Now part of the Aprilia – Moto Guzzi – Laverda group, Laverda has acquired a following of almost fanatical proportions. The large capacity twins and triples were some of the most charismatic and exciting motorcycles produced in a golden era. With a successful endurance racing program publicizing them, Laverda’s twins soon earned a reputation for durability that wasn’t usually associated with Italian machinery. Originally built for the British market, the 1000cc Jota was the fastest Superbike available in its day. While the twins faded before the end of the 1970s, the triples continued for almost another decade before dying with a whimper. By this time the company was in serious difficulty and went into receivership. Despite a resurrection in the 1990s, it is the classic twins and triples of the late 1960s through until the mid-1980s that Laverda is now famous for.
About the author
One of the world’s foremost motorcycle historians, Ian Falloon is the author of more than twenty books on motorcycles, which include the Ducati Story, Moto Guzzi Story, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story, and recently published Ducati 750 Bible. He has a small collection of classic sporting motorcycles, including a 1974 Laverda 750 SFC. A freelance contributor to a number of motorcycle magazines around the world, Ian Falloon was born in New Zealand but currently lives in Australia with his wife Miriam, and sons Ben and Tim.