Cagiva WMX 125
The Cagiva WMX 125 was first released as a prototype in 1978, and became the world’s first production motocross bike that was liquid-cooled when it entered production in April of 1979. The WMX125 had a single-cylinder, 124.6cc engine which used both air and water to cool itself. The 1981 Yamaha YZ125 however, was the first production mx’er completely cooled by liquid quickly followed by the 1981 Honda CR250R which was the first in the 250cc class.
The WMX125 had a 34mm magnesium Dell’Orto carburetor and magnesium engine covers. Reed-valve induction and a six-speed gearbox were other features on the first WMX 125. The bike also featured an aluminum cylinder with a nikasil bore, making it stronger than most of the competition’s chrome system. This 125 lead its class in power output, with about 30hp. Great power for a 125cc, especially for the time period.
The frame of the WMX 125 was constructed using chrome-moly tubing, and the suspension first consisted of 35mm Marzocchi leading axle forks with magnesium sliders, and were soon upgraded to 38mm. A pair of Corte Cosso gas shock absorbers were in place in the rear of the bike, an aluminum radiator was used to save on weight, and a very strong American-made swing arm.
The bike was tweaked a bit in the early 80s. Cagiva’s 1983 WMX 125 had a mono shock that they called the “Soft Damp System”. Other changes lead to a higher power output of about 35hp. The carburetor was increased to 36mm, too, and the bike was quickly becoming a contender for the world motocross championship. Cagiva actually won the 125cc world championship in 1985, and released a “World Champion Replica” production bike in 1986. The only thing that differed from the actual championship-winning bike was the bore-and-stroke dimensions. Soon after their win, however, Cagiva purchased Husqvarna and the Cagiva WMX125 was no more.
18 Comments
I wanna buy my dad a Cagiva WMX 125 and the problem is where do I go if I wanna look at the bike in person and see if it even runs. If you know anyone who sells those bikes please contact me. And If anyone knows someone selling that bike let me know the location of the seller and how much he’s asking for.
I’m working on a project with a 250 wmx cagiva all spare parts wanted i realy love the bike and want to see it running. email: taktalk3ff059@gmail.com
Greetings all, have one of these, where can parts be bought? E-mail me with links of places you have used if possible,
Thanks,
Ross W. Lovell
Hello, I have a 1987 Cagiva vmx two stroke, is all original and it runs strong. Does anyone know what it would be worth??
Hi Chris! I have a complete bike which was made ready to sell in 1987. Has not been raced since! Location Denmark. I can send some pictures if you are interested. The condition of the bike is very good.
Email jklausen@ofir.dk
Best regards,
Jesper Klausen
You would be on my wish list.
I recently rebuilt my 125, it runs strong with clear title. Anyone know what one is worth?
Have a look at this Swedish web page http://www.classic50mx.com/. “Old School MX”
“Change to English” way down in the end you all can find the Cagiva 500cc works mx bike from 1983. I was there, very bad day for the Cagiva team! Broken chain during time practice on Saturday. So, no race start on Sunday. Also 3 water cooled works Suzuki 500cc bikes were there. Harry Everts, Andre Vromans and J.J Bruno. 1 Swedish Husqvarna 500cc Factory rider was there with a 3 speed Husky automatic Inge Edberg. The race on Sunday; mud and more mud. It was raining like crazy… epic GP day. Fastest rider was Haakan Carlquist, Yamaha factory rider YZM 500 works bike.
http://www.registrostoricosimonini.it/cross-125cc/simonini-125-mustang-acqua-1979
Check out this link. Yes, it says 1979 model but already tested back in 1978 with water cooling, and I am talking about a bike that you could buy as a privateer non-factory rider. Way before any far east company could to that. Anyway, Cagiva or Simonini, but not the Japs that’s crystal clear.
I remember back in 1983 the 2 Russian Cagiva 500cc motocross factory rider in the GP’s. All hand made prototype/factory bike “aircooled the 500cc bikes.”
Thanks Mario! It would be interesting to know which company released their bike to the public first that year.
The worlds first production 125cc with water cooling was not a Cagiva it was an Italien bike named Simonini with a water cooled simonini engine. And Simonini was Italien 125cc motocross champion back in 1978. The bike brand was build in the city of Maranello in Italy by Enzo Simonini.
I don’t think that’s correct, but if you have proof, we’d love it if you could provide a link. Thanks Mario!
I HAVE A 88 CAGIVA WMX 125, MOTOR IS FRESH WITH LIKE 5 HRS ON IT, FRAME IS FRESH POWDER COAT, THE BIKE IS WHITE WITH BLUE SEAT, HAS A NEWLY REBUILT WHIT POWER SHOCK AND NEW FORK SEALS, RUNS TIP TOP, RIGHT SIDE PANEL HAS A 1 INCH CRACK AT THE TOP IN THE CENTER, THE REST OF THE BIKE IS IN GREAT CONDITION AND ALL STOCK. VERY GOOD TIRES. I WANT 2K OR BEST OFFER. THE BIKE IS IN NEVADA. THANKS. Email me here.
I’m in connecticut and used to own a cagiva 125. I loved it and am looking to purchase one for a reasonable price. THanks
I Have a wmx 125 Cagiva Im willing to sell. It runs great. missing a few side covers and the kick start doesn’t work, u need to push start it, but it starts real easy. If you’re interested, email me @ Brisinger90@comcast.net or call me at (810)922-7184, make an offer, no low ballers. It’s hard to find so i know its worth some money. Can send pics if u want, just ask.
Looking For a motor for the 125wmx Cagiva
Hey
Im also after plastics 4 my cagiva wmx 125 1986 model 4 my resto
Im also after a original gear lever
Ive owned and raced this bike since late 1987.
If anyone can help me with the discovery of the above parts and even other parts 4 it can u please email me back i may be able 2 find parts 4 u.
Also restoring a 1973 cr250 husky and need a air filter cover and plastics.
Any info would be much appreciated
email chris.perry30@yahoo.com.au
Hello can somebody help me with plastic parts for a cagiva 125cc from 86-87, the red one. And with plastic for a 250cc bike from 88-89 please help me. Lucien De Groot – Holland, Europe