Complete Description
- Meticulous workmanship
- 3-cylinder engine with plenty of character
- Very good condition
- No reserve
In the early 1970s, Japanese motorbikes were increasing in popularity, and their reliability, technical qualities, and affordability were threatening the traditional European brands. Laverda responded with a new 3-cylinder 1000 cc that, although suffering a long and difficult development process, would become the embodiment of the Italian superbike in the mid-70s. At the heart of the bike is its engine, nicknamed '180°' on account of the angle at which the crankshaft is set with a view to giving the 3-cylinder engine better balance. Its competitive potential soon became apparent, and the factory entered it in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Barcelona and the Bol d'Or. Private teams were also tempted, and a 1000 Laverda won the Austrian Production Championship in 1976. The touring version evolved into the 1000 3CL in 1976, the most accomplished version of this powerful machine.
Purchased in March 2013, the bike we are presenting is a 'racing-enhanced' 1000 3CL, modified in the spirit of the competition versions of that era. It underwent a front master cylinder replacement, engine tuning in September 2013, a fairing repaint, tyre replacement in 2014, and an oil change in 2019. Since then, it has hardly been driven at all and, according to its owner, the 80 bhp from the 3-cylinder engine is particularly punchy above 4,000 rpm. The odometer reads just under 27,700 km. This carefully crafted machine, with its strong character, will take pride of place at classic motorbike events, where it won't go unnoticed whether in the paddock or on the track.
Photos © G. Rizotto
