Laverda was introduced to the American market via three models called the S, SS, and the GT. The catch is that the bikes were not officially Laverdas – they were American Eagles, the brainchild of Jack McCormack. McCormack’s story is an interesting one – after working for Honda, and showing Suzuki how to bring their bikes to the states, he …
Alternate Laverda Project – 1971 American Eagle Renegade 150
Post Listing Update: The BIN was lowered to $999 but that still wasn’t enough to entice anyone to pick up this rare Laverda project. As you’ll note in the comments, however, afterwards one of John McCormack’s sons bought this American Eagle! I’ve featured a few American Eagle models in the past – the brand was John McCormack’s attempt at importing …
Numero Uno – Laverda SFC1000
View Post1962 Laverda 60
Did you know that Laverda made scooters? I sure didn’t. In 1959, Italy changed their highway code, allowing for riders without licenses to finally use ‘mopeds’ without pedals, as long as they were limited to 40 km/h. Laverda immediately started building a 4-stroke scooter with a 49cc engine.
In England – 1972 Laverda SFC 750 Mk I
View Post1978 Laverda Jota America
Despite the name, the Laverda Jota America was a 3-cylinder superbike that was rarely seen in the United States. With an odd crankshaft design (180 degree flat crank), the Jota produces a very unique sound that owners enjoy.
Stored for 25 Years – 1984 Laverda RGS 1000
Post Listing Update: This Laverda RGS did not get any interest at the BIN of $11,500 on eBay. A true sport tourer, the Laverda RGS one of the last manifestations of the big triple, though it was much tamer than the beloved Jota unit thanks to different crankshaft timing and rubber engine mounts. Some felt that the engine lost a …
Needs Some Work – 1985 Laverda SFC 1000
Here’s one of the last examples of the Laverda brand – the SFC 1000. A limited edition last gasp from the Italian firm, just 200 were intended to be produced, none for export to the US. So here’s your rare opportunity to snag one.
1973 Laverda 750 SF1
The evolution of the SF (Super Freni/Super Brakes), the SF1 was introduced in 1973 and evolved with a Denso speedo/tach instead of the prior Smiths gauges plus a new exhaust system.
Not Orange – 1984 Laverda RGS
Post Listing Update: This RGS did not meet reserve despite 15 bids up to $8,500. A true sport tourer, the Laverda RGS was one of the last manifestations of the big triple, though it was much tamer than the beloved Jota unit thanks to different crankshaft timing and rubber engine mounts. Some felt that the engine lost a bit of …
In Italy – 1977 Laverda LH4
For me, hearing “Laverda” evokes an image of a big, loud, (and of course, very orange) street bike. But the Italian firm occasionally also dabbled into off-roaders – one of their more serious attempts was in the late 70s, with the LH4.
Race Prepped – 1977 Laverda Jota 1000
5-9 Update: Find this Laverda Jota for sale in Dripping Springs, Texas with bidding up to $8,100 and the reserve not yet met or a BIN of $14,795 here on eBay. Laverda had been enjoying some decent success with its 3C model, a 1,000cc triple that provided more power than the twins it succeeded with minimal extra weight. The British …
1998 Laverda Ghost Strike 668
Talk about a fantastic name for a motorcycle. The Laverda Ghost Strike is one of the many variants the Italian firm pushed out in the late 90s that were powered by either the 650 or 668cc parallel twins. Laverda actually offered a Ghost and a Strike as separate models, the former a trellis-framed naked bike, the latter a perimeter-framed naked. …
In Italy – 1972 Laverda SFC 750 Mk I
Say hello to the Laverda 750 SFC, a limited-production, street-legal racer that was probably the most iconic bike to ever come with the Laverda name on the tank.
In NZ – 1981 Laverda Formula Mirage
A limited production model done up by the well-known Slaters Laverda of England, the Laverda Formula Mirage as a rebodied, upgraded Mirage that polarizes the Laverda faithful.