Cagiva · 1984–1986
Cagiva Alazzurra 350 and 650: history and buying advice
A Ducati in a smart suit, built in Varese.
History
In 1983 Cagiva and Ducati reached an agreement: Ducati supplied engines to Cagiva. The first result was the Alazzurra, presented at the Milan show in November 1983. The name came from an old Aermacchi model. The engine was the air-cooled Pantah V-twin with desmodromic valves and timing belts, as a 350 and a 650.
It was in the dealers from September 1984. In 1986 a GT version with full fairing came; after that production stopped. The 350 was considered the best balanced. Within about a year of the agreement Cagiva bought Ducati outright.
Key data
| Engine | 90° V-twin, desmodromic, timing belts (Ducati Pantah) |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 349 cc or 649.5 cc |
| Power | 350: 36 hp; 650: 50.5 hp |
| Top speed | 350: approx. 161 km/h; 650: approx. 191 km/h |
| Weight | approx. 190 kg |
What to check when buying
- The 650 vibrates more. Check that the fairing bracket is not cracked.
- Ask when the timing belts and tensioner were replaced; they must be changed on time.
- Check the electrics and the carburettor setting; the 650 had problems with those.
- Setting the desmo valves is precision work. A Ducati specialist can do the maintenance.
- Engine parts are easy to get through Ducati specialists; body parts much less so.
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesInSella: Cagiva Alazzurra (Italian)Wikipedia: Cagiva (English)