The Cagiva SST, together with the off-road version SXT , was the last motorcycle model produced by AMF-Harley Davidson and the first produced by Cagiva, which took over the factories and the brand.
For some time, after the arrival of the new management, the motorcycles bore the words “ HD CAGIVA” on the tank. Later the acronym “HD” was eliminated.
Typical touring road bike without aerodynamic protection, of the type that nowadays would be declared a naked , with lines reminiscent of the Harley Davidson Sportster, with a single-cylinder two-stroke engine instead of the monumental 900/1200cc “V” twin.
The bike was in production since '75 with three engines of 125, 175 and 250 cm³, since 1978 the 350 cm³ version was launched on the market. They were initially produced with the Harley-Davidson brand on the tank, later replaced by the HD-Cagiva; in '80 the HD disappeared and the brand remained Cagiva. All models are equipped with a two-stroke engine. The SST family also gave birth to the American-style versions, the Lowriders that recalled choppers.
The Cagiva SST 125 was the most successful version: intended for sixteen-year-olds with new driving licences of the time, it was very popular with the public and was the workhorse of the Varese motorcycle manufacturer, so much so that it rivalled the very popular Piaggio “vesponi” in terms of quantity of sales.
The success of the model was due to its pleasant line, its simplicity of construction and driving, accompanied by low purchase and maintenance costs, as well as low oil and petrol consumption, while the gears were well spaced and at the same time long, so as not to have to change them continuously.
This motorcycle was produced until 1978 under the AMF Harley Davidson brand , from 1978 to 1980 under the HD Cagiva brand , and from 1980 to 1985 under the definitive Cagiva brand. During all the years of production the differences were very limited, essentially limited to the modernization of the braking system and the electrical system.
The 1980 model (the first to see only the Cagiva brand appear) was characterized by the front disc brake instead of the old drum, the addition of a tachometer in the housing that previously contained the ignition block and the two high beam and turn signal lights, the addition of the generator light and new turn signals (black and Larghi brand instead of the chrome CEV ones), with black metal stems instead of chrome, new electric controls on the handlebars and new grips (octagonal section), and the saddle, initially of identical design to that of the latest AMF Harley Davidson, with alloy trim. It was subsequently slightly retouched (with the passenger portion raised somewhat above the rider's position, losing the aluminum strips, and with a more modern printed design).
Major changes were made with the 1981 model: a dual seat was introduced along with black-bodied CEV indicators. Alloy wheels became the norm, and the gearbox shaft ran on ball-bearings rather than bushes.
1982 saw upgrades to the electrics, with Dansi CDI electronic ignition and Motoplat alternators.
Adapted from an article at autoemotodelpassato, CC BY-SA 3.0. This piece requires further revision and may contain errors. November 2024.
If you have a query about Cagiva motorcycles or have information about these fine Italian machines, please contact us
