The 497 cc DOHC 8 valve twin was designed Luciano Zen and Adriano Valente.

[6] The bike was first shown at the 1975 Milan Motorcycle Show but, owing to logistical and technical problems, wasn't put into production until 1977.

[2] Shortly before the 500 was launched the Italian Government raised the sales tax on motorcycles over 350 cc from 18% to 35%.

[9] Launched in 1977 and originally called the Alpina, the name was changed to Alpino in the UK and Zeta in the US following objections from BMW.

All road equipment such as lights and speedo were stripped off and clip-on handlebars, rearset footrests, a one-piece tank and seat unit and a race fairing were fitted.

The engine was tuned with S1 race cams and 10.5:1 forged pistons, producing around 52 bhp (39 kW) @ 9,500rpm.

[1] Sanctioned by the Federazione Motociclistica Italiana [it],[2] the Coppa Laverda was limited to riders under 30 who had not had a top 3 overall finish in any other series, and technical support was given by the factory.

[11] A machine entered by the British Davies Team won the 500 class and was placed 8th overall in the 1978 24 Horas de Montjuïc [es].

[2] 6 of these were entered by the UK importer Slater Brothers who won the team prize.

Introduced in 1979, the engine was tuned with S1 cams, high compression pistons and a Sito exhaust and produced around 50 bhp (37 kW).

The bikes were shipped to the UK bare where the bodywork and fairing, made by Screen and Plastics, were fitted.

[1] Twin 32 mm Dell'Orto PHF pumper carburettors fed fuel to the engine and Bosch electronic ignition was fitted.

Suspension was by 35 mm (1.4 in) Marzocchi forks with a rear swinging arm and twin adjustable shock absorbers.