Laverda 1000

General manager Massimo Laverda claimed the triple would be lighter and narrower than the recently introduced Honda CB750.

[7] Chief designer Luciano Zen prototype was based on the SOHC 750 twin with an extra cylinder.

The engine was modified to drive the cams by the chain between cylinders 2 and 3 and the head casting was simplified to use a single cam-cover.

This model used drum brakes of Laverda's own manufacture, the front being twin leading shoe, and wire wheels with Borrani alloy rims.

[8] A further update occurred in 1975 with Laverda manufactured cast alloy wheels being fitted and a rear disc brake.

[7] The iron 'skull' insert that formed the combustion chamber was no longer fitted from 1976, leading to cracking around the valve seats on some machines.

[1] The US version of the 3CL was designated the Jarama and had a left-foot gearchange, reflectors, a quieter exhaust system and a more upright riding position.

[11] The UK importers, Slater Brothers, were offering 3Cs fitted with the racing 4C cams, 10:1 pistons, fork yokes from the SFC750 endurance racing twins to give steeper steering and an exhaust system designed in conjunction with Tim Healey, the Ariel Square Four specialist.

[7] A more powerful Nippon Denso alternator was fitted in 1981 which necessitated moving the ignition pick-ups from the right to left end of the crankshaft.

[17] By the early 1980s Laverda was in financial trouble with the triples having to compete with cheaper, multi-cylinder machines from Japan.

Being a small company unable to compete with the volume manufacturers from Japan, Laverda chose to aim at the high quality market.

[18] An executive variant was offered with 'bat wing' extensions to the fairing to keep the riders hands dry and integrated luggage bags.

[5] The engine had higher compression forged pistons, a gas flowed head and larger inlet valves.

[22] The model employed the same engine as the RGA but an optional 'race kit' introduced Jota 120 camshafts, high compression piston, gas-flowed head, revised airbox and a new exhaust.

[23] Produced by the UK importers, Three Cross Motorcycles, the model had an RGS Corsa specification engine and a fairing with two round headlights.

[18] Introduced in 1985 as a replacement of the RGS, the SFC had revised bodywork finished in red, upgraded brakes and suspension and different instruments.

[19] The revised bodywork, alloy swinging arm, wheels and lightweight forks gave a significant weight saving over the Corsa.

[24] The air-cooled DOHC used the latest (at the time) cylinder head design with a narrow 40° valve angle.

Suspension was by front telescopic forks and rear swinging arm with twin shock absorbers.

Laverda 3CL
Laverda Jarama
1981 Laverda Jota
Laverda RGS with Executive-style fairing extensions
2002 Laverda SFC 1000 prototype