Laverda Motorcycle Reviews


Read Laverda 1200 motorbike reviews. These have been written by owners of Laverda bikes for the benefit of fellow bikers. Read other Laverda owners' personal opinions of Laverda motorcycle ownership. You can also submit your own Laverda 1200 review.

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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
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