours that Cagiva will produce a 500cc single cyclinder Mito
with a Husqvarna engine but nothing has yet been confirmed.

The Momos version of the Mito sells for RM19,244.50 on the road. If you
want to own this unique piece of motorcycle history, give Muzisham from
Mofaz a call at 019-6318-173.

Ducati 916's younger sibling ie Cagiva Mito

Readers would know that I nearly changed my Ninja 650R for a Ducati 916. Well, I tested the Ducati's younger sibling today ie Cagiva Mito. What a handsome bike it is!


During its heydays, the Cagiva Mito and its Italian rival ie Aprilia RS, won the envious stares of every boy racers. Nice...