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 Laverda - 1200
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Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
3507

Capacity : 1200
Model :
Production : 1978 -
Category : (R) Street Bike

LAVERDA

1200cc -1978

Bigger- not necessarily better

After taking the Japanese by surprise with the unveiling of its 1000 cc triple in 1972, Laverda let itself he blinded by success and developed new models whose careers were

destined to be short-lived.

A Bigger Triple

To counter the new over-1000cc Japanese bikes, in 1978, Laverda hastily developed this 1200cc version of its famed 980cc threecylinder, bored our from 75 to 80mm. Apart from its cylinder dimensions, there was little to distinguish the 1200 from the 1000: more steeply raked rear dampers and an optional oil-tight secondary chaincase like the MZ, with the chain running between rubber cheeks. The motor still had the curious feature for a three-cylinder of being staggered at 180 degrees.

Detail Modifications

Though there were only detail differences, the 1200 had a different character from the 1000. lt was heavier, less lively, less sporting and had numerous faults. Even more conventional than its little sister, the 1200 failed to attract the clientele, who were more Grand Touring in nature, and who were put off by the sheer muscle needed to ride it. Though it had been very carefully designed, the "big Laverda was an obsolete concept for 1978 (suspension with minimal travel, a chain without auromatic lubrication and unequal to the torque of the 1200cc engine). However, it was expected to compete with the completely new generation of superbikes like the Yamaha XS 1100 and Honda CBX 1000 six-cylinder that benefited from competitive pricing.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1116cc (80x74null) air-cooled threecylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 82 bp @ 6900 rpm

Valves: twin chain-driven overhead-camshafts, 6 valves

Fuel System: three 32mm carburetors

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: twin discs (from); disc (rear)

Wheels: 18 inch light-alloy (front & rear)

Weight: 503 lb

Maximum Speed: 130 mph

 

Though if was extremely well-built, tbe 1200 lacked the innovatiue edge of the 1000 and failed to make an impression on its potential clientele.

 




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.