Manufactured to registration - 3 years missing

D

DucGuzzLav

New member
Location
Scotland
Hi New member wanting to dip his toe or whole foot into Laverdadom, I have Ducati and Moto Guzzi so it makes complete sense....
The bike I am looking at is a 1200, badged as Mirage. When looking at Laverdamania for a 1479, it showing a 1200 going to Germany, if I'm reading it correctly.
The date of 1st registration from HPI and DVLA is 1981 as the number plate suggests, so where could it have been for 3 years? I'm UK based and there is no record of import from Germany.
I hear Richard Slater has finally retired so is there another source for authentication? If I buy it I would like an age related plate if thats possible (My Lemans is also 1978)
It also has a hand painted silver frame and was once Orange in its life, now green
Thanks for any help received
 

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I can't see 1479 on the Laverdamania 1200 register. Do the frame and engine numbers match? Are they original or re-stamped? If it's a Mirage it should have 4C cams fitted. 1981 doesn't sound right, the numbers say 1978 as you have discovered.
 
Yes the numbers match but I reckon the 4 digits of the frame number have been added after the LAV.1200, the digit 1 is a different type set but the same as the engine stamping. On the engine its not the same star but one made with a small chisel or similar, is this normal? I don't know which cams are fitted. I'm testing it on Friday
Regards
 

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Thick web wheels,,,,,,olde style primary cover,,,,,it’s definitely pre 1981 production. I’m really surprised that Mirage 1200’s had 4C cams???
 
Looks like it has had a new frame fitted at some point, looks typical of replacement 1200 frame. I take that back - should have gone to SpecSavers.
Also, Laverdamania listings are user-moderated and unreliable. Apparently my bike is in Europe somewhere yet I have the original registration documents, Slater sales receipt, valuations, original Slater Laverda number plate, etc.
 
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Max said:
Looks like it has had a new frame fitted at some point, looks typical of replacement 1200 frame.
Also, Laverdamania listings are user-moderated and unreliable. Apparently my bike is in Europe somewhere yet I have the original registration documents, Slater sales receipt, valuations, original Slater Laverda number plate, etc.
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Is there a way to prove what it is with Slaters being gone and Richard now retired I believe?
 
Look to me like original stamping. If it is a Slater mirage it should have 4c cams fitted, if I'm led to believe.
I think Richard is still available for advice on dating but others would know if that is correct.
 
Richard can still provide authentication for bikes imported to UK by Slaters. I expect he will be at Malc Cox’s event at Willersley in a few weeks time if you fancy a trip down from Scotland.
 
With over 40 years under its belt this bike maybe made up of anything.
Laverda provenance is not like the higher volume manufactured bikes.
If you’re looking for a “pure” bike you would need to buy one from a single owner.
Without a DGM number stamped on that frame it may well be a replacement frame.
 
Andy J said:
Richard can still provide authentication for bikes imported to UK by Slaters. I expect he will be at Malc Cox’s event at Willersley in a few weeks time if you fancy a trip down from Scotland.
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I email him and got a quick answer. He can but the fee he charges in my mind and pocket puts me off a tad as I haven't even bought the bike yet. He also referred me to Graham Clemens in here I believe.
 
mauricejota7604 said:
With over 40 years under its belt this bike maybe made up of anything.
Laverda provenance is not like the higher volume manufactured bikes.
If you’re looking for a “pure” bike you would need to buy one from a single owner.
Without a DGM number stamped on that frame it may well be a replacement frame.
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Good reflection on what it is. I've come to the conclusion that the provenance isnt as important as the riding experience and to embrace the enjoyment the bike provides. I test rode it tonight, loved most of it with a couple if niggles. Clutch is heavy as expected but gear changes aren't slick as if the plates aren't separating fully. I think I'll buy it tomorrow
 
The left hand side panel blew off on the test ride yesterday, any suggestions for a replacement, either to match what is there or the correct Mirage one? Ta
 
DucGuzzLav said:
The left hand side panel blew off on the test ride yesterday, any suggestions for a replacement, either to match what is there or the correct Mirage one? Ta
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The rubbers where the nopsis of the side panels stick in are often old and hardened. Replacing (OCT has them) cures this issue. Also you could add a restraint rope or rubber strap at the upper front edges of the side panels, can be done nearly invisible and will at least avoid loosing (and damaging / destroying) a side panel. Mr. Sock has described it somewhere here.
 
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Jo said:
You could add a restraint rope or rubber strap at the upper front edges of the side panels, can be done nearly invisible and will at least avoid loosing (and damaging / destroaing) a side panel. Mr. Sock has described it somewhere here.
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3c right hand side panel.

Morning everyone, does anyone know where I can get a Right hand side panel or moulding for my 3c . It made a bid for freedom last night when I was checking the top side of the rev counter .
laverdaforum.com laverdaforum.com
 
Andy J said:
Richard can still provide authentication for bikes imported to UK by Slaters. I expect he will be at Malc Cox’s event at Willersley in a few weeks time if you fancy a trip down from Scotland.
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I'm working on this, thanks for the heads up. To be sure is it 3/4th August?
 
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