Bikers: anyone rides Laverda?

[beepbeep]

Hello!

I know there is a population of riders here at Pelican parts so I wonder of someone can give me a few hints about bike I'm to purchase.

I'm contemplating buying a vintage Laverda.

It's kitted out 1200cc Mirage from 1978 with trick dampers, hotter cams and 180 degree crank.

All suggestions about what to look for are welcome!

[Steve Carlton]

Try posting your inquiry in the R1100S/R1200S forum as well. Might be somebody there who knows about Laverdas, or where you could look.

[ljp911]

I have ridden several Laverdas of that era and the later 120 crank versions. I'm not sure how familiar you are with these bikes but the Mirage is definitely a "tall" bike and the 180 crank gives a unique vibration sensation. At least in the states, the mirage was a detuned version of the Jota with larger displacement. I would confirm this for the version you are looking at because if it just has the hot cams but still has the emissions(smaller) carbs and choked exhaust the power will be kind of flat. Do all three and the bike will rip. Don't know the current parts situation but the bikes that I know have been reliable. One of my friends has a Jota from that era that he bought new and still rides it. Just normal maintenance.

[beepbeep]

Thank you for the info!

Bike has bigger 36mm carbs, 3-1 race collector, Norris race cams and Ohlins dampers. Still 180 deg. crank but I really like the sound. Engine has been rebuilt recently.
Looks kinda brutish but I like the looks.



/G

[ljp911]

Wow, so that's what you mean by "kitted" out. Looks like tons of fun.