Cagiva Navigator 1000 review

Cagiva’s Navigator is a bit of an unsung hero. A 1000cc, monster trailie-styled on/off-road supermoto-on-steroids, the Navvy is well worth seeking out if you fancy a break from the norm
Styling, motor, handling. Far more capable in the twisties than a bike of this size has a right to be
Finish below par, paintwork is easily damaged. Reliability is an issue.

Like Cagiva’s Raptor family, the Navigator’s motive power comes courtesy of Suzuki. In this case, a TL1000 motor provides the go, and plenty of it. With gearing limiting top speed to around 130mph– you don’t need more on a bike like this – there’s massive low down and mid-range drive to catapult you forward at the merest twitch of a throttle hand.

It’s an addictive rush, and the only downside is a thirst for fuel and limited range if ridden enthusiastically. Use the Navigator hard and you’ll empty the 20-litre tank in well under 100 miles. More gentle use returns a useful 140-plus mile range.

The biggest smile factor comes from the Navigator’s handling. Once used to the seat height, it can be thrown around with abandon and, on the right sort of roads – the sort you find endless mile-upon-mile of in the south of France – a well-ridden Navigator will show a clean pair of heels to far more sport-focussed machinery.

Braking is just about up to the job, and pushed to its limits if two-up and fully laden. The plush, long-travel front suspension doesn’t help – too much braking force is taken up compressing it before the serious business of slowing down can begin. Adding braided brake lines and firming up the front end a touch improves things though.

That aside, the only other complaint is levelled at build quality. While it looks the part when shiny and new, fixtures and fasteners corrode easily, bodywork is easily scratched and cracked, and the finish is below par when compared with the best Japan or Germany has to offer.

That said, it’s fast and, most importantly, a lot of fun, making it a serious alternative to the stodgier, less sprightly big trailie opposition from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.
Like Cagiva’s Raptor family, the Navigator’s motive power comes courtesy of Suzuki. In this case, a TL1000 motor provides the go, and plenty of it. With gearing limiting top speed to around 130mph– you don’t need more on a bike like this – there’s massive low down and mid-range drive to catapult you forward at the merest twitch of a throttle hand.

It’s an addictive rush, and the only downside is a thirst for fuel and limited range if ridden enthusiastically. Use the Navigator hard and you’ll empty the 20-litre tank in well under 100 miles. More gentle use returns a useful 140-plus mile range.

The biggest smile factor comes from the Navigator’s handling. Once used to the seat height, it can be thrown around with abandon and, on the right sort of roads – the sort you find endless mile-upon-mile of in the south of France – a well-ridden Navigator will show a clean pair of heels to far more sport-focussed machinery.

Braking is just about up to the job, and pushed to its limits if two-up and fully laden. The plush, long-travel front suspension doesn’t help – too much braking force is taken up compressing it before the serious business of slowing down can begin. Adding braided brake lines and firming up the front end a touch improves things though.

That aside, the only other complaint is levelled at build quality. While it looks the part when shiny and new, fixtures and fasteners corrode easily, bodywork is easily scratched and cracked, and the finish is below par when compared with the best Japan or Germany has to offer.

That said, it’s fast and, most importantly, a lot of fun, making it a serious alternative to the stodgier, less sprightly big trailie opposition from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.

Like Cagiva’s Raptor family, the Navigator’s motive power comes courtesy of Suzuki. In this case, a TL1000 motor provides the go, and plenty of it. With gearing limiting top speed to around 130mph– you don’t need more on a bike like this – there’s massive low down and mid-range drive to catapult you forward at the merest twitch of a throttle hand.

It’s an addictive rush, and the only downside is a thirst for fuel and limited range if ridden enthusiastically. Use the Navigator hard and you’ll empty the 20-litre tank in well under 100 miles. More gentle use returns a useful 140-plus mile range.

The biggest smile factor comes from the Navigator’s handling. Once used to the seat height, it can be thrown around with abandon and, on the right sort of roads – the sort you find endless mile-upon-mile of in the south of France – a well-ridden Navigator will show a clean pair of heels to far more sport-focussed machinery.

Braking is just about up to the job, and pushed to its limits if two-up and fully laden. The plush, long-travel front suspension doesn’t help – too much braking force is taken up compressing it before the serious business of slowing down can begin. Adding braided brake lines and firming up the front end a touch improves things though.

That aside, the only other complaint is levelled at build quality. While it looks the part when shiny and new, fixtures and fasteners corrode easily, bodywork is easily scratched and cracked, and the finish is below par when compared with the best Japan or Germany has to offer.

That said, it’s fast and, most importantly, a lot of fun, making it a serious alternative to the stodgier, less sprightly big trailie opposition from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki.

Length (mm)2167
Width (mm)824
Dryweight (kg)210
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)849
Suspension Fronttelescopic hydraulic fork with advanced axle (Ø 45 mm)
Suspension Rearprogressive with hydraulic single shock absorber
Wheels Front3,00"x18"
Wheels Rear4,25"x17
Wheels Made OfLight alloy spoke wheel
Tyres Front110/80-18
Tyres Rear150/70-17
Brakes Fronttwin disk brake Ø 296 mm
Brakes Reardisk brake Ø 240 mm
Tank Capacity (litres)20
Wheelbase (mm)1530
Ground Clearance (mm)150
Trail (mm)80
ChassisHigh strength steel tubes trellis type
Length (mm)2167
Width (mm)824
Dryweight (kg)210
Seats0
Seat Height (mm)849
Suspension Fronttelescopic hydraulic fork with advanced axle (Ø 45 mm)
Suspension Rearprogressive with hydraulic single shock absorber
Wheels Front3,00"x18"
Wheels Rear4,25"x17
Wheels Made OfLight alloy spoke wheel
Tyres Front110/80-18
Tyres Rear150/70-17
Brakes Fronttwin disk brake Ø 296 mm
Brakes Reardisk brake Ø 240 mm
Tank Capacity (litres)20
Wheelbase (mm)1530
Ground Clearance (mm)150
Trail (mm)80
ChassisHigh strength steel tubes trellis type
Cubic Capacity (cc)996
Max Power (bhp)103
Max Power Peak (rpm)8500
Torque (ft/lb)67
Torque Peak (rpm)7000
Bore (mm)98
Stroke (mm)66
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.3
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingLiquid cooling
Fuel DeliveryElectronic injection
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain
Cubic Capacity (cc)996
Max Power (bhp)103
Max Power Peak (rpm)8500
Torque (ft/lb)67
Torque Peak (rpm)7000
Bore (mm)98
Stroke (mm)66
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio11.3
IgnitionElectronic
CoolingLiquid cooling
Fuel DeliveryElectronic injection
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
DriveChain