|
| News and products for the motorcycle enthusiast and professional |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
RETURN OF THE RAPTOR The Cagiva Raptor 650 will be back in UK showrooms this autumn following a major makeover, thanks to investment from Malaysian car giants Proton at the end of last year. Launched in 1999, the Raptor 650 was designed by Miguel Galluzzi, the man behind the Ducati Monster. The new model, designated the Raptor 650ie because of its fuel-injected engine, adheres closely to the original design. The most obvious change is the 645cc 90° V-twin Suzuki engine with digital SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) injection and PAIR (Pulsed secondary air injection), as fitted to the popular Suzuki SV650. This engine is one of the most sophisticated in its class and provides the ideal blend of power, torque and throttle response. Comfort for both rider and pillion have been enhanced; the handlebars have been lowered and set back 15 mm, offering an improved riding position and the ideal 50/50 weight distribution. A tinted Plexiglas screen has been fitted to the instrument cowl (inherited from the X3 concept bike) to help reduce wind blast. The saddle has also undergone some improvements. The rider''s section has been covered with an anti-slip material, while the pillion seat is longer and wider. The profile of the saddle, combined with a low seat height of 775mm, makes the Raptor accessible to riders of all sizes. The Raptor has always had a reputation for fine handling and the 650ie continues this tradition. Its frame is made by Telca (part of the MV Agusta group) and has been modified and strengthened in the rear sub-frame area to allow for the fitting of pillion passenger grab handles as standard. At the front are upside down 43 mm Marzocchi forks, with a specially designed Sachs shock absorber controlling an elliptical section swinging arm at the rear. The Cagiva Raptor 650ie will initially be available in Cagiva Red, with silver wheels, priced at £4,999 on the road.
|
|
| Biker247.com is an Internet publication brought to you by The 247 Network - Visit our other sites at www.the247network.com. |
| The entire content included in this website, including but not limited to text, design, graphics, interfaces, or code and the selection and arrangements thereof is copyrighted as a collective work under the UK and other copyright laws and is the property of The 247 Network. |