Presentation new member: Laverda 1000 3CL 77' from Spain

[Roc N.]

Hi everyone,


Not sure if "General Discussion" is the right place to post my intro—feel free to point me in the right direction if there’s a better section!


This is my very first post here after a few weeks of lurking in the shadows, soaking up all the knowledge I could about my latest “acquisition.”

I’ve been messing around with bikes for many years, and in recent times I’d been more into Harleys. But my father owned a 1976 Laverda 1000 for many years, and sadly it was sold 20 years ago after he passed away. Ever since then, I’ve had it in the back of my mind to own one, especially since his bike ended up leaving the country.

A few weeks ago, as I often do, I was browsing local classifieds—and there it was! A red 1977 Laverda 1000 3CL: mostly complete, not too far from home, and at a price I couldn’t say no to. It had been tucked away in a barn for over 20 years, so I guess we can call it a proper “barn find.”

The condition isn’t too bad either: no serious rust, pretty complete, and just a few of the typical “creative” modifications often see on Spanish bikes.

Like most of you, I’m sure everyone loves a good story and some photos to go along with a barn find, so here we go!


These shots are from the day I went to check it out. As you can see, someone fitted a Puig fairing, it seems also a wrong front mudguard, steering damper, questionable rear indicators, air conic filters,...







Already at his provisional home:







The brakes are seized, the throttle is stuck, and there’s a long list of other things that need to be checked or replaced.


All the opinions are welcome, i'm quite sure that there are many things that i'm not seeing since i'm just starting on Laverda's world so I will be glad to hear from you.

I would also be grateful if you could recommend me the essential modifications to ensure it works properly, as well as the best websites for spare parts, although I have already looked at some such as Laverda Paradise and JLO.

Many thanks! I'll keep you posted!

 

[Paul Marx]

Very nice Bagster tank bag fitting.
If you don't intend keeping it, I'll take it off your hands with pleasure. Mine has all but given up the ghost after 40+ years of use.
Paul

 

[Vince]

Paul Bagster tank bags are still in business. I was looking at them for the plastic Atlas tank. As to the bike, it's a bit of a Gem. That's a pretty nice fairing, but mounting it off the engine wouldn't be my first choice. Take extra care when using the standard sidestand; they're not very stable and can tip over easily. There is a kit that's way better for not a lot of money. It appears to have provision for an extended clutch arm, which saves wrist-damaging hard clutch pulls. I love them, some don't. From the outside, it looks fantastic. With a bit of work, it wouldn't take much to have a great looker. But who knows what the inside is like? Add some internal engine lub down the plug holes and inside the rocker box., I hear Marvel Mystery Oil works well on unsticking rings, etc. After getting it to push around the workshop stage, getting it to start would help relieve anxiety a lot.

 

[Tippie]

Consensus seems to be that the best improvement to running is updating the ignition and charging systems.

 

[Sir Sidney Ruffdiamond]

One never knows why a bike becomes a barn find - drop the oil and check the filter obviously - new battery to see if she sparks - drain the tank and have those carbs off - the engine could always be the biggest can of worms - good luck

 

[jko_78]

Welcome, and although I can't really help with the tech stuff, I hope the reason it became "barned" isn't extremely serious!

 

[Schurminater]

Welcome to the forum and to Laverda ownership,i'm liking the look of the bike,it obviously need a bit of love and attention but get her up and running and you won't be disappointed.
Lots of information within these pages and some real experts on hand to give genuine advice so good luck check all the basics first and keep us posted as you go.

 

[sfcpiet]

Could be a good find, maybe not... very often a bit of a lottery.

If the engine turns, might be a good idea to drop some oil into the cylinders and give it a spin on the starter (if it still works) without plugs and carbs. A compression check after that might give an impression on general condition of the engine, ie, leave it in one lump or tear it down without further ado. As previously stated, there's usually a reason for a bike being relegated to the back of a shed/barn.

Ignition would be the most required mod, the originals are mostly broken or on the verge of giving up, a couple of aftermarket systems to choose from. Definitely the best single mod for these engines.

Brakes and carbs alone are going to keep you busy for a bit. I can supply most overhaul kits and spares for both.

piet

 

[Paul Marx]

Paul Bagster tank bags are still in business. I was looking at them for the plastic Atlas tank. As to the bike, it's a bit of a Gem. That's a pretty nice fairing, but mounting it off the engine wouldn't be my first choice. Take extra care when using the standard sidestand; they're not very stable and can tip over easily. There is a kit that's way better for not a lot of money. It appears to have provision for an extended clutch arm, which saves wrist-damaging hard clutch pulls. I love them, some don't. From the outside, it looks fantastic. With a bit of work, it wouldn't take much to have a great looker. But who knows what the inside is like? Add some internal engine lub down the plug holes and inside the rocker box., I hear Marvel Mystery Oil works well on unsticking rings, etc. After getting it to push around the workshop stage, getting it to start would help relieve anxiety a lot.

Yes, Bagster are still in business but they're phasing out their traditional fixation system for tank bags and I have several of their bags.
I have had an identical one to the one on that Spanish bike since the 80s. It's looking the worse for wear and I'd much appreciate one in better condition.
In fact, I even wrote to Bagster asking them if they'd replicate it, since they do custom tank covers. I never got an answer.

Paul

 

[Roc N.]

Very nice Bagster tank bag fitting.
If you don't intend keeping it, I'll take it off your hands with pleasure. Mine has all but given up the ghost after 40+ years of use.
Paul

thanks! now i'm more buying than selling but for sure you'll be the first if I consider to sell it!

 

[Roc N.]

Paul Bagster tank bags are still in business. I was looking at them for the plastic Atlas tank. As to the bike, it's a bit of a Gem. That's a pretty nice fairing, but mounting it off the engine wouldn't be my first choice. Take extra care when using the standard sidestand; they're not very stable and can tip over easily. There is a kit that's way better for not a lot of money. It appears to have provision for an extended clutch arm, which saves wrist-damaging hard clutch pulls. I love them, some don't. From the outside, it looks fantastic. With a bit of work, it wouldn't take much to have a great looker. But who knows what the inside is like? Add some internal engine lub down the plug holes and inside the rocker box., I hear Marvel Mystery Oil works well on unsticking rings, etc. After getting it to push around the workshop stage, getting it to start would help relieve anxiety a lot.

Hi Vince, many thanks for your detailed explaination, so interesting to know that the standard sidestand it's not stable.
Being honest my firsts steps will be related with brakes and engine, in order to be able to sleep well again. I read about the Marvel mystery oil and sounds exactly what I need, much better than standard engine oi, but unfortunately, here ir Europe it's not available in any website. Any alternative?

 

[Roc N.]

Consensus seems to be that the best improvement to running is updating the ignition and charging systems.

totally agree with that, any suggestion of any kit or web to have a look?

 

[Roc N.]

Welcome, and although I can't really help with the tech stuff, I hope the reason it became "barned" isn't extremely serious!

Thanks mate! in theory, the owner told me that he stopped to use it was because were to heavy for him but, you know, shit happens and more after 20 years. Let's see what life has in store for us.

 

[Roc N.]

Welcome to the forum and to Laverda ownership,i'm liking the look of the bike,it obviously need a bit of love and attention but get her up and running and you won't be disappointed.
Lots of information within these pages and some real experts on hand to give genuine advice so good luck check all the basics first and keep us posted as you go.

Thanks for the welcomes Schurminater, the bike looks great for me, maybe the fairing it's too big , but i'm not gonna put the focus on it yet.

I've been reading for a while and being honest, there are people who have a very high level of knowledge, let's see what I'm able to learn

 

[nick7]

I guess you need to do all you can to that engine and see what happens! Valve clearances obviously, chain tensions....anything rubber may need replacing, so clutch rubbers I suspect, maybe valve guide seals if it smokes.Carbsare going to need a full strip...choke rubbers replaced. It's a suck and see exercise I reckon...good luck with it!

 

[Roc N.]

Could be a good find, maybe not... very often a bit of a lottery.

If the engine turns, might be a good idea to drop some oil into the cylinders and give it a spin on the starter (if it still works) without plugs and carbs. A compression check after that might give an impression on general condition of the engine, ie, leave it in one lump or tear it down without further ado. As previously stated, there's usually a reason for a bike being relegated to the back of a shed/barn.

Ignition would be the most required mod, the originals are mostly broken or on the verge of giving up, a couple of aftermarket systems to choose from. Definitely the best single mod for these engines.

Brakes and carbs alone are going to keep you busy for a bit. I can supply most overhaul kits and spares for both.

piet

thanks Piet, that's true that there are always a reason to stop a bike, let's see if what the owner told me was true or not. i'm gonna start compiling information about the ignition systems because it's something that everybody is recomending me.

Regarding the overhaul kits for brakes and carbs, tell me more via DM because it's something that i'm also needing

 

[nick7]

I wouldn't be worrying about anything but the engine until you know that is ok you won't need brakes

 

[TeddyG]

As mentioned above, focus on determining the state of the motor before spending money and time on the other things, since this will be your biggest expense. Get the Green Book and find an experienced vintage engine builder/machinist. Between parts and labor it will be costly-

 

[chrisk]

Looks pretty well complete. Even has had a longer clutch arm fitted.

Welcome to the forum, look forward to seeing a movie of when you fire it up.

 

[Roc N.]

I guess you need to do all you can to that engine and see what happens! Valve clearances obviously, chain tensions....anything rubber may need replacing, so clutch rubbers I suspect, maybe valve guide seals if it smokes.Carbsare going to need a full strip...choke rubbers replaced. It's a suck and see exercise I reckon...good luck with it!

thanks mate! yeah, i'm quite sure that will require a deep revision of all the rubber parts, i'm taking my time to understand what I exactly need to reacondition the carbs. it's a matter of pacience, money and time, however, that's part of the game