Ducati was sold to Cagiva in 1985, and one of the things the latter did with this infusion of bikes and technology to try and compete in the Paris-Dakar rally. They created the Elefant, which won the rally in 1990 and 1994. In the US, the bike was branded as the Ducati E900 – this may give you a hint that it used the engine and electronics from a 900SS. These bikes were well-received in Europe but they never really took off in the United States. This example has a new top end and is ready to go.
The engine produced 68 horsepower to motivate the 493 pound bike. You got a 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, and the fuel tank contained 5.3 gallons of fuel. As a sign of the times, the new Multistrada Enduro carries 8.4 gallons of fuel and weighs 560 pounds wet! The biggest weakness of the predecessor to the Multistrada was the electronic system, which is often modified by owners.
This example has 38,000 miles, less than 1,000 miles of which are on a new set of pistons, rings, bearings, and head studs. It’s been upgraded with Keihin 39mm FCR carbs, Technoflex (now TFX) rear suspension, Remus titanium exhaust, stainless steel brake lines, Corbin seat, and heated grips. Find this Elefant for sale here on Craigslist in Santa Cruz, California for $5,200.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Dan D!