Another one bites the dust.

sfcpiet said:
Well Kev, probably not what you want to hear/read, but a Laverda doesn't seem to be the right bike for you... unless you have a skilled mate willing to help you out. Having everything done by professionals will quickly drain your piggy bank, spares are disappearing and prices rising steadily. '90s Ducatis are low-maintenance and pretty cheap in comparison.

Although often being described back in the day as "rugged" and "indestructable", the big Breganze Laverda twins and triples are actually quite fickle. If maintained to a high level, they actually are rugged and indestructable. But unfortunately, many most bikes on the market have rarely experienced the TLC they require, hence many struggle from one breakdown to the next, requiring constant attention. This is where a fairly high level of skill and dedication comes into the equation, next to a definite willingness to part with hard-earned cash, should the occasion arise.

Best option, if you really, really want one, is to find a bike that has gone through a total and thorough rebuild from a trustworthy restorer. Have documented steps of the rebuild shown, not just a shiny bike in a dimly-lit shed. Do not fall into the trap of fresh orange paint and new chrome, you need to actually scratch the surface to find a good, honest bike. Don't be fooled by low-mileage odometers unless proof is supplied. I've come across a good number of very expensive polished turds, with the owner having to sink (at least) the same purchase amount into the bike, just to get it roadworthy, safe and rideable. Good bikes are not cheap, expensive bikes are not always good...

Laverda ownership can be a deep pond, depends on how carefull you are if it turns out to be muddy or clear. If looking at a bike with the intention to buy, take along somebody that intricately knows his way around them, not somebody that briefly once had one 35 years ago. There's a lot more to see than what meets the eye!

Above all, Laverda built more than just Jotas. They might be the most exciting for some, but other models can offer a far more pleasant riding experience.

piet
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Words of wisdom.
Keep away from old motorcycles unless you can do 90% of the maintenance and repairs yourself.
Laverda is rapidly joining the fray of vintage and veteran machines. Very little parts and very little expertise.
Keep away from orange Jotas. Too fashionable, attracting a lot of people out to make an easy buck.
As I said, perhaps cynically, the one advantage of the situation is that the ever diminishing group of Laverda riders will have plenty of parts in the coming years from machines wrecked by inexperienced hands. When the owners have understood that their bike isn't worth much that is, which is going to take a while unfortunately.At the moment, sellers and buyers are riding the crest of a hollow dream wave.

Paul

Paul
 
I fear you are right Piet
After the dramas with getting a 916 sps recommission and back on the road after being laid up for many years prior to my ownership, a few lessons have been learnt!! Going to learn how to do basic belts/valves desmo services, starting with 900 2 valve engine I have. ( this will also help stopping wife realising how much these poxy thing cost to keep on the road :-) )
But if I'm going to live the Laverda dream (wire wheeled 3c is my personal favourite) I will need to start with very sound bike.
Regards Kev
 
My take on the subject is that old bikes such as ours no longer hold any interest to the average punter but the 'look' does. Seems that a large section of the motorcycle community are into 'retro' but without the hassle of keeping an old bike on the road. Triumph have cottoned on with their range, surprising the Jap manufacturers haven't.
I get disappointed when I see photos of blokes and blokettes done up in Rocker gear mounted on bikes with disc brakes.
Gotta be real, not retro.
Rant over, and don't forget, all hipsters must ...
 
Legs said:
My take on the subject is that old bikes such as ours no longer hold any interest to the average punter but the 'look' does. Seems that a large section of the motorcycle community are into 'retro' but without the hassle of keeping an old bike on the road. Triumph have cottoned on with their range, surprising the Jap manufacturers haven't.
I get disappointed when I see photos of blokes and blokettes done up in Rocker gear mounted on bikes with disc brakes.
Gotta be real, not retro.
Rant over, and don't forget, all hipsters must ...
Click to expand...
Good one! Retro is just pretending...

Imo, Kawasaki did a good job with their W650/800 when "retro" was beginning to be a thing. I actually thought of buying one, but already having a bunch of Lav twins, that didn't make much sense. But, the bevel drive OHC was very appealing! Reckon it failed on the market mainly because it lacked power. Being air-cooled, it didn't stand a chance to pass the current emissions regulations so it has sadly disappeared. I test rode the Royal Enfield 650 last sommer and was pleasantly surprised, especially of the build quality, which was far better than expected. They're selling quite well, better than the W650 it seems. Maybe their clientele has lowered their expectations a bit as it has much the same power as the Kawasaki, and it costs only 1/2 of the Triumphs. Tried out a Triumph Street Twin as well, works nicely, perfect build quality, but far too much power, sort of defeats itself. Cruising and travelling on a gentle twin doesn't require 100 ponies. But, for a generation brought up on the notion that a family hatchback needs at least 200hp under the bonnet, a 100hp bike may only seem borderline adequate... it apparently ticks all the boxes for some.

piet
 
Good points being made generally about Lav ownership. Many of us on the forum are very experienced long term owners. As the inevitability of age catches up some of these well kept good bikes come up for sale, and as Vince has pointed out the club in England is a good place to start. Otherwise there are as Piet said some few reputable restorers, and the highly reputable workshops could point you in their direction. It is great to see younger people getting onto Laverdas.
 
It's possible that owners who decided Lavs were the right material to initiate their foray into mechanics is the reason that so many coming on the market have major probs.

There was something about them - including the excellent owners manuals - that prompted owners to 'have a go'. Once a hack got their hands on an example that probably just needed a good freshen up by an experienced operator, the number of things that could jeopardise that bike's future would increase exponentially. I've seen some incredibly horrible stuff(ups) over the years.
 
welll going by the interest yesterday at the hub there were 550 bikes there of all shapes and sizes - we had around 12 Laverdas at any one time and 3 people specifically asked about finding a green Mirage so for me the buyers are still out there who want the brand - yes of course pricing has something to do to with but that Orange and silver is on the money at 15k - Joan Collins would not be on sale for any less - challenge is to find one for less and they are out there - the ones on the money doesnt matter the model all move on ! Membership of ILOC has been on the up for 2 years and more now
 
Sir Sidney Ruffdiamond said:
welll going by the interest yesterday at the hub there were 550 bikes there of all shapes and sizes - we had around 12 Laverdas at any one time and 3 people specifically asked about finding a green Mirage so for me the buyers are still out there who want the brand - yes of course pricing has something to do to with but that Orange and silver is on the money at 15k - Joan Collins would not be on sale for any less - challenge is to find one for less and they are out there - the ones on the money doesnt matter the model all move on ! Membership of ILOC has been on the up for 2 years and more now
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They don't want the brand, they want a green Mirage because orange Jotas are too expensive.
Paul
 
kev900sl said:
I fear you are right Piet
After the dramas with getting a 916 sps recommission and back on the road after being laid up for many years prior to my ownership, a few lessons have been learnt!! Going to learn how to do basic belts/valves desmo services, starting with 900 2 valve engine I have. ( this will also help stopping wife realising how much these poxy thing cost to keep on the road :) )
But if I'm going to live the Laverda dream (wire wheeled 3c is my personal favourite) I will need to start with very sound bike.
Regards Kev
Click to expand...
I can't imagine owning a Laverda and not being able to do my own servicing. And the same goes for any Ducati. I just put a 1988 Paso back on the road. Had been sitting since 2003. Had but 7,000 miles on it, but of course I had to go through everything, starting with belts and checking valve clearances, which thankfully were spot on. It would have cost far more than the bike is worth had I sent it out for recommissioning (Paso values are basically in the toilet), but doing it myself kept expenses in check - mostly - and allowed me to learn a great deal about my Paso, an education that will help me keep it on the road for years to come, I hope. Have fun with the 900, and with luck you'll find a nice Laverda. They are out there, just not easy to find ...
 
kev900sl said:
I fear you are right Piet
After the dramas with getting a 916 sps recommission and back on the road after being laid up for many years prior to my ownership, a few lessons have been learnt!! Going to learn how to do basic belts/valves desmo services, starting with 900 2 valve engine I have. ( this will also help stopping wife realising how much these poxy thing cost to keep on the road :) )
But if I'm going to live the Laverda dream (wire wheeled 3c is my personal favourite) I will need to start with very sound bike.
Regards Kev
Click to expand...
Im not sure if these videos will be any good to you, https://bradthebikeboy.blogspot.com/2019/07/ducati-2v-valve-clearance-timing-belt.html
Brad does some really good videos on maintenance and helped me out very kindly for free, online, to sort out issues with my 750ss from 95. He is really amicable, and a great teacher
 
sideshow said:
Im not sure if these videos will be any good to you, https://bradthebikeboy.blogspot.com/2019/07/ducati-2v-valve-clearance-timing-belt.html
Brad does some really good videos on maintenance and helped me out very kindly for free, online, to sort out issues with my 750ss from 95. He is really amicable, and a great teacher
Click to expand...
Many thanks, I going to watch as many videos as possible & paw over Haynes manuals. Also slowly starting to amas tools needed to be self sufficient.
 
IMHO Laverdas are no harder to fettle than any other bike around, in fact, I find mine much easier than the bloody Ducati Monster that I also own.
There are no real 'gotchas' as far as I'm concerned as long you take your time and have a few basic tools, starting with a good quality socket.
Take your time, ask questions and when a specialised tool is required, don't bodge.
 
Legs said:
IMHO Laverdas are no harder to fettle than any other bike around, in fact, I find mine much easier than the bloody Ducati Monster that I also own.
There are no real 'gotchas' as far as I'm concerned as long you take your time and have a few basic tools, starting with a good quality socket.
Take your time, ask questions and when a specialised tool is required, don't bodge.
Click to expand...
Yes, but us older types expected to get our hands dirty. A lot of younger motorcyclists don't even tension their chains but find older bikes attractive.
Paul
 
Yes, but us older types expected to get our hands dirty. A lot of younger motorcyclists don't even tension their chains but find older bikes attractive.
Paul
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They are called hipsters 😉
That's true, but if you are in to old bikes and want to get your hands dirty, Laverdas are no more challenging than many others. They are based on sound, basic engineering principles that give them a head start on many other brands I can think of.
 
Legs said:
They are called hipsters 😉
That's true, but if you are in to old bikes and want to get your hands dirty, Laverdas are no more challenging than many others. They are based on sound, basic engineering principles that give them a head start on many other brands I can think of.
Click to expand...
Yes but....
We luckily, for the moment, have people doing cranks and triple cam blocks. And a wealth of knowledge.
Paul
 
The sort of 'previous owner' I'm talking about comes to mind when I see things like holes drilled in primary covers so idiots can tension their primary chains. Bad work can turn simple stuff-ups into lifelong issues and create lemons from previously strong and reliable bikes..
 
What Piet said about the fickleness of Laverdas due to poor maintenance over the years by DPOs is true for any 1970s/1980s motorcycle, or indeed any older machine. Laverdas are simple machines, very similar to 1970s Japanese superbikes. *Any* poorly maintained old bike (or car) will present the same issues as a similarly maintained Laverda, and some will have more, like 1970/80s Ducatis, Nortons, and Triumphs.

The primary difference is generally better availability of professional mechanics and parts for BMWs and Japanese bikes, though that easily becomes a problem. It's difficult or impossible in many areas to find shops to work on old Japanese and Brit stuff, like in the greater Seattle area. There's no one left around here to work on old Brit stuff, for example, and most shops that work on older bikes won't touch anything with carburetors.

It boils down to what Marx said: Best to learn - and do your own - proper wrenching if you want to own any bike more than 25 years old.
 
True enough Rob7, but I console myself that the true value of our bikes is actually in how they make us feel when we are in the saddle and on the open road. An idealistic thought I know, but it's why my garage is full of bikes and not chunks inanimate art. My son, now 24, hasn't the slightest interest in bikes, despite being around them (and witnessing the thrill I get) since the day he was born.
Times, they sure are a changin'.
 
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