Książka w języku angielskim. Wraz z książką otrzymasz bezpłatnie słownik techniczny angielsko-polski.
Founded in Northern Italy by the Laverda brothers Massimo and Piero, the first machine to carry their name was a 74cc single cylinder four-stroke with a pressed steel frame. It made its debut in 1949, and was one of a new generation of Italian post-war motorcycle manufacturers who commenced production with a small capacity lightweight. Well-built and fitted with an engine of the company's own manufacture, it was inevitable that sooner or later Laverda would make a modified version suitable for competition use. A class win in the 700 mile 1953 Milan-Taranto road race with the 74cc model encouraged the company to think about making larger capacity machines, firstly a 100cc racer and later a 200cc twin. They also found time to design and make a two-stroke moped with front disc brakes and a four-stroke scooter. It was not until 1968 that they really took a significant step forward when they launched their 650cc twin, the engine of which in many respects resembled a larger version of Honda's 305cc CB77 Super Sports model. Not many examples of the 650cc twin were made before its capacity was increased, to give rise to the 750GT model. A major competition success was achieved when a mixed team of 650cc and 750cc Laverda twins won the top class in the 1968 Giro d'Italia. Further development led to the 750SF model which was renowned for its three large diameter Grimeca drum brakes. This designation also applied to their improved 1971 model. Until now Laverda had tended to specialise in high performance road machines, but when the SFC model came along, such was its power output and noise level that it was becoming questionable whether it was advisable to continue along these lines. As a result, development branched off in two directions. The SF model was changed to make it quieter and more suitable for use on the public highways, whilst at the same time reducing its weight. For more serious use in endurance racing events, in which Laverda had developed a particular niche, a 1,000cc three cylinder model was produced. Designated the C3 it was an awesome machine, capable of speeds of up to 135mph that really exemplified the word Superbike. However it was prone to teething problems that were eventually sorted out and subsequently it gave rise to the very memorable and noisy 90bhp road legal Jota and to a more civilised high performance tourer the 3CL version. One must not forget the 500cc Alpina twin either. It brought Laverda ownership within reach of those who required a smaller capacity vertical twin, without having to buy one of Laverda's contemporaries that originated from the Far East. Like many of the other Italian motorcycle manufacturers in recent years, Laverda has had its financial problems and failed to survive under its original ownership. Fortunately the marque is still in existence, but now under different management. 37 articles on, perhaps, the ultimate in Italian motorcycle design, including 13 road test reports. Also included new model reports, track test & racer tests & engine rebuild. Models covered: 200, 250, 500, 650, 750 & 1000. 172 pages, over 300 illus. SB.
