At the age of 12 Bruno Rossati began working eleven hour days.
"Now, approaching 91, I find myself reminiscing about my youth, still riding my motorcycle every day.
Letter re Ladetto
1979 500 Formula Series II
The Laverda Cup race series was instigated by the company when the Italian government introduced a punitive 35% tax on motorcycles over 500cc in 1977 - just prior to the release of the 500 twin. It was one of the first, if not the first, single model race series and ran from 1978 to 1981. Three batches of Formula bikes were produced, each of 70 bikes - in '78, '79 & '81. The Formula was basically a Alpino S with an upgraded motor which used the S1 race cam, 10.5 to 1 pistons & a close ratio gearbox. Sandcast rear sets and Menani clip-ons were fitted along with the race fairing and seat/tank unit. The removal of all street equipment meant that, despite the additional bodywork, the Formula was 16kg lighter than the standard bike. This 1979 Series II bike is in original condition apart from the extra seat padding. 52hp at 10,000rpm. Wet weight 160kg. Top speed 200kph.
1979 500 Endurance
Four 500cc Endurance Barcelona bikes were built, two each in 1978 & 1979. This is a '79 bike and is in original condition. These bikes were raced in the Spanish Endurance Championship for both years and won the 500cc class at the Montjuic event twice. In fact the UK only Montjuic model was named after these victories. Differences over the 500 Formula model included a smaller fairing, 24lt tank, Marzocchi magnesium suspension, magnesium wheels, seat, bars & footrest positions and increased power - up to 58hp at 10,500rpm.
1979 500 Montjuic Mk I
The 500cc Montjuic (named after the famous track in Barcelona) was inspired to be a slightly civilised version of the Formula racer (which in turn was based on the Alpino street bike) by the Slater Bros in the UK. In fact the bikes were shipped to the UK minus the seat & fairing which were then supplied by the Screen and Plastics company. An extremely raw machine, the Montjuic used a tuned version of the Alpino engine fitted with S1 camshafts, high compression pistons, unfiltered carburettors and open megaphone exhausts. It weighed 163kg and used top quality components such as Brembo brakes. The Mk II, with a frame mounted fairing and different seat unit, replaced the Mk I in 1982 but were only built in that year.
1982 500
Released in 1977 the 500 parallel twin was designed to be a light weight sporty everyday bike. The specifications were quite advanced with DOHC and 4 valve heads. It was also the first non Japanese production motorcycle with a six speed gearbox. Originally named the Alpina for the UK market, that was soon changed to the Alpino. In the US it was called the Zeta. The only major engine change during its production life was the fitting of a counterbalance shaft in 1978. Production ceased in 1982. It was the basis for the more famous Montjuic and Formula models. The engine (somewhat updated) was used in 1985 to power the OR600 Atlas enduro as well as the later 668 & 750 models which were produced up until 2000.
This 1982 machine is one of the last produced and is fitted with non-standard rear suspension units and rack. It was used by Laverda Corse as their track learning bike.
38hp at 8,500rpm. Wet weight 170kg. Top speed 175kph.
Text (with minor edits) by Phil Aynsley
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