Motorcycle specifications Cagiva125 Mito 1989

There are some myths over which time seems to have no hold. Cagiva's was born at the dawn of the 90s.

The Castiglioni brothers' group, which started building motorcycles at the end of the 70's by acquiring the AMF-HarleyDavidson factories in Varese, had quickly shown its determination to compete with the Japanese in motorcycle Grand Prix. The brand quickly won its first points (1982) and its first podium in 1988 on the Spa circuit (Belgium). And to celebrate this honourable achievement, Cagiva launched its "myth" (or Mito in Italian) on the roads in 1989 in the form of a 125cc supersport bike.

French 1/8th-liter enthusiasts were initially disappointed to see a model without fairings. Although technically identical, the newcomer doesn't have the class you see in magazines. The manufacturer (or its French importer) apparently chose not to compete immediately with the ever-dashing Freccia C12R . Fortunately, this injustice was short-lived, and the "Mito" was soon offered in France in two versions (1190): streamlined and naked.

With the Freccia finding it hard to compete with the Aprilia Futura and Gilera SP01 in the realm of uncompromising sport, Cagiva chose to make an impact by offering a bike as close as possible to the GP500 (at least aesthetically). In this respect, the gamble paid off. The overall lines are extremely pure, and the rear hull seems to have been designed to accommodate the competitor's number. The fairing, frame and swingarm are reminiscent of the Cagiva C589 (GP500). Red, red and nothing but red...

Technically, the Mito carries on the excellent engine of its predecessor. Supple in the low and mid-range, brilliant at the top, it is perfectly supported by a smooth, precise 7-speed gearbox whose usefulness nevertheless seems more marketing than real. The engine is equipped with the same 28mm carburetor as the Freccia, but benefits from a new, optimized exhaust system (the "banana" arm frees up space). The new engine develops 31 free-running horsepower at 10,400 rpm.

As for the chassis, Cagiva has gone one step further. Gone is the frame of the C9, C10 and C12R, replaced by an all-new double-beam welded aluminum frame whose cross-section seems almost disproportionate. The aluminum "banana" swingarm is also fitted with a wide rim, with a 150/60-17 tire as standard. Suffice it to say that the Mito sets the tone: it's going to be very stiff, and will handle the pavement perfectly. The front axle of the first model is more conventional, with a 38mm Marzocchi telescopic fork and a 17-inch wheel (100/80-17). However, it is fitted with a 320mm disc and Brembo 4-piston caliper.

The quality of the overall package was highly praised. Curiously, the fairing version hides the impressive aluminum frame. But it gives the Mito a real sporty look. A mouthful, a good engine, braking from beyond the grave - that's the recipe for this myth, still very much alive today. This first version was followed by several special series, such as the Mito "Eddy Lawson" (Cagiva GP500 driver) and the Mito "Lucky Explorer".

In 1992, this mythical bike was fitted with a new, much more fashionable 40mm inverted fork, a floating 320mm disc and a number of engine modifications (valve, ignition, etc.). This version also had its own special Eddy Lawson series, featuring fairing sides pierced with small holes.

In 1994, the Mito bowed out, to be replaced by a new "Ev" version based on the lines of the group's big sports car: the Ducati 916

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