The editor of this magazine will argue over and over that this is the single most beautiful racing motorcycle ever built. And because of that he’s chosen to put it into this magazine and let us all take in Phil Aynsley’s studio photos of Eddie Lawson’s bike stripped naked.
Cagiva’s GP assault ran from 1979 until 1994. In that time there were some notable motorcycles that contested the toughest level of track racing. None, however, come anywhere close to topping this particular track weapon in terms of its looks or single-mindedness. Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding for Eddie Lawson’s factory Cagiva 500, seen through the lens of Phil Aynsley.
IF IT WASN’T FOR EDDIE LAWSON JOINING FOR 1991 IT IS LIKELY THAT THE CASTIGLIONI’S WOULD HAVE QUIT GP RACING. HIS TALENT, ENTHUSIASM AND THE MEDIA INTEREST (AND HENCE SPONSORSHIP INTEREST) RESULTED IN A FAR MORE COMPETITIVE TEAM. HE FINISHED SIXTH IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH A PAIR OF THIRD PLACES AS HIS BEST RESULTS.
Words and photographs: Phil Aynsley
Cagiva’s first V-4 design was the 1985 90º C10. After a demoralising 1990 season the motor was changed to the more compact 80º design seen here. Ezio Mascheroni was responsible for the motor and Andrea Goggi for the chassis.
Magnesium triple clamps – check.
Öhlins forks – check. Beautiful welding – check.
Magnesium Mikuni 35mm carbs. Rare as.
Number three frame of the 1991 season.
From 1979 until 1994, Cagiva’s tally was three wins, 11 podiums, six pole positions and three fastest laps.
The ‘straight’ side of the ‘banana’ alloy swinging-arm.
Öhlins suspension front and rear, together with top notch Brembo brakes and Marchesini wheels.
EDDIE TOOK CAGIVA’S FIRST WIN IN 1992 WITH JOHN KOCINSKI FOLLOWING UP WITH A SINGLE VICTORY IN EACH OF 1993 AND 1994.
There can be no denying that the Cagiva racers were some of Massimo Tamburini’s best work.
Below: It doesn’t all have to be hi-tech!
Below: The 80º V4 used paired crankshafts and was good for 169hp at 12,000rpm. It was the last of the ‘screamer’ motors, a ‘big bang’ design being used from 1992.
Functional! Electronically controlled suspension (for both compression and rebound) was employed occasionally during the 1991 & 1992 seasons. Fuel-injection and traction-control were also used during 1993.
Above: Cagiva experimented with a carbon-fibre frame during 1990 (built by Ferrari) while continuing to refine its alloy chassis. A composite carbon/alloy unit was employed for its final season in 1994.
Symbols of an era never to be repeated.