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Laverda Models Listed Below:


1200 (1) 650 (1) 668 (2)

All Laverda Reviews
Laverda 1200 1200cc 79 (T)
Overall Rating:
Review
I'm never sure if this bike was ever suited to British owners. The logbook on mine tells you something: 11 owners in 11 years and then it got me. When it works it's beautiful; when not it's hell. So what is it? Laverda was a small firm making 750 twins in the early 70s when they decided to add a third cylinder and make it a 1000. Then, to take on Harleys, they enlarged it to what they cheekily called 1200 (actually 1116cc). Then the importers persuaded the factory to build a version with ace bars, noisy "silencers" and a lumpy cam profile and called it the "Mirage". That's what I bought. So what is it like to run? It feels big and top heavy, but on the go it all comes together. The engine rumbles like farm machinery at idle, but let rip and the exhaust drowns everything and you cease to care. The best Mirages only have 90bhp, so you won't win a race today; but noise, huge torque and 3 accelerator pump carbs that squirt jets of raw fuel into the bores when you yank them make you feel you're fast, and very un-Honda like. Handling is poor by today's standards and braking on those twin cast iron discs gripped by simple twin piston Brembos is nothing great, but it's all predictable and the steering holds a tight line. Consumption is heavy - never over 36mpg and well under if cruising fast. The tank holds enough for 150 miles and looks bigger than it is as the frame occupies much of what it could hold. Electrics are solid but the alternator is weak. There are fixes, but an occasional battery charge, regular use and not riding on headlights in the day is simpler. Only the utterly deaf or those on phones won't notice you with that exhaust row. Pillion comfort is surprisingly good for those with longer legs. Reliability of the electrics (much is German) and mechanicals are better than you may fear, but expect to change rings at 50,000 miles or suffer smoking. Oh, yes that clutch. Later on Laverda made them hydraulic. The problem is the lack of leverage in its design means they are stiff. Keep them well oiled and use strong cables and it's OK. Yes, even in town. Parts are obtainable and the few dealer experts are really expert. In all, a big, loud, brute with soul. Government departments concerned with niceness won't like it. Try one before they're outlawed. You might fall in love.
Submitted by
Magnette in London on 08/05/2007
This review has been shown 3064 times
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Comfort

Handling

Braking

MPG

Reliability

Running Costs

Performance

Dream Appeal
Laverda 650 650cc 94/95 (M)
Overall Rating:
Review
Well, now on my second engine but had it painted monty orange :) It's the besy bike despite all the trouble - and I have had trouble. It has more character than Peter Sellers could play in one film!!!
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 25/09/2002
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Laverda 668 650cc Sept '99 (V)
Overall Rating:
Review
Well, not the most reliable bike I ever owned! The problem lies with the 668 engine which is tuned without any safety margins!! However the rest of the bike is fine and build quality (on mine anyway) was OK, but quality control does vary from bike to bike. Steel trellis frame designed by Nico Bakker so is very good, short 1375mm wheelbase gives great handling, fully adjustable front & rear Paioli suspension, Brembo Goldlines with braided hoses were fantastic. Under seat fuel tank gives very low C of G and improves handling but looks weird when at the pump. It has Magnetti Marelli fuel injection with pressurised air box where the tank should be. All in all very good except for the weak engine which has to be thrashed to within a whisker of its life. The 750 version is water cooled and by all accounts more reliable so buy one of them instead. Oh yeah I fitted Bos race silencers which make the parallel twin engine sound a lot better but did little for performance increase."
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 27/05/2002
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Laverda 668 650cc 98 (S)
Overall Rating:
Review
Incredibly good handling bike spoilt by rubbish electrics and dubious motor. Engine can be sorted at a price. Great and recommended if you are single, with no mortgage and plenty of time to get the spanners and multi-meter out. Michelin race pilots are well suited to this bike. Thanks for the experience, but I wouldnt have another (unless it was a Sunday only bike and cost me under a grand.)"
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 27/05/2002
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