Who loves a Laverda?

G

general_piffle

Active member
Who else here is a fan of Laverda? I came rather late in life to the party. Although I’d been aware of them for decades I only really knew about the obvious Jota.

Until 5 or 6 years ago when I discovered the 750 twins. Build quality is excellent, really, really solid. Character by the bucket load. I now have a 1971 750 SF and a 1969 750 GT. Quite different (in terms of power delivery and characteristics) bikes but great fun to ride!

IMG_2813.webp


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Laverda 750 GT 1969_1.webp

Laverda 750 GT 1969_12.webp
 
I have only read many great stories praising these bikes but have never encountered one. They must be very rare in this country
 
A mate had a gen 1 180 pre-Jota series 3C/E with right foot gear change and wire wheels. It was a bit of a brute with a horrendouly heavy clutch pull and no brakes to speak of. Mechanically sound but it had the crappy 140W Bosch alternator and it's electrical issues made a '70's Guzzi look like a model of reliability.
It was a great bike but had he not been such a purist for originality he'd have been better off with a later orange 120 model. I'd have one if I could spare the money.

Not this particular bike but one identical to it.

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Char said:
The only bike I wish I still had - used to commute to work on it - sold it when I was 27 and got pregnant 🙄 & bought a pram & a washing machine 😂View attachment 136921
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Hmm, which would I have...? :unsure:
On balance I think I'd take the Guzzi. There's an original and extremely tidy 850 Lemon for sale at M&S in Newcastle for not big money. It's a good job I've got none left or there'd be another bike in the lock-up demanding attention and money.

Moto Guzzi Le Mans – M&S Motorcycles Newcastle

mandsmotorcycles.co.uk mandsmotorcycles.co.uk

Trouble is I'd have to have their 1100 Sport as well...

Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport – M&S Motorcycles Newcastle

mandsmotorcycles.co.uk mandsmotorcycles.co.uk

They did have a couple of 750 Laverdas. I notice they've been sold but the Guzzis are still there.
 
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Gimlet said:
Hmm, which would I have...? :unsure:
On balance I think I'd take the Guzzi. There's an original and extremely tidy 850 Lemon for sale at M&S in Newcastle for not big money. It's a good job I've got none left or there'd be another bike in the lock-up demanding attention and money.

Moto Guzzi Le Mans – M&S Motorcycles Newcastle

mandsmotorcycles.co.uk mandsmotorcycles.co.uk

Trouble is I'd have to have their 1100 Sport as well...

Moto Guzzi 1100 Sport – M&S Motorcycles Newcastle

mandsmotorcycles.co.uk mandsmotorcycles.co.uk

They did have a couple of 750 Laverdas. I notice they've been sold but the Guzzis are still there.
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I love a Guzzi. I have almost certainly decided that it`s quite likely that there is a strong possiblity that the next proper bike , as opposed to Winter Hack , that I buy might be an MG Mandello. Just waiting for them to get a little older as you can`t trust a new model MG as the first owners do a lot of R&D.
Speaking of Winter Hacks, I`ll dust off the old thread as I have my eyes on a beauty.
 
Dukesox said:
I love a Guzzi. I have almost certainly decided that it`s quite likely that there is a strong possiblity that the next proper bike , as opposed to Winter Hack , that I buy might be an MG Mandello. Just waiting for them to get a little older as you can`t trust a new model MG as the first owners do a lot of R&D.
Speaking of Winter Hacks, I`ll dust off the old thread as I have my eyes on a beauty.
Click to expand...
I like the Mandello Adv. I could see myself having one when in a few years time when used ones are cheap.
A vintage Guz I'd love. Very usable bikes. When fettled they're solid, reliable and simple to maintain. If I could spare the cash I'd probably buy the LeMans posted above. Less so the 1100 Sport. Looks gorgeous but quite a flawed bike that promises more than it delivers. The LeMans just is what it is. You could ride it every day. Not quite a winter hack though...
 
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