1949 75 prototype
This is the first Laverda motorcycle built. Constructed between 1947 and 1949 by Francesco Laverda in his garage, his aim was to produce an economical (60km/litre), low cost motorcycle for the the post war public. Notable design items include the pressed steel frame, a 4-stroke OHV engine and the unusual final drive by chain & gears enclosed in an alloy casting (this was to ensure low maintenance as it was envisioned the bike would be used on unsealed roads). However when the bike went into production in 1951 a standard chain final drive was used for cost reasons. This 75cc bike produced 3hp at 5,200rpm. Dry weight 65kg. It used a 3 speed gearbox and had a top speed of 70kph.
1951 75 T
The 1951 75 Turismo is very similar to the first model. The 3hp at (5,200rpm) was good enough to propel the 72kg machine to a 70kph top speed. Fuel consumption was 60kpl.
75cc In 1953 the Sport 75 was given a tubular frame along with other refinments which resulted in a highly competitive and very popular competition machine. That year it took the first 14 places in the Milano-Taranto race. (ref Mick Walker)
Laverda 1956 75 Sport Giro
The 75 Sport bore Genunzio Silvagni to first place in the Motogiro of 1956 and again in 1957, in the 75cc class. Earlier versions had also won the 1952 and 1953 events - in '53, the first bike to cross the line which was *not* a Laverda took 15th place!
1953 75 Sport
The 75 was introduced in 1950 and updated in 1953 with a tubular frame and other improvements. It was highly successful in the long distance road races in Italy at the time, taking the first 14 places in the '53 Milano-Taranto amongst many other victories.
1956 75 Sport Giro
Ridden by factory rider Genunzio Silvagni to win the 75cc class in both the 1956 and 1957 Motogiro races. The 75 Sport was also very successful in the Milano-Taranto event - winning the 75cc category in 1952 & 1953, taking the top 14 positions in the later event! The bike was also used for short circuit racing, with the lights & number plate removed. In this configuration power was upped to 12hp compared to 9hp at 10,500rpm in long distance trim. Wet weight 65kg. Top speed 120kph.
1953 Model 75 Sport and Normal
Specifications
Four-stroke, single-cylinder, inclined engine, 45 x 46 - 74 cc; compression 1:78, power 32 hp at 6200 rpm; two valves, valve timing controlled by rods and rocker arms; flywheel ignition, gear pump lubrication and wet sump; three-speed gearbox with multiple-disc clutch. Double-cradle tubular frame, telescopic fork, swingarm rear suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers; 2.575 x 20 tyres, weight 70 kg; top speed 50 km/h; Consumption: 1 litre per 35 km.
The standard model has the same general characteristics, with the following variations: compression - 1: 6.5; power: 3 hp at 5500 rpm; consumption: - 1 litre per 60 km; speed: 70 km.
Text (with edits) and several images by Phil Aynsley
If you have a query or information about Laverda motorcycles please contact us
