Not as common a sight on the roads as the Aprilia RS, the Mito is however the bike every kid dreams of. Even the odd grown wouldn’t mind having one of these babies in the garage.
Hot on the heels of the Aprilia RS125 comes a bit of “posh totty”, the 916 look alike Cagiva Mito Evolution. This is a machine that can easily be mistaken for a Ducati Superbike, it is only the exhaust note and look that gives the game away, especially from a distance, everything else is simply a take off from the bigger bike. When first introduced the seven speed Mito was a fragile beast, often shearing starter motor drives gearbox internals due to the limited size needed to fit them all in. In later years common sense prevailed and the seven speed gearbox was finally put to rest in 1998, a new design of engine internals taking its place and with it went the fragility problems.
Despite sharing much with the ever-popular Aprilia RS, two-stroke, race replica etc, the Mito is an altogether classier act with its Tamburini styling and high level of equipment fit. Engine size apart it really is a scaled down Superbike, the chassis is so strong it will easily handle three times the power developed by the Yamaha inspired two stroke unit, while the latest spec suspension gives a ride on a par with any road going machine. The chassis is a class act, never ever losing its composure unless provoked by heavy-handed rider error, giving racetrack handling on the road and with it, a breathtaking and exciting ride. As a whole the chassis is left wanting nothing except a more power, the frame itself is rigid beyond the call of duty while the huge 320mm disc up front, grabbed by a powerful four piston Brembo caliper, can stop the game as fast as it started. Holding on to all of that stopping power are a pair of upside down, 40mm forks that surely wouldn’t look out of place on any Superbike, they are set up well too and, like the rear Sachs shock, provide a ride second to none and better than most. At all time the potentially frisky, and short, 1375mm wheelbase never gets so, it remains very maneuverable, changing line mid corner simply by thinking such a thing but, stays stable and sure footed throughout. It inspires confidence in the cornering process and, even though most will never get anywhere near the very limit, will teach you many great lessons for later on in your biking life.
As with all learner legal bikes abuse and crash damage is to be avoided unless this is reflected in the price but, be warned, spares both body work and engine can be difficult to source so check the availability before committing to buy.
What you will get for you money is a superb looking and feeling machine that will teach you all you could ever need to know as you begin your biking life. The Mito was also the first proper bike that Valentino got his leg over, winning the Italian sports production championship in 1994 before setting off on his meteoric rise to the top. I would imagine his thoughts on that winning machine are echoed by all who have ever ridden a Mito, simply superb.
Once fully liberated, the engine is capable of producing around 30bhp but even in restricted format the ride can be fast and furious. An electronic power valve within the cylinder and operated by the CDI ignition, enables the engine to pull form low down and only just feels like a two-stroke of old. There is a hint of a power band into which the single cylinder engine rushes but this is a gentle easing rather than a whack up the butt, the engine rally takes a back seat to the frame and cycle parts, it is a great powerplant but becomes part of the support act with such a package. It is doubtful if we shall ever see its like ever again, what with two strokes now becoming the bad boy of motorcycle engines and the new crop of four-stroke 125’s unable to hold a candle in any way shape or form. The Mito, like its Italian buddy the Aprilia RS125, have carved a niche for themselves as pure race machines built for teenagers to have fun on, and have fun they have and still do.
2004 Cagiva Mito Evolution Specifications
- Engine – 124cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single
- Bore & stroke – 56 mm x 50.6 mm
- Power – 34 bhp @ 12,000rpm
- Torque – 17 ft-lb @ 11,000rpm
- Transmission – 6-speed chain final drive
- Frame – aluminium beam frame
- Brakes – 320mm disc front 230mm single disc rear
- Wheels – 110/70 x 17 150/60 x 17
- Fuel capacity – 14 litres
- Dry weight – 129kgs
Cagive Mito 125 Road Test Gallery
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