IAN FALLOON
History of Laverda and how motorcycles evolved from agricultural machinery.
- Full description of the 750SFC and all variants
- How the 1000cc triple evolved
- Twin and Triple racing history
- Modifications to each model during the production run
- How the Laverda compared with the competition.
-Technical appraisal of the twins and triples
- Complete Appendices of technical specifications
Now part of the Aprilia - Moto Guzzi - Laverda group, Laverda has acquired a following of almost fanatical proportions. The large capacity twins and triples were some of the most charismatic and exciting motorcycles produced in a golden era. With a successful endurance racing program publicizing them, Laverda's twins soon earned a reputation for durability that wasn't usually associated with Italian machinery. Originally built for the British market, the 1000cc Jota was the fastest Superbike available in its day. While the twins faded before the end of the 1970s, the triples continued for almost another decade before dying with a whimper. By this time the company was in serious difficulty and went into receivership. Despite a resurrection in the 1990s, it is the classic twins and triples of the late 1960s through until the mid-1980s that Laverda is now famous for.
From humble beginnings in 1948, Laverda made the move into large capacity motorcycles in 1966. A successful racing program led to the release of the legendary 750SFC, followed by the 1000cc triple. This evolved into the spectacular Jota and a new-generation RGS during the 1980s.
