SELF-INTRODUCTION
自己紹介

Name: Tsuchiya Unkai
Residence: Akiruno City, Tokyo, Japan
Date of Birth: June 25, 1971 (55 years old)

Motorcycle History
- 1987: Obtained motorcycle license.
- 1988: Switched from CB650 to GSX-R750.
- 1989: Purchased Kawasaki Tenkai.
　　 In the same year, inspired by the Paris-Dakar Rally, established BIG OFFROAD CLUB in Japan.
- 1994: Purchased a new CAGIVA ELEFANT900.
- 2017: Purchased a Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro and created graphics for "Lucky Explorer".　
- 2026: Owns two motorcycles, a 900 and a 750.

SNS
・Facebook account　/　 Unkai Tsuchiya
・Instagram account　/　unkaitsuchiya
・CLUB ELEFANT CAGIVA JAPAN　/　https://www.facebook.com/groups/5579883175407984
・BIGO FFROADF CLUB　/　https://a011w.broada.jp/bigoffroadclub/index.htm

CAGIVA ELEFANT Sales History in Japan
1994: Sold by Murayama Motors (a comprehensive import dealer specializing in foreign cars such as Cagiva, Ducati, Husqvarna, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, BMW, etc.). New car price at the time: 1.15 million yen.
*ELEFANT sales record: 10 units by dealers, approximately 30 units by private importers.　

My ELEFANT History
Purchased new in 1993.
1998: Upper section overhauled at 40,000 km.
2009: Engine replaced at 80,000 km (Only the engine was used after purchasing a used M900).
2021: Full engine overhaul at 110,000 km.
Full overhaul performed due to cylinder head bolt failure, along with crankcase replacement.
2024: Acquired and took possession of an ELEFANT 750, a vehicle previously owned by the late Mr. Kuroki (aged 48).
2026: Participated in the ELEFANT Meeting in Denmark and WDW.

Travel Details
This trip was to participate in the ELEFANT Meeting 2026 held in Denmark. I traveled from the UK to Denmark (Treffen), then to Italy (WDW), and finally returned to the UK.
For this tour, I had planned to transport my own ELEFANT900, but due to the strong yen and the Iraq War, the transportation costs skyrocketed (1.5 million yen round trip) and the transportation period was extended (more than two months), so I abandoned the plan. I borrowed a DUCATI Multistrada from Mr. Gavin in the UK to participate.　　　

Modifications to the ELEFANT900:
- Exterior replacement (Obtained and replaced a complete exterior set from a wrecked 1992 model vehicle)
- Rear suspension replacement (Replaced with a fully adjustable suspension unit)
- Down fender replaced with an up fender.
- Exhaust silencer replaced with a Moriwaki 'Zero' silencer.
　(Because the rear caliper interfered with the silencer when the rear suspension compressed)
- Fuel pump replacement (The original (vacuum-type pump) broke down in 3-4 years, so a Honda genuine electric pump was installed)
- Headlight bulb & taillight replacement (Replaced with LED bulbs & systems)
- Modified to single-seater as two-seater riding is unnecessary.

Troubleshooting
- Electrical system problems (burnt-out wiring connector (when new), burnt-out main harness connector near the battery (at 110,000 km))
- Front fork outer tube corrosion and cracks
　(Replaced with a part compatible with HONDA CRM250AR (Showa suspension unit))
- Shift return spring breakage and replacement ⇒ 3 times
- Headlight lens fogging, deformation and whitening due to bulb heat ⇒ Replaced with an overseas model part
- Turn signal damage due to aging and falls ⇒ Front and rear turn signals replaced
- Engine stop due to condensation in the fuel tank in winter ⇒ Regular tank cleaning
- Cylinder head bolt breakage during top-end overhaul ⇒ Result: Crankcase replacement
- Front stem lower bracket damage ⇒ Purchased and replaced with a used part (obtained from Sekaimon)

Photo Gallery

　
Original design color / Start of the roadmap touring rally in which parent and child participated.

　　
Makoto Nishinomiya's ELEFANT illustration 　　/ 　　Couple doing ELEFANT together

　
Studio shot of ELEFANT　　　　　 /　　　 　　At Ducati Museum

　
CLUB ELEFANT CAGIVA JAPAN 　　　　　/ 　　　　BIG　OFFROADF CLUB

　　　
KAWASAKI　KL650R 天涯　/　Multisrada1200ENDURO　　　/　　ELEFANT900 Engine overhaul