In our original article, we asked our readers to give us their opinion of Cagiva’s new concept single, the Mito 500. Apparently as excited as we were about the proposed concept bike, and eager to let their opinions be heard, we have had an unprecidented number of responses. It wasn’t a landslide in favor of the Mito 500, however. There were a few negative responses in the mix — but finding them to single out would be like looking for a needle in a hay stack. Part 1 was posted on Wednesday — here is Part 2 of what has become a three-part article.

• Tell Cagiva please bring it in. Stablemate for my Gran Canyon. The Mito is the perfect size for the real world of sport bikes. I tell people all the time when you can hold a 250-500 throttle pinned on your favorite road then you can move up to the big bikes. I know two serious club racers that ride 250-500’s in the hills around here, (Santa Cruz Mountains), and smoke everyone all the time. They don’t want the bigger bikes on the street.
  

• PLEASE advise Cagiva to bring this bike to the US!!! I would buy 2 without any
  hesitation.One for the wife and one for ME! I am tired of all the big bore
  sportbikes and MUST have a pint sized single.Having roadraced a CRF 450 I have seen the light and am sold on the power of a 4 stroke single.Let Cagiva know that not all Americans are Hayabusa fans and that we have many people who would love to get their hands on this beautiful bike! PLEASE CAGIVA!!!!
  

• They should make it and I will buy! If Ducati had put the Supermono into mass production in the 90’s I’d be riding one of those but this Cagiva looks it it would do the trick.
  

• that thing is sweet, I’d definitely be interested if brought to production!
  

• As I’m sure you’ll get a lot of responses, here’s something quick: I’ll put a deposit on one as soon as a confirmed delivery date is announced.
  

• Tell Cagiva I will buy one!!!!! So will a half dozen of my friends, once they get tired of looking at my tailight… 🙂 That’s everything I look for in a bike.
  

• While I am not a resident in the US (although I did live in Boston for 4 years), I read your website almost everyday while living here in Hong Kong. Just want to let you know that I am also very interested in the Cagiva Mito 500 and would like to see that being produced and delivered to Hong Kong AND the US. Please help convey that message to Cagiva when you guys next talk to them.
  

• I’m a little late with the comment, but here you go. This looks like the
  best thing to come down the pike since the lucious Yamaha SRX6. I had the
  opportunity to ride an SRX6 a couple years ago, and it was wonderful. I love
  that thumper power…I already own a DR650, 74 XL350 and a TW200. I would
  love to see this bike come to the states. Different enough to be exciting
  and enough thump to make things very interesting in the twisties. YES!
  

• I wouldn’t buy another Cagiva if it was the last bike in the showroom. I had a Gran Canyon,what a piece of crap that was. Even Fast By Ferracci did not want to work on it and they were the importers. When they told me it was going to cost over $800 for a valve service, more than double the cost for my 900 monster, it was up for sale. Seems the motor had to come out to get to the rear head,nice design. I don’t mind paying the price for nice toys but come on. Live and learn I suppose.
  

• Tell Cagiva to built it and we will come…
  

• In regards to a Mito 500 or a smaller cc bike; count me in! A few points:
  
  – A small rider like myself, at 125 pounds, would feel at home on a small bike like this, as opposed to some of the really large 600cc bikes out there that feel heavy.
  
  – Bigger riders often find a 1000cc superbike to “fit” them physically; a smaller rider would “fit” a Mito 500.
  
  – A lighter rider in the twisties would have so much fun on a little bike like this! Not everyone weights 200 lbs!
  
  
  – Think about the budget if it is brought here: please no over priced Italian darlings!
  
  Love Motorcycle Daily! Alex is a good writer/thinker about motorbikes!
  

• Avid rider here, current ride is a GSXR1000 K5. Here’s my opinion on the Mito; Price it below $6k, sell it through a major dealer network and I’ll put my name on the list right now! Might even get rid of the Suzuki for this one…
  

• This is a beautiful bike and would be a much welcomed into the American marketplace. I would purchase one immediately if it were available.
  The marketplace needs an addition such as this for those who are not seeking larger displacement bikes. Please forward my strong support for this particular bike to Cagiva.
  

• The Suzuki 650s has opened a new category of bikes. Enter the new 73hp ducati entrée level monster and the list keeps on growing. If this 500 were priced right it would sell, but the sv650 is the bench mark in this area and it would have to match hp or be below in price.
  

• +1 On the need for an entry/(fun expert) bike under 600cc. Always a fan of 400cc race replica and the NT650, I would consider the purchase of a single based on the Mito 125 or a mini-MV.
  

• Just saw it at the CW “International” MC show in San Mateo, CA. I put the International in quotes, because we almost never see the Euro-only bikes on display at the annual CW show. So it was nice to see the Mito. I didn’t fill out one of the feedback sheets which were available next to the bike on display, but that was partly because I couldn’t find any information on specs – just the bike itself, & a pile of feedback forms asking how much I liked it, what would I pay for it, & so on. (Maybe I just overlooked the specs, which may have been displayed somewhere.) Anyway, after reading your article about this bike I am very taken by it. The ‘live’ one on display was also very nice-looking. As I get older (61 now) I find myself drawn to smaller, lighter machines – not bigger, heavier ones. The Gold Wing has no future in my garage, but a bike like the Mito might (along with the 650 Dakar I already own). Enjoy your website, thanks for it.
  

• Cagiva will have the track day segment that the Aprilia RS250 had cornered. You see Supermoto type bikes at track days more and more but a more sport oriented machine will do better. They will also corner the women’s market as well. A low, user friendly with sport bike styling will attract them along with the cache of being Italian.
  

• As the former owner of a MZ Skorpion Tour (stolen) I find this type of bike to a lot of fun if it handles well. Light weight with lots of tourque makes a great city bike
  

• Recently I was at the Seattle motorcycle show and really like the Husky supermoto. However I need more “road” styling to satisfy my likes. I think the Mito is a great looking bike as is. Bring it on folks! I have an 89 FZR 400 and this Mito reminds me of it as being an updated version of the much loved Fizzer. BTW my fizzer and I can put 600’s behind us fairly easily in most cases since I have it “dialed” to both me and equipment on it.
  

• I think this would be one of the most interesting bikes sold in the US (if
  they bring it here.) It would have very little competition in it’s market,
  though that market may not be large enough to make importing the Mito 500 a
  worthwhile venture for the company.
  
  I recently returned to riding from a 14 year break, and picked up a clean
  ’04 Ninja EX250… not the most exotic machine I’ve ever owned, but probably
  one of the more fun ones. I’ve upgraded tires & suspension a bit to account
  for my heavier weight and moderately aggressive riding style, which has made
  this bike more useful… but it would be nice to have a light/agile”modern”
  machine that has some motor to go with the handling.
  

• Just my 2 cents… Nice looking bike. Love it, in fact.
  
  
  I am one of the few odd-ball Americans that like and rides a single cyclinder motorcycle. I have a ’86 SRX600, ’87 SRX250 and a ’88 NX650.
  
  But, to be honest, I dont think it would be a wise financial move for Caviga to bring the bike to the US shores. It clearly would be aimed at the younger, sport bike rider, and they tend to buy inexpensive, high horsepower, multi-cylinder GSXRCBRZXRYZF bikes. Much like MZs history in the colonies, and even the American rider’s past lackluster interest in Caviga, there just was not a big market for them. They said the same thing about the SRX600, and finally, 20 years later, there is finally a demand for it.
  
  
  The Mito is cool, and would not mind seeing it here in the states, but I would not buy one. 20 years ago I would have, but now my 40 year old frame would not enjoy sitting on it for very long. Bring back the Elefant. There are enough adventure tourers here in the US that the Elefant would have a better chance of financial success.
  

• Very nice bike. I may buy one, but my fiance is more likely to.
  Overall it’s a very good idea – it hits a market segment that is
  currently occupied by very old designs (EX500/GS500). With proper
  marketing, the right price point and good word of mouth, this should
  sell well.
  
  I started on a GS500, and despite owning larger and much faster bikes
  (TL1000S, Daytona 955i), the GS still ranks as the most fun. It took
  me some time to realize that fun comes in the twisties, not in the
  straights. And it doesn’t take skill to make a high speed run, only to
  slow to a crawl in the corners.
  
  Other than for long distance rides, this Mito 500 may be a great bike.
  I only hope the single’s vibrations don’t create monkey butt.
  

• If they import that bike to the states, I would SERIOUSLY consider buying. Thanks for a great job and a great year!
  

• I would love to have a modern 500 cc with 60 hp. Standard dike 300 lbs. I currently have a Yam. SR500 35 hp. 320 lbs. Please build it and send it to the U.S.A.
  

• I would very much like to see the Mito 500 sold in the USA. If Cagiva needs an order to get started I would be happy to give them a deposit on 2 immediately.
  
  But as a WERA club racer the bike I would love to see is a version of
  the Mito SP525 equipped with the Husky single. This bike would be legal
  for WERA’s D Superstock and Clubman classes and in the right hands
  could be an immediate race winner. It would also be ideal for a race
  series similar to the Aprilia Cup series that was used to build brand
  awareness for Aprilia in the USA several years ago as well as being a
  nice tie in with the MV Superbike team running in the AMA series next
  year.
  
  Please pass my comments along to Cagiva and tell them I would be happy
  to help if needed. If you can get me the correct e-mail address for
  Cagiva I can post it on the WERA BBS to get Cagiva additional feedback
  from others.
  

• This is a bike that should be built. I think it would sell like crazy if it were competitively priced. ($5 to $7k area) I don’t think this should be a problem since they can sell Husky dirtbikes with the same engine for a similar price. This is the type of bike that is destined to become a club racing cult bike, ala Honda hawk, ex500, etc. Plus it would save me from trashing my 916 at the track…
  

• This would be a great bike. We have far to few choices in the smaller displacements. This would be and excellent alternative for new riders that don’t want the “Cruzer” Style as a first bike. Even here in Canada with lots of wide open stretches this would be a capable machine. In the Urban and core area the nimbleness of such a machine would also be greatly appreciated…..Bring it on Please!!!!
  

• If you build it, they will come!
  

• Do I want one? YES!!! Will I buy one? Well….that
  depends on many factors including price.
  

• Go go go! I will be a very funny twist sport bike!!!!
  

• Small thing but the Husky 510’s are 501cc
  
  similar marketing to KTM’s 525 being a 510cc motor…. go figure?
  

• I recently read your article about the Cagiva Mito 500, and it sounds and looks great. I’d definately buy one. I suppose I’m one of the 1% of the (US) population that likes small lightweight bikes—I currently ride a Suzuki SV 650. I’ve been riding it for a few years and tracked it a couple of times, and it’s tons of fun. I will admit I’ve always had a spot for the Italian style (Duc 916, MV F4 & Aprilia RSV, specifically)—but none of those fit 1) the price range I’m looking for, 2) have the nimbleness of my SV and 3) offer much reliablilty.
  
  A 500 cc, 300lb mito is perfect—IF,
  
  1) they keep the price down. ie, cheaper than a Japanese 4 cylinder
  
  2) they give it a good suspension—it seems that when manufacturers make
  smaller displacement bikes they equate them with “cheap” (or beginner)—I
  want a real bike that I can track—but without 140 hp—but I don’t want
  the front end chattering around like crazy.
  
  3) make it *somewhat* comfortable. I don’t think this will be too much of a
  problem, as this bike seems to be focused as a streetbike—but I hate the
  trend of some manufactures making essentially a street legal AMA bike.
  
  4) pipe dream—but I’d like SOME degree of reliability and service. I
  don’t want to have to wait 2 months for parts to come in…like I said, a
  pipe dream.
  
  So essentially, if they build a quality product that retains the styling and
  specs of what I’ve seen, for a reasonable price—then I’m definately in the
  market!
  

• Ever since Ducati’s 500 CC Supermono, the work of art that was, I have been hanging out for a lightweight 500cc sportsbike. I am the proud owner of a SV650 and love the light weight and performance it provides. At 49 I do not need 160HP I am too old and too scared of the results of applying that much HP at the wrong time. With the SV I can wring its neck and feel like I am flying yet it doesn’t break the rear wheel free or launch the front wheel skywards just because I hit the loud stop on the throttle. I need enough acceleration to beat most if not all sports cars and some handling to thrill through the corners. Fast in a straight line is easy, fast and smooth through the corners matters. The SV provides this approach to my riding style in spades. Something about a beautifully styled single and that sound appeals though. If I could buy a Supermono now I would and have both it and the SV. BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME.
  

• I would buy one, period.
  

• I would seriously consider purchasing a bike like the
  Mito 500. I currently ride an ’06 Ninja 500 and was
  planning on upgrading to a 600 sportbike in 2 years.
  The Mito 500 however is more attractive to me given
  the much lighter weight/better agility and surely much
  better fuel economy than a modern 600 would provide.
  The ergonomics would have to be comfortable for the
  street though; semi-sporty ergos ala CBR600F4i or
  Yamaha YZFR6s would be ideal.
  

• I like that bike idea a lot! I no longer have a sportbike and now ride a Suzuki DRZ 400 supermoto. I like the lightweight feel and handling of it and would really like to have something more sporty to ride as well. I think that Cagiva 500 would be a great addition to the garage!
  

• As an owner of a MZ Skorpion and a Honda GB 500, I would buy that 500 Mito in a heartbeat.
  

• I also am a fan of street singles, but we are a minority.I am in my 50’s and enjoy modern sportbikes, but in the corner of my garage I keep a pristine yamaha SR500 and SRX600 just for something a little different. Both bikes were good at the time but were sales flops along with Honda’s GB500. Now a GB and SRX will bring a good buck.Although I would like a good street single,they usually just don’t have the motor to run with the other guys out on the road,which is why a bike like the SV650 is so popular,narrow like a single but with highway manners. (I have one and the are great). I like the idea of the high output 450 V twin. Ride On,,,
  

• This would be a perfect second bike you’re a mid-20’s single guy! Especially down here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Please tell Cagiva to perform some more market testing!
  

• That would be an awsome bike if it were to come to the U.S. Hopefully, in the same form as the European bike. I live in So Cal and am sick of getting bikes that are restricted because of the EPA.
  

• Count this as a vote to bring the Mito 500 to the US. It sounds like the bike I’d like to see my girlfriend on. Currently she rides an ’89 VTR250 because she feels comfortable with the size and weight of the bike but she’d like something more modern that keep pace with 600’s on the street. Encourage them to bring it over, I’d have fun riding it too.
  

• It’s crazy that all of the manufacturers don’t see this as a viable market niche. It would be nearly an off the shelf effort should they so decide. Priced right this puppy will find a place here.
  

• The specs listed at the Long Beach show said that it had a 14 L gas tank capacity. They had a card requesting feedback, so my written comment was that it should be increased to 4.5 gallons, about 17L.
  
  It looked good with the white fairing as shown at Long Beach, but the muffler was not yet installed. Hopefully it will not gain a lot of weight in the transition from prototype to production.
  
  If they can get it here before the Japanese start to sell a similar product, they will get more sales.
  

• This bike should be released into the united states. I hope it makes it.
  

• Count me in – this bike seems like a great idea – easy to bring to fruition with existing production parts, street-legal, beginner friendly, FAR sexier than a Ninja 650, a worthy commuter or trackday star.
  
  It’s a segment that would have a large appeal, and one that no one seems interested in properly exploring here. So, given a value price point (ahem) I think Cagiva couldn’t possibly make enough of them to satisfy demand in the US.
  
  Cagiva: please please please bring this to the US. A sexy, affordable sportbike that’s fun for all riders… AKA “everyone’s 2nd bike.” This is exactly what I’d buy for a commuter/trackday-machine/loaner to my girlfriend. But watch your price point…
  

• If the Mito 500 is sold in the USA, I will purchase one or perhaps two. I will also likely purchase many maintenance items and replacement parts.
  

• This is Canada, but if you folks get it past DOT there’s a chance for us too. I’ll pass around the link to your page.
  

• Bikes like that have to happen in North America. The mainstream is starting to wake up to kids on 1000’s killing themselves, and if a few influentialborn agains get themselves smeared then noose will tighten all the faster.
  
  Of couse it won’t save every crazed teenager and you can still crash your
  brains out, but any help is welcome.
  
  I’m 20+ years on the street, and aching for another small sportbike that’s
  not a dog.
  

• I love it, and would consider buying one. Of course in the end I’d do like 99% of Americans and opt for a 4 cylinder sport bike that cost the same amount. The Japanese have tried the single cylinder bike thing and had extremely poor sales, IE the Ascot. Great bike but not a big seller in the bigger is better United States. Maybe an AMA racing series for singles with a few big name stars would convince us to give one lungers a chance…
  

• Tell Cagiva to build it and I’ll buy one for sure.
  

• Hi! I saw this bike at the San Mateo bike show but didn’t think much about it because of the Cagiva label-I thought it looked really good but I figured it was a European only model. I would like to see something
  like this for sale here but we come back to the old problem-will
  Americans be willing to pay what this is worth? How many people would
  actually buy one? Where is the nearest dealer? Harley wants single
  brand retailers, now BMW wants single brand retailers,and I’m hearing
  about Honda Powersports stores that sell everything Honda makes but
  nothing else. Who owns Cagiva anyway-Piaggio-Ducati-Aprilia? Allowing
  them to race against 600s might help-too much market uncertainty- I
  think if I was Cagiva I would stay away from the American market. Don’t
  mean to be a downer but I think it’s too small a niche in this country.
  I still think it is a pretty bike.
  

• Yes, Yes, Yes!! I want one of the Cagiva Mito 500. I saw it at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, Ca. It was one of the best bikes at the show. In my opinion it was better than the MV Agusta F4CC, because you could afford to ride it.
  

• I want one!
  
  I own and race a Skorpian Cup Replica in the SOS with AHRMA and
  D-Superbike/Superstock WERA classes in the Southeast. I love the
  bikes, but they’re getting long in the tooth and hard to find parts
  for, other than the Yamaha based engines. Finding one that is still
  street legal has been nearly impossible for me in the Southeast.
  
  I have an ’01 GSXR1000 that serves as my primary street bike, but I
  would love to find a bike like the MZ for the street. I’ve ridden the
  super moto style bikes, but just never came to terms with the riding
  position and style they require. My old Honda Hawk is looking at
  needing a new transmission, which means I have to buy a new engine for
  it, and it’s getting hard to justify the money for a bike that is
  wearing out. A serious, lightweight, single would push it out the
  door! The Suzuki SV is ok, but about 75 lbs overweight, and is too
  softly sprung for quick riding.
  
  Cagiva, bring the bike to the US!
  

• YES! I want one!!!
  

• I would definitely be interested in a bike like the Cagiva Mito 500. It would make a perfect garage companion for my Yamaha FJR1300!
  

• This is definitely a bike that I would like to have in my collection. It would fit right in with my R1, R6, and Zuma.
  
  Actually, I always wanted to have a street legal race replica grey market bikes like the 400cc 4-stroke or 250cc 2 strokes. Besides, it would be great to show up at Alice’s Restaurant (in Northern California) and put some of those liter bike posers in their place! hahaha.
  
  
  So Please Cagiva, bring this bike to the US!
  

• By all means send Cagiva my vote to build that bike!
  I’ve always liked smaller sportbikes, RD & RZ Yamahas, EX Kawasakis, MZ Skorpion etc. and there is a definite lack of choice here in the United States. I can’t believe I’m alone in these thoughts.
  

• I currently ride a Suzuki DR-Z400SM. A street single with a broad, low, and torquey power band is just a blast to ride on the backroads. The price needs to be kept low for the toy to sell well. A person doesn’t need too many gizmos just solid handling and braking. A naked version would be best.
  

• I live in Santa Cruz, CA and we have fabulous back roads here to ride through the Santa Cruz mountains, but few bikes can do them well. My Triumph Sprint can’t do the really tight stuff well at all, so I have to back it off completely on that type of road. I also have an ’83 Honda VT 500 Ascot which CAN do those roads reasonably well, but is limited by its primitive (by modern standards) suspension. The Cagiva sounds like it could do the trick with the factors of light weight, the torque of a thumper and modern suspension components. The price would have to be reasonable, however, not priced like a litre bike exotic. I would also love to see some of these local roads closed off for races, if possible, but I wouldn’t know where to begin to make that happen.
  

• You bet, bring it over. The line forms after me.
  

• Not another RR race replica? Make it into a naked ala SR500 and then bring it in.
  

• Hi.I for one,would LOVE to see this bike,or something similar in the U.S.I would buy this in a heart beat.I’ve been riding for many years,and my street skills are fine,but a bike like this could help me become an even better rider,and would probably be incredible fun.The perfect Sunday twisty road bike.I wish America would outgrow(pun intended)the “bigger is better”mentality.I’ll bet most riders,regardless of skill level,would have more fun and be in more control(and therefore safer?)on a bike like this.Bring this bike in,Cagiva.You’ve already got one sale.
  

• I want a bike like this Mito 500. I would have to have one if they made it.
  

• as a former racer of an SRX600… the 500 Cagiva would do it for my blood …. Few bikes would be more fun. Most of them would be supermotard’ers…
  

• I LOOOVE IT! I’ve lusted after the Mito 125s for a long time. Every time I visit Europe and see these gorgeous bikes I want to pack one into may checked baggage and bring one home. I own a Yamaha SRX 250 and I have more fun on that bike than any other that I own (including a F3). Please, please, please let Cagiva bring this bike to the US.
  

• In the late Sixties I owned a BSA Spitfire Hornet – Scrambler – (Now called Dirt Bikes) Fiberglass Tank and Side Covers – No Battery – Large Rear Chain Sprocket – Straight Pipes – No Silencers – Approximately 65hp Just about 300lbs. It was just about as fast as you could go in the 1/4 mile in those days for a street bike. Top Speed was about 110, with most of it obtained in the 1/4 mile.
  
  The bike was a dream to ride and the Fun Factor was 10+. I would recommend a Fun bike like the BSA to all riders and the Cagiva Mito 500 sounds like fun too. Cagiva should go for it in the USA.
  

• I have thought the manufacturers were missing alot of potential customers by not producing this sort of unit.
  
  Currently I ride a KLR650 with supermoto tires. It handles great, will do 100mph with my 250# on it. But it takes a ladder to get on the thing even though I am 6’1″.
  
  I don’t know if 500cc is enough though especially for a big person. But 650 shouldn’t be any more expensive to produce in reality.
  
  The Japanese manufacturers are commited to crotch rockets and Harley-wannabes. They don’t want to make it if it isn’t going to dominate sales IMHO.
  

• My friends and I have been talking about this for years. I live in the San Francisco Bay area which is a hotbed for small bikes and “cult” bikes. SV650s rule as well as grey market 400s, 250s, EX500s and all manners of supermotos. The niche for a true premium small displacement sportbike is just waiting to be filled. I was personally looking froward to the new Aprilia v-twin in an RS250esque chassis and am very surprised not to have heard any rumblings about it yet. Let’s hope it’s the beginning of a new era of performance efficiency rather than overkill.
  

• under 300 pounds with a Husky 500 thumper? this bike will outsell 600’s – a no brainer hit
  

• WOW! I too have longed for a sporting single since the demise of Honda’s GB 500 cafe and Yamaha’s SRX 600 standard.
  Neither had high tech frames, suspension or wheels like the Cagiva. Your right, the much lighter Mito would have a huge handling
  advantage over any multi-cylinder bike! Additionally, the weight difference over the current 600cc sportbikes would be equal to
  about 13 extra ponies towards acceleration! Finally, a bike more fun and capable than my SV 650 in the twisties!
  

• Get that thing to the US, for a non exotic price of course.
  

• Re: the Cagiva Mito 500, I want to race it…bad. I
  hope that Cagiva can find a way to make it worth their
  while to sell the bike in the US. Roadracers have
  bought SV650s by the bushel; can’t we do the same with
  this nifty little bike? I hope so. And thanks for the always interesting
  reading.
  

• Yes, yes, yes. Bring this bike, with a nice street legal and potent, easy to maintain single to the US!
  
  Yeah I know, we Americans are all “hung up” on bigger, badder, and faster machine, riding our Gixxer 1000’s, R1’s, and ZX1XXX’.s back and forth to the store, looking fast, while riding around big and heavy machines. But for “the rest of us”, those that already own a large displacement machine to take our longer rides on, or to put our partners on the back, who maybe do or don’t like the Super Moto style, used to be a dirt bike but now we ride them on the street style, the Mito 500 would be just the ticket.
  
  BTW, I’m 49 years young, have been riding street bikes since I’m 21, have ridden well over 250,000 miles and currently ride a ’99 BMW R1100S, and am looking to replace it in a few years when it rolls past 75,000 miles, or maybe hold on to it if I can find another bike to park next to it. Something light weight, sporty but not too uncomfortable, to tool around town and to head our for an occasional blast in the twistys. I live in Santa Barbara, CA, so twisty roads, great weather, and fun bikes are all part of the fun!
  

• Love your site. Love the Cagiva 500.
  

• I would be very interested in and probably would purchase
  a Mito 500, if it would use the 125 chassis and bodywork.
  The idea of “updating” the styling throws a big wrench in my works :
  MV will definitely not allow a direct copy of it’s styling, so would ‘bend’
  it “slightly” to create a “unique identity”. Unfortunately , that could too
  easily result in a style that would be ugly. Perfect example was Terblanches’ attempt to slightly change the tasty styling of the SuperMono to create the 900supersport – the result : a true styling disaster .
  The Mito 125 styling needs no updating, for Cagiva this would simplify
  everything – and keep the cost and final sales price reasonable, maybe.
  Thank You for touting a street single, we sorely need one.
  

• I love the idea! I’ve been a fan of four stroke singles for over 50 years. I would love to see more singles on the road!’
  

• Thank you for the article about the Cagiva Mito 500. I missed that bike at the Long Beach show; however, I would be very much interested in getting one for sure. I’m a newbie and have been looking around for the, what I call, old school race/street smaller displacement bikes such as FZR 400, and the 2 stroke 250s in NSR, RGV, etc. They don’t make smaller displacement sport bikes anymore. – L I’m short in stature and don’t want a super high powered 600cc bike, but I love the sport bike style over most bikes. I currently ride a Ninja 250 which is pretty much the only thing I feel comfortable on – Ninja 500 is ok, but really old design. I looked up the specs to the Cagiva Mito 125 (wish we could have it here) and the seat height it 29.9 in, which is only close to the Ninja 250, so I’m all for it!
  

• First of all, your website rocks. It’s my favorite place to check on happenings in the moto industry.
  
  I think you are right on with the Mito 500 concept. Having lived in Europe for a few years, I am familiar with the Mito 125. A bunch of Austrian friends from Der Reitwagen, a popular Austrian motorcycle magazine, used to ride and race them and they were known for having a high fun quotient. I also recall doing track days and occasional club races years ago with my RZ350 and always loved the feeling of a lightweight track machine. I think you make a key point – incorporate sexy Tamburini styling and you’d have a winner.
  
  Let us know how we can make it happen. I’d buy one.
  

• Yes, Yes, Yes, I would love to see this bike in the US. Do all the talking you can to Cagiva. A thumper street bike for the 90% of riding I do in town would be perfect.
  

• Che bono!
  

• Here’s my opinion of the Mito 500. I love it and would purchase the bike if it was priced at or below what most 600’s go for. I would also expect it to be somewhat comfortable, unlike the Ducati that the bike resembles.
  

• I am a person who was a more HP the better the bike type until I sold my TL 1000 and bought an 04 SV 650 S with full updated suspension (Gold Valves, springs / Penske rear), full exhaust and PC-III attached and my world was changed. It is so much fun being able to ride a bike on track day at 9/10’s versus a Big over-powered for my level bike at 6-7/10’s.
  
  So, yes, bring it, but bring it with a GREAT price. It can’t match the 600’s price and expect to win… No way.
  

• I enjoyed your article on the Cagiva Mito 500. While I wouldn’t buy one because of the racing position (lean-forward). It does appear to be a step in the right direction.
  
  I am one of those near extinct folk who rides because it’s practical. I
  have a 1996 Honda PC800. I use it on a daily basis for commuting to work
  (20 mile roundtrip), to the gym, groceries, etc.. I ride in all kinds of
  weather. I say near extinct since the manufacturers have all but forgotten
  us practical folks who don’t need, want, or can afford a race ready crotch
  rocket. Do I really need to go 200 mph? Do I really need to ride a machine
  that looks like it came off the set of easy rider that can’t handle anything
  more extreme than a 5 degree lean with a rear tire larger than my cars? My
  take on Harley and the clones (read as cruisers). Whatever happened to the
  UJM? Why can’t the manufacturers make something from 400-900 cc that offers
  standard seating (not leaned forward and not leaning back), with at least a
  half fairing, and shaft drive for $4-10k? While the sport-tourers come
  close, they are all well above 1000 cc and are priced from $10-$22k. I just
  need a commuting bike that could handle some light touring. I don’t need
  100+ hp and the ability to kill myself quicker. I don’t want to look like
  some dirt bag harley rider on a machine that can’t corner and costs way more
  than I want to spend.
  
  I know the maxi-scoots come close to this but I still like to row my gears
  and I want the larger tire. Honda does make exactly what I want. It’s
  called a Deauville (dullville by some) and is not offered in the states. Is
  that an indication of how the world views us since we don’t get the
  practical stuff?
  
  Just a rant from an old man.
  
  Keep those articles coming.
  

• Perfect starter for some wanna be racer boy. Just kidding as my wife really learned how to ride a lot better after she bought a Moto Guzzi 650 Lario. This mind you was years ago but the size and weight gave her a lot of confidence. I’m curious though how a 500cc single would sell
  here.
  

• would love to see more high performance singles brought to the US. Although I have raced AMA Pro MX and AMA Pro Superbike in the past I still get kicks from taking a “slower” (as compared to high HP liter bikes) lightweight good handling bike through twisty roads. A favorite bike is my RZ350, which I can flog and still be only going sane speeds compared to a modern 600 or larger sport bike.
  
  I belong to FSSNOC so I am obviously a singles fan. I also race KTM’s in Supermotard with Superbikers2 and I run dual-sports with a Husaberg FE400e and a Kawasaki KLX250S. My regular street ride is a 1999 Triumph 1200 Trophy or a 1980 Suzuki GS1100E. My next purchase will be a big KTM or Husqvarna dual-sport single but a Mito with the Husky engine would be a really big temptation.
  

• Slap a reasonable price tag on it and I think I’m looking at my next track bike! This has everything I would really need and nothing I don’t. As long as it is priced well and holds up to the reliability standards of the Japanese manufacturers, Cagiva has made an excellent bike for US enthusiasts.
  

• Can I have that in a v-4 two stroke?
  

• Gorgeous! If I can’t have a road legal 2 stroke anymore this might be the next best thing. If they can keep the price reasonable, (under $8k?), I’d buy one. I can see a spec racing class in the future and few tuning kits and suspension upgrade options….Light, fast enough and affordable….Oh, how I miss my RZ350!
  

• Make it please! Sportbikes are overkill for the street. This would be perfect.
  

• I’ve been dying for a new and modern 200-500cc sport machine! I’m praying for a redesign of the ninja250 into zx250r. I’m thinking an inline two or a smaller version of a parallel twin. I think it is long overdue!!! UM makes one but it is very heavy. We need machines to get into racing without having to spend $26,000 usd for a full blown, track only, race only bike and have to buy a trailer to get it to the track.
  

• I would seriously consider buying this bike. I’ve owned several bikes in the past and own several now. My favorite is my 1985 RZ350, I believe the Cagiva 500 could possibly run with this one. Of course it wouldn’t have that 2-stroke wail at full throttle but a sport bike single running wide open is something to think about.
  

• The perfect motorcycle is an updated Norton Manx. Aesthetically it is unparalled in its icon-like, sleek simplicity and straightforward ruggedness. Cagiva has a great opportunity here to introduce just such a motorcycle. The Mito 500 would be at the very top of my list of bikes to buy since it satisfies several criteria besides fantastic design: it is light weight, it is easy for the owner to work on, it should return respectable mileage for decent range and, given that it is based on the 510, should be very reliable indeed. I would initially market this bike to the younger (we can’t afford fast multi-cylinder bikes) and older riders (we love classic bikes, but not slow, heavy Honda 500 single
  Brit-bike replicas). It should be a go!
  

• All that for under $8,000. Put me down for one, maybe two.
  I have long dreamed of building basically this bike myself, if Cagiva/MV were to do it for me, I’d jump on it.
  

• This bike is made for the Ozarks, Tail of the Dragon, etc.
  I doubt it would be a sales hit as it doesn’t appeal to the 300mm tire crowd. If the price were around $6000 or less it would score big in the US but they don’t even seem to be able to get a Super Motard bike to these shores for that price. I’d be more tempted if it had that exact styling with the Aprillia 450/550 twin inserted.
  

• Obviously, everyone’s going to want this bike. What’s not to like? Only I’d like to see an under-mounted exhaust like a Buell or Kawasaki 636 instead of that bent straw looking affair.
  

• Yes! Yes! Yes! Bring it now !!!!!
  
  I’m currently shopping for a bike less than 300 lbs to carry on the back of my RV.
  
  I would like a bike I can do some time on and use it at home for a daily rider.
  
  My current options are the Ninja 250 ( a bit of a stretch for 2 up riding)
  
  KLR 650 — kind of tall in the saddle for me and over 300 lbs
  
  Other favorites are the Suzuki SV 650 or V-Strom 650, but both well over 300 lbs.
  
  There are some exotics and pricey motards that might fit the bill too.
  
  My RV hitch is rated for 300 lbs and Winnebago says it’s the heaviest load the frame is rated for. So, just going to a heavier rated hitch, doesn’t work unless I beef up the chassis frame on the RV.
  

• Yes, I’ll buy one! I saw the bike at Long Beach and loved it. Who do I make out the check to?
  

• I am riding my wife’s Ninja 250 and I must say we SHOULD get the
  Cagiva 500 here in the U.S.
  
  The 250 hauls ass if you just turn the throttle. A 500 is enough for
  street riding. There’s nothing like the power of a 1000, but, they
  burn alot of gas and Carl Fogerty said in his book that such bikes on
  the street are overkill and in fact dangerous. He said “slow down” on
  the street.
  
  Looks like a sweet bike.
  

• Man, we need something like that here. Make a great weekend bike and good for a small track, like the one we’ve got here. Watching people try to run 1000s on it is ridiculous. A little 500 would be a blast.
  

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.