Gradually, after the acquisition of Ducati by Cagiva, the commercial line evolved, the motorcycle was redesigned and, from 1985, more powerful and powerful two-cylinder engines were used, competing in international sports competitions. The Cagiva Elefant, which competed directly with German and Japanese motorcycles in the prestigious 1987 Paris-Dakar "off-road" competition, was distinguished by the large fairing that covered the tubular steel and light alloy trellis frame. The air-cooled two-cylinder engine guaranteed a power of 80 hp at 8500 rpm and allowed the Italian motorcycle to reach a top speed of 185 km/h on dirt roads. All details such as the protective fairing, the Ohlins off-road shock absorbers and the low front fender correspond to a "typical" Sahara configuration that characterizes the design.