A mini Ducati Monster, Cagiva's Planet has stunning big bike looks. But the beauty's more than skin deep.
Sharing many of its basic components with the faired supersport Mito, styled on Ducati's 916, the Planet is a more practical proposition. Hung from an alloy twin-spar frame, the Cagiva's liquid-cooled two-stroke single cylinder engine has lower overall gearing than the Mito and six instead of seven gears.
But the 80mph Planet is still a frenetic performer thanks to reed valve induction and an electronically controlled valve which varies exhaust port height to boost torque for stonking acceleration from low revs. A supermoto-style riding position and 12.5 litre fuel tank make the Planet fun to ride fast and far. The curved tank hinges up to give access to storage space.
But best of all is the 125's handling. Its frame is made up of extruded and cast aluminium alloy sections and the upside-down front fork has massive 40mm stanchions and a 320mm disc brake with a Brembo four-pot caliper. At the rear there's a curved racer-type swingarm with Cagiva's single shock Soft Damp suspension. So although the Planet is only a 125 single, it introduces riders to genuine supersport handling at thrilling but safe speeds.
The highly tuned engine must be run on expensive, fully synthetic two-stroke oil. Ask which brand has been used and when a new piston and rings were last fitted. Listen for the exhaust valve cycling when the ignition is switched on and check selection in all gears.
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