Extreedoc
Well-Known Member
The Laverda: Pretty disappointing, I came from a Velocette Venom and a Triumph 350 with the engine converted to 500cc Tiger 100 spec so you would think the Laverda would seem like a real rocket ship after those two wouldn't you? I was disappointed with the acceleration, it just wasn't as good as I was expecting. The handling wasn't as good as you would expect for an Italian super bike either, Ceriani front forks were ok but the Marzochi rear dampers were a bit boingy, probably needed new dampers... The worst thing about it though were the brakes: those big TLS drum brakes were vicious at lowish speeds, one finger could lock the front wheel but from high speeds they faded terrifyingly. Coming down a motorway off-ramp and trying to stop for the island at the bottom was a brown trouser moment. They binded terribly too when under way which could have had something to do with the fade. I fitted all new links in the brakes but it still binded, never did get to the bottom of that problem. It only did 25 to the gallon as well. Those damn Dell Orto pumper carbs. Did it have a good side? Well it would happily cruise at 100 mph, the seat was very comfortable and the headlight was absolutely brilliant. Better than the 8" Bosch headlight on my 900cc BMW.
