Cagiva C589
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1950 |
| Founder | Giovanni Castiglioni |
| Headquarters | Varese , Italy |
| Products | Motorcycles |
| Website | www |
The Cagiva C589 was a competition motorcycle developed by Cagiva for participation in the 500cc category of Grand Prix motorcycle racing during the 1989 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season. Its designation combines several elements: the "C" representing the manufacturer (Cagiva), "5" indicating both the racing class and engine displacement (500cc), and "89" denoting the racing year (1989). This model succeeded the C588 from the 1988 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season and was subsequently replaced by the C590 for the 1990 Grand Prix motorcycle racing season.
Description
As a direct advancement of its predecessor, this machine retained much of the previous year’s components, incorporating notable features such as inverted front forks—already utilized by Randy Mamola during the 1988 championship—a banana-shaped swingarm, and a unified body shell crafted by designer Massimo Tamburini. Despite these innovations, riders encountered challenges due to suboptimal weight distribution, which hindered effective power transfer to the track surface, often causing handling difficulties.
Visually, compared to its forerunner, the C589 can be distinguished by elongated and narrow slits positioned at the radiator vents’ ends, along with an additional opening located behind and beneath these vents. Furthermore, the front fairing’s Plexiglas is lower-profiled and less curved than that of the previous model.
Season progress
Even with its avant-garde design elements, Cagiva faced persistent performance issues throughout the season. The bike’s shortcomings included inadequate top-speed relative to rival machines, flawed weight balance, and inconsistent power delivery. Rider Randy Mamola managed to accumulate a respectable points tally; however, he also experienced four race retirements and missed three starts. Wildcard competitor Massimo Broccoli earned points in two events but also recorded one DNF. Another substitute rider, Raymond Roche, failed to complete his sole race appearance with the squad. Collectively, the team amassed a total of 41 points during the campaign.
Mass production
The design of the C589 served as the foundation for the company's launch of a street-legal motorcycle featuring a comparable aesthetic, known as the Cagiva Mito, which debuted in 1990.
Specifications
| Technical Details of the Cagiva C589 | |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Engine configuration: | 80° V-angle, four-cylinder, two-stroke |
| Engine capacity: | 492.6 cm3 (Bore: 56.0 mm x Stroke: 50.0 mm) |
| Ignition system: | Magneti Marelli CDI |
| Fuel delivery: | |
| Fuel type: | |
| Lubrication products: | |
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| Data acquisition: | |
| Peak power output: | 110.3 kW (150 HP) at 12,000 RPM (measured at the shaft) |
| Top speed: | |
| Exhaust system: | |
| Transmission | |
| Gearbox type: | 6-speed sequential removable (constant engagement) |
| Primary drive mechanism: | Gear-driven |
| Clutch type: | Multi-plate wet clutch |
| Final drive system: | Chain |
| Chassis and suspension | |
| Frame construction: | Aluminum beam frame |
| Front suspension setup: | Fully adjustable Öhlins inverted fork |
| Rear suspension setup: | Fully adjustable Öhlins shock absorber |
| Wheel rims (front/rear): | Marchesini wheels |
| Tire specifications (front/rear): | Front: 3.50 (120/60) 17 / Rear: 6.00 (180/67) 18 Michelin tires |
| Front braking system: | Dual 272.5 mm carbon discs with 4-piston AP calipers |
| Rear braking system: | Single 190 mm disc with 2-piston AP caliper |
| Dry weight: | 122 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 32 liters |