The Raptor 650 is the model in the Cagiva 2005 range that has had the most technical upgrades as well as a major makeover. The main new item is the Suzuki engine with digital SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve)
injection and PAIR (Pulsed secondary air injection). The new Raptor 650 shares the same ethos of "body, soul and mind" with its bigger brother that is so well depicted by the Celtic cross that symbolises the Raptor range.
The use of this new engine has led to several design modifications resulting in changes to the lower part of the fuel tank and to the ignition lock that is now covered with a new scratch resistant material.
Probably the most obvious makeover item is the new instrument cowl from the X3 concept bike. An incisor-shaped beak houses the instrument pod and is finished off with an almost horizontal tinted plexiglass screen. The surface area of this little cowl was designed to give more lift to the front end that is further laden because of the handlebar positioning. The lower steering column is set back by 15 mm thus offering a much better riding position and better weight distribution (50/50 including the rider) and more directional stability. The saddle has also undergone some improvements. The rider's section has been covered with an anti-slip material whereas the pillion passenger's section has been made more
comfortable thanks to a new design that offers more overall length and
breadth.
The Raptor 650 MY2005 comes in red or matt black and metallic gray and can easily be distinguished from previous models by the silver touches to the frame, wheels and footpeg hangers. These flashes of colour only add to the contrast between bodywork and mechanical parts.
Perfectly in line with Raptor "Transformist" approach is the fact that all the new details introduced to the model year 2005 model are applicable to previous versions. This means that anyone owning one of the famous naked machines will be able to customise his bike with the latest model year 2005 accessories.
A summary of the new version shows:
- New Suzuki engine with SDTV digital injection.
- Colour coded instrument cowl.
- Headlamp and cowl brackets fixed to the lower steering plate.
- Handlebars lowered and set back 15 mm.
- New saddle (material and lay out).
- Silver coloured frame and rear swinging arm.
- Silver coloured wheels.
- Matching smooth finish side panels as opposed to graphics.
- Passenger grab handles
Raptor 650: The engine
The Suzuki 650 with SDTV digital injection is the most advanced twin cylinder engine it its category. The 90 layout guarantees perfect balance and each 4-valve twin-cam cylinder head has bucket tappets. The 31 mm inlet valves are inclined at 14 in relation to the cylinder and the 25.5 mm exhaust valves are inclined at 16. The forged aluminium pistons have a moulded profile and shortened gudgeon pins to minimise dynamic mass. The chrome-molybdenum alloy steel con rods turn on a common crankpin
and the short crankshaft is set on bearings. The real beauty of this engine lies in the SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) system. SDTV uses secondary 39 mm butterfly valves housed in each throttle body throat to control air intake and maintain air-flow velocity to match power output. The primary butterfly valves are directly controlled by the throttle grip and the secondary valves are activated by small servos controlled by the 32-bit CPU also known as the ECM (Electronic Control Module). Secondary butterfly valve position, like injector apertures and the ignition phase are varied by the ECM unit that constantly monitors throttle position and engine revs.
The Raptor 650 is fitted with the PAIR system (Pulsed secondary air injection) that introduces air into the exhaust ports to ignite unburned hydrocarbons and reduce emissions.
Raptor 650: The chassis
The Raptor 650 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.
The diamond-shaped trellis frame provides the by now legendary Raptor 650 hold holding, it offers a light and nimble front end that accurately follows the perfect line through each and every curve. The Raptor is fitted with upside down 43 mm Marzocchi forks and a specially designed Sachs shock absorber and boasts the most sophisticated suspension system for this category of machine. Another individual characteristic is the rear swinging arm featuring an outstanding elliptic section with a chromed plate for the chain tensioner. This operation is facilitated by positioning the chain tension adjusters inside the rear arm, concealed by neat cast-alloy plugs and tension screws.
Raptor 650: On the road
The Raptor 650 is beautifully balanced and easily leaves the chaos of traffic behind it, turns heads wherever
you go. It is perfect for getting out of the city as quickly as possible to find the find the infinitely more rewarding twisty roads it revels. The Raptor 650 is loved above all for its minimalist styling that makes this outstanding machine a true work of art on wheels. The raked lines sculpted into the liftable polymer fuel tank allow for simple air filter and front cylinder inspection. The saddle at only 775 mm from the round offers total bike control to riders of all sizes. The tractability of the engine, limited weight and light but precise steering are just more features that make the Raptor 650 ideally suited to new riders and yet can still more than satisfy more experienced riders. The instrument panel is dominated by the tandem style dials of the Nippon Seiki rev counter and digital multi-function speedometer.
An evolution from the stylistical and technical base of the planet, the new 125 Raptor owes its name to the introduction of design concepts derived from its bigger sisters, like the front headlamp, the new redesigned passenger seat, and the V-Raptor's handlebars. New is also the front fender characterized by a smoother profile and the license plate holder derived from the X-Raptor. Technically, the 125 Raptor receives a new exhaust system having an extractable silencer and a new linkage for the rear suspension that gives a weight distribution more concentrated to the front end. Aesthetically, the 125 Raptor differentiates itself from the previous Planet by the following improvements: new front fender, seat, handlebar, handle grips, instrumentation support, license plate holder, new frame coloured black, wheels coloured black, fuel tank protection coloured black, Raptor and celtic logos.
The Raptor 125 is characterized by a highly sophisticated frame boasting technical solutions inherited from its big sisters. One example is seen in its rear suspension, equipped with progressive linkage with a Sachs shock absorber featuring spring pre-loading adjustment. One characteristic of Cagiva's production of low-powered bikes is a petcock that operates the reserve fuel supply, handy to use and perfectly in harmony with the Raptor's design .
The value of the Raptor 125's chassis is enhanced by being endowed with absolute quality. Proof is found in the powerful 40 mm inverted fork on the forecarriage, as well as in the rear Sachs shock absorber with adjustable pre-load. The picture is completed with the Brembo Serie Oro braking system made up of a 2-piston caliper that works on a 320mm front disc, whereas the 230mm rear disc features tangential slots.
The tank is the main element of the Cagiva Raptor's design. Its surface, with its complex volumes reaching forward to the front wheel, is an expression of dynamism and slenderness. Made of plastic polymers, the tank has a protective bulkhead on the back that gives emphasis to its elliptical flow. A compartment the right size to contain a jet helmet is concealed beneath it.
The round headlamp is a must on a naked. The Raptor 125 is certainly no exception to this rule. Its head lamp is sustained by two supports painted the same colour as the body. The instrument is mounted inside a chrome ring of rare elegance, making the front view even more attractive. The handlebar also contributes to the bike's aesthetic appeal. With its flat shape, it gives this extremely elegant bike a sporty look as well.
The Raptor 125 is sized to be comfortable when being ridden by a twosome, too. That is the merit of a generous, well-shaped saddle, which is also suited to being used for touring over demanding stretches of road. Moreover, as proof of the care devoted to making the passenger comfortable, the Raptor 125 has convenient handles inserted in the frame. They offer a secure grip and fit in perfectly well with the overall styling of the vehicle.
The Raptor 125 is a pure naked, and as such is a motorcycle that allows the rider to take total control of it. That is a result achieved thanks to its central driving position, where the rider's posture has been studied so as to get maximum communicability with the bike. Contributing to this is the handlebar specially designed so that the weight is put on the forecarriage in order to get maximum driving sensitivity in return. The central instrument panel with its white face is gratifying for the rider, too. Its many indicator lamps provide the rider with all the information he needs for driving safely.
