Post Sale Update: This Elefant sold for $10,651 after 20 bids on eBay in Anaheim, California.
In 1989, Cagiva debuted a limited version of the Elefant adorned in the Lucky Explorer livery of their Paris-Dakar winner. It was the coolest of the Elefant line-up. In 1993, they went in a different direction than the usual motorcycle manufacturer and actually offered a cheaper, simpler variant. They called it the AC, and they were able to make it cheaper by dumping the fuel injection for carbs, and the fancy Marzocchi forks and Ohlins shock for cheaper Showa/Boge units. Power and torque decreased slightly, as well. This example stands out because it’s been adorned in the awesome Lucky Explorer livery – and it’s one of the very few AC models that made it to the US.
This example (VIN: ZDM1PC4L8SV001543) has 13,937 miles and the seller has performed a lot of work since he acquired it two years ago, “transforming it into a fun, fast, reliable, and practical ride”:
– replaced the fork seals
– fixed dodgy electrics: brake light, turn signals, replaced the problematic wiring harness main connector with crimped connections, replaced the stator, upgraded the voltage regulator with a unit from Elefant Adventure Bikes, and added a period VDO voltmeter to the dash – now everything works as it should.
– added Hepco Becker crash bars from Germany. Gives the bike a more aggressive off road look, and protects the rare plastic pieces should you tip over.
– Obtained a matching set ignition switch, fuel cap, and side case lock just to replace the non-matching side case lock so everything is now keyed the same (a little excessive, but worth the effort)
– new RK gold series O-ring chain. Sprockets are as new. New rubber chain slider to protect the swingarm.
– obtained a period Ducati tool kit for under the seat, and a NOS owner’s manual that come with the bike.
– replaced the seat cover and windscreen.
– added Tusk 30mm handlebar risers.
– added a Moose Racing aluminum top case with an organizer in the lid for wallet keys and small stuff. This is a high quality item, clamped onto the oem luggage rack, and so can be easily removed.
– rebuilt the Mikuni carbs and installed a Six Sigma jet kit. This made an amazing difference in how the bike runs. Prior to re-jetting it felt sluggish over 5000 rpm, now it absolutely rips. – Starts up the instant you touch the starter button, idles smoothly, has massive V-twin low end and mid range grunt, and now revs hard right through the rev range making a beautiful Italian V-twin song as it goes. Six Sigma figured this change was good for 2-4 horsepower through the range over stock, and based on seat of the pants assessment I think it is every bit of that.
– Just tuned up with new oil and filter, spark plugs, and air filter.
– Valve clearances and recent new belts were verified by my local Ducati dealer.
Based on all that, I’d have to agree with the seller’s assessment that this is “ready to ride and enjoy.” Find this Lucky Explorer Elefant for sale in Anaheim, California with bidding up to $4,000 and the reserve not yet met here on eBay.