A brief history of Laverda twins before focussing ...

Laverda 750S Formulation

Laverda’s proud historical past mainly got here to an finish with this last mannequin – the 750S Formulation, after which the corporate was acquired by Aprilia in 2000 – who in flip have been purchased by Piaggio 4 years later, and so they have proven no real interest in reviving the title.

The parallel-twin’s engine design dates again to the five hundred Alpino launched in 1977, a motorbike designed to be a lightweight, sporty, on a regular basis machine. A marked distinction to their 1000 cc triples of the time.

The specs have been fairly superior with DOHC and four-valve heads. It was additionally the primary non Japanese manufacturing bike with a six-speed gearbox. The one main engine change through the 500s manufacturing life was the fitment of a counterbalance shaft in 1978.

Manufacturing ceased in 1982. Nevertheless the Alpino fashioned the premise for the extra well-known Formulation and Montjuic fashions. The motor (considerably up to date) was utilized in 1985 to energy the OR600 Atlas enduro bike. The corporate folded quickly after.

Quick ahead to 1993 when, after a few failed makes an attempt to resurrect the title by numerous teams, businessman Francesco Togon purchased the stays of the corporate and commenced promoting a spread of 650 cc bikes with redesigned motors based mostly on the 1985 600.

Capability was elevated to 668 cc and fuel-injection fitted. Fashionable components have been fitted akin to Paioli suspension and Brembo Goldline brakes.

In 1997 the 750S Formulation was launched. It featured an alloy beam body designed by Nico Bakker and main modifications to the motor.

As an alternative of air/oil cooling the 750 now had water-cooling together with a a lot greater state of tune with extra radical cams, remapped fuel-injection and carbon fibre Termignoni mufflers.

Upgraded wheels and brakes have been additionally fitted. Claimed output was 92 hp at 7500 rpm. Dry weight was 185 kg and prime velocity 225 km/h.

Nevertheless reliability continued to be an issue, significantly through the first two years of manufacturing. Quite a few engine modifications together with revised water pump assemblies, gasoline pump, extra sturdy steadiness shaft and improved stream from the oil strain valve have been included for the ultimate (1999-2000) years of manufacturing.

Aprilia fashioned a Laverda group throughout the firm which started to import low-cost quad bikes and scooters from Asia and promoting beneath the Laverda title. In 2003 a brand new SFC prototype, closely modified from the RSV1000 was displayed on the EICMA Present however generated little curiosity.

It was nevertheless a matter of too little too late and so after Piaggio took management, Laverda joined the ranks of defunct Italian bike producers.

Laverda 750S Formulation Specs