1966 125 Sport
Massimo Laverda's first design after joining the company in 1964 was a 125cc OHV horizontal single. It was available in "Cross" and "Sport" versions as well as an enlarged 150cc model the "America" (sold in the US as an American Eagle) that was also available in Italy. About 3000 of all types were produced with only around 300 being Sport models. 11hp at 8,500rpm. Weight 99kg. Top speed of 120kph.
Laverda LZ 125
Presented in 1977 the LZ 125 became a bestseller in Italy. A 175cc version was also produced but did not achieve market penetration.
The machine was powered by a Zündapp water-cooled two-stroke engine of 123.6cc which delivered 17 PS at 7,600rpm.
The ignition and charging system, carburetor, water cooler, air filter, handlebars, tail light, indicators and exhaust system were all from Zündapp, as were the wheels. Brakes were very similar Grimeca units. The frame and front end differed somewhat.
Most had 7 spoke alloy wheels, and styling was similar to that of the 1000cc models with a touch of "John Player".
The Laverda LZ 125 Elegant was a sport version with bikini fairing had a claimed 22 PS, good for 160 km/h.
Source: laverdino.de
Laverda 1986 GS125 Lesmo
Introduced at the Milan Fair in late 1985, the Zundapp-powered Lesmo was produced from 1986 to 1989. The successor to the LB One (LB1 125cc), it lacked the former's exhaust valve and electric starter, and gained a sixth gear, increased rake and trail and a longer wheelbase.
The square-section steel frame was carried over from the Lb One but with half a degree more rake, 10mm more trail and a longer wheelbase. The 32mm Marzocchi forks featured anti-dive. It was very expensive, about 75% the price of a BMW R100S in Holland - the Laverda distributor in Holland sold only one.
Wet weight 135kg. 23hp at 9,200rpm. Top speed 136kph. In 1990 it was replaced by the Navarro. A 350cc triple 2-stroke motor was supposed to be housed in the Lesmo's chassis but it didn't progress past testing.
Laverda 1989 125 GP
Former Laverda works racer Augusto Brettoni and number of others in development joined Ing. Livio Sovilla to produce this very sophisticated design which, it is believed, began life as the Pesaro-built DAP-Parilla which finished 2nd in the 1989 Italian 125 championship. The machine experienced problems during the 1990 Mugello GP and work on the project progressed no further.
1989 125 GP
During 1989 a group of Laverda employees started on this 125cc GP project. They involved Augusto Brettoni (famous works racer) who in turn put them in touch with Ing. Livio Sovilla who was responsible for the engine design (and who had previously worked with Laverda & Aprilia). A feature of the motor was the ability to remove the crankshaft without taking the motor from the frame. The rotary disc motor produced 40hp at 13,000rpm and was fitted with a 38mm carburettor. Total weight 68kg. The rest of the bike appears to be the DAP-Parilla that was campaigned by the Parilla brothers, Angelo & Achille, and finished 2nd in the '89 Italian 125cc championship - hence the Parilla greyhound logo on the frame, which was built by Raul Baronciani in Pesaro (RB factory). The bike was tested at the Mugello GP in 1990 by Alessandro Gramigni but retired with exhaust problems. No further work was proceeded with after this.
Unless otherwise noted, text (with minor edits) and images by Phil Aynsley
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