The Laverda Twins & Triples Bible: 650 & 750cc Twins - 1000 & 1200cc Triples

by Ian Falloon

Overview

Although now defunct as a producer of motorcycles Laverda has acquired a following of almost fanatical proportion. The large capacity twins and triples are some of the most charismatic and exciting motorcycles produced in a golden era. With a successful endurance racing program publicizing them, Laverda’s twins soon earned a reputation for durability that wasn’t usually associated with Italian machinery. Originally built for the British market, the 1000cc Jota was the fastest Superbike available in its day. While the twins faded before the end of the 1970s, the triples continued for almost another decade before dying with a whimper. By this time the company was in serious difficulty and went into receivership. Despite a resurrection in the 1990s, it is the classic twins and triples of the late 1960s through until the mid-1980s that Laverda is now famous for.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781845840587
Publisher:	Veloce Publishing
Publication date:	08/15/2007
Series:	Bible Series
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.25(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

One of the world’s foremost motorcycle historians, Ian Falloon is the author of more than twenty books on motorcycles. These titles include the Ducati Story, Moto Guzzi Story, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story, and recently published Ducati 750 Bible. He has a small collection of classic sporting motorcycles, including a 1974 Laverda 750 SFC. A freelance contributor to a number of motorcycle magazines around the world, Ian Falloon was born in New Zealand but currently lives in Australia with his wife Miriam, and sons Ben and Tim.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This book is a terrific read for anyone besotted by Laverdas and a great introduction to the other Italian marque for anyone who isn't (yet)." – Two Wheels

Review from Classic Bike Guide, November 2007
UK magazine
 
Were Laverdas the ultimate superbikes of the '70s? If not they had to be up there in the top few with their fabulous Jotas.

Ian Falloon's latest book, 'The Laverda Twins and Triples Bible', details just how the Jota came about. Of course it's not just about the iconic 1000cc triple as inside the 160 page, 9 7/8in x 8 1/8in hardbacked book the enthusiast will find the 650 and 750cc twins alongside the full range of 1000 and 1200 triples.

There are chapters dealing with the technical development, racing history, modifications and even how the concept of the motorcycle evolved from Laverda's agricultural machinery background. There are loads of pictures, over 200 of them in fact, mainly in color.

Inside Motorcycles, January 2008
Review by Greg Williams Canadian magazine

Great things often come from humble origins. Take, for example, the story of Laverda. Some of the sexiest Italian motorcycles on the planet are Laverdas – machines such as the competition-inspired twin-cylinder 750 SFC with its rear-set footrests, no-nonsense fairing and bright orange paintwork (the orange color is something that became a Laverda hallmark). Damn, the bike was built for speed!

So it's interesting to learn that Laverda motorcycles arose from Laverda Macchine Agricole – an agricultural implement manufacturer that set up shop in Bregranze in 1873. Author Ian Falloon traces the origins of Laverda in a fact-packed new book, 'The Laverda Twins and Triples Bible'. Published in the UK by Veloce Publishing, the book includes information relevant to anyone restoring a Laverda, or anyone just plain interested in these Italian motorcycles.

Falloon describes the history of Laverda – a company that started out producing small capacity single-cylinder machines for the Italian market in 1948. He discusses Laverda's intention to build large-capacity motorcycles, and even how the company's first production 650cc twin engine was patterned after that of Honda's legendary CB77 305cc Super Hawk. While the engine was inspired by the CB77, Falloon reports the rest of the machine was inspired by a Norton 650SS and a BMW R69S. Falloon writes: "Beyond the engine style of the Honda, the BMW influence could be seen in the mufflers, and the side profile was reminiscent of the Norton."

Facts and details of all the Laverda twins and triples including the Jota and the rare RGS 1000 Executive are laid out in five chapters, with a separate entry for Racing History and an Appendix detailing Technical Specifications. The book truly is a bible for fans of the Laverda.

La Vera Vista, Issue 201, November 2007
Review by James White-Cooper for the Magazine for International Laverda Owners Club, UK

Ian is an author and journalist, renowned worldwide for his 20+ books on motorcycles, in particular Italian ones. Born in New Zealand, Ian now lives in Australia and rides a '74 750SFC.

As the title of the book suggests Ian concentrates on the road going 650/750 twins and the triples from the Breganze era. He does however include a chapter giving a brief history of the marque and there is also a chapter on the racing exploits.

Ian devotes a chapter to each group, 650/750 twins, 750SFC, 1000 1800 triples, 1200s and the 1200 triples. The developments and technical specifications of each model are included along with some production details. The information given greatly expands on that published in other already existing Laverda books, yet does not repeat the same old anecdotes and images. A worthwhile addition to every Laverdisti’s bookshelf, and especially to those also owning an anorak and bobble-hat!

The book is hardback, 160 pages and contains over 150 photographs.

insidebikes.com, September 2007

This new book by Ian Falloon, known as one of the Italian motorcycle marque experts in the world of bike journalism, is packed with detailed info on all the Laverda twins and triples, manufactured from the early 60s until the late 90s. If you are an owner of a Laverda from this era, or planning to buy one to restore, then this book is absolutely essential.

Why? Very simple really, Falloon documents the evolution of the Laverda twins and triples, logging almost every technical advance, each component change, new lick of paint, different decals for the US market etc. Even tiny details like the change in the way the battery tray is fitted to a particular bike, are recorded.

There are hundreds of photos, covering many Laverda models, which will help any classic enthusiast identify exactly what they looking at on eBay, or in MCN, CBG etc before they make an offer on it.

There's a general history of Laverda and some info on the racing success of the twins and triples as well. If you're a Laverda fan, then this book is fascinating reading, packed with a wealth of detailed information regarding model updates, technical changes etc.

If that detailed info isn't your thing then this book is a bit dull, as Falloon fails to capture the lasting appeal, the emotional attraction of the big Laverda triples, the bikes known as the Beasts of Breganze. You wouldn't feel any fire in your belly reading this plodding prose.

There's also nothing on the Laverda Monjuic 500 – arguably one of the most evocative twin cylinder Laverdas ever built – which is a bizarre oversight.

The best feature in this book is the 'Distinguishing Features' box out panels, which act as a spotter's guide for anyone interested in acquiring a particular Laverda twin or triple.

At $59.95 the book is expensive, but if you are a true Laverda motorcycle collector, you'll find it is worth every penny.

MotorcycleClassics.com, November 2008
US website

Although Laverda was never a major player in the market, the famed motorcycle manufacturer from Breganze, Italy, has acquired a following of almost fanatical proportions (including aficionados like our own editor Backus). In typical Italian fashion, the company’s fortunes seemed to forever rise and fall, before finally falling forever in the late 1980s, a mid-1990s revival notwithstanding. 'The Laverda Twins & Triples Bible' by Ian Falloon gives readers a fact-packed, year-by-year, change-by-change record of Laverda’s twins and triples, along with technical specifications and racing history. Like the bikes themselves, books on Laverda are rare, making this a real treat for fans of this classic Italian marque.

inter-bike.co.uk
UK website

Even Ian Falloon, who has built himself an excellent reputation as a motorcycle historian, cannot really do justice to a firm’s history in the space of one reasonably priced book. Therefore, he has started profiling some of the most significant models from some factories, thus enabling him to go into depth and produce a ‘bible’ for those enthusiasts of that particular make and model.   Following on from his Veloce published 'Ducati 750 Bible' he has produced an excellent work for them on the Twins and Triples from the Laverda factory. While it may have been one of the smaller Italian brands, it was still very important in the development of the motorcycle that we know today.  As you will see in the 150-plus pages of this excellent work, their racing program enabled them to produce bikes that are now iconic classics like the SFC and the Jota. Black and white period shots sit well with some stunning color plates taken when the bikes were new, as well as modern shots of restored machines.  As usual with books from Falloon, it is hard to fault the style and the accuracy of the text and it makes an excellent general read, as well as a must-have for the owner of one of these Italian stallions. The latter will, of course, really appreciate the technical information and detailed appendices at the rear.
However, this particular book should come with a health warning as it has now instilled a desire in me to buy one of the earlier twins, which is going to be more expensive than the modest $59.95 for this hardback book. Still, at least I will be armed with all the information I need to buy with confidence!

Editorial Reviews

insidebikes.com, September 2007 This new book by Ian Falloon, known as one of the Italian motorcycle marque experts in the world of bike journalism, is packed with detailed info on all the Laverda twins and triples, manufactured from the early 60s until the late 90s. If you are an owner of a Laverda from this era, or planning to buy one to restore, then this book is absolutely essential. Why? Very simple really, Falloon documents the evolution of the Laverda twins and triples, logging almost every technical advance, each component change, new lick of paint, different decals for the US market etc. Even tiny details like the change in the way the battery tray is fitted to a particular bike, are recorded. There are hundreds of photos, covering many Laverda models, which will help any classic enthusiast identify exactly what they looking at on eBay, or in MCN, CBG etc before they make an offer on it. There's a general history of Laverda and some info on the racing success of the twins and triples as well. If you're a Laverda fan, then this book is fascinating reading, packed with a wealth of detailed information regarding model updates, technical changes etc. If that detailed info isn't your thing then this book is a bit dull, as Falloon fails to capture the lasting appeal, the emotional attraction of the big Laverda triples, the bikes known as the Beasts of Breganze. You wouldn't feel any fire in your belly reading this plodding prose. There's also nothing on the Laverda Monjuic 500 – arguably one of the most evocative twin cylinder Laverdas ever built – which is a bizarre oversight. The best feature in this book is the 'Distinguishing Features' box out panels, which act as a spotter's guide for anyone interested in acquiring a particular Laverda twin or triple. At $59.95 the book is expensive, but if you are a true Laverda motorcycle collector, you'll find it is worth every penny.

La Vera Vista, Issue 201, November 2007 Review by James White-Cooper for the Magazine for International Laverda Owners Club, UK Ian is an author and journalist, renowned worldwide for his 20+ books on motorcycles, in particular Italian ones. Born in New Zealand, Ian now lives in Australia and rides a '74 750SFC. As the title of the book suggests Ian concentrates on the road going 650/750 twins and the triples from the Breganze era. He does however include a chapter giving a brief history of the marque and there is also a chapter on the racing exploits. Ian devotes a chapter to each group, 650/750 twins, 750SFC, 1000 1800 triples, 1200s and the 1200 triples. The developments and technical specifications of each model are included along with some production details. The information given greatly expands on that published in other already existing Laverda books, yet does not repeat the same old anecdotes and images. A worthwhile addition to every Laverdisti's bookshelf, and especially to those also owning an anorak and bobble-hat! The book is hardback, 160 pages and contains over 150 photographs."

This book is a terrific read for anyone besotted by Laverdas and a great introduction to the other Italian marque for anyone who isn't (yet)." – Two Wheels Review from Classic Bike Guide, November 2007 UK magazine Were Laverdas the ultimate superbikes of the '70s? If not they had to be up there in the top few with their fabulous Jotas. Ian Falloon's latest book, 'The Laverda Twins and Triples Bible', details just how the Jota came about. Of course it's not just about the iconic 1000cc triple as inside the 160 page, 9 7/8in x 8 1/8in hardbacked book the enthusiast will find the 650 and 750cc twins alongside the full range of 1000 and 1200 triples. There are chapters dealing with the technical development, racing history, modifications and even how the concept of the motorcycle evolved from Laverda's agricultural machinery background. There are loads of pictures, over 200 of them in fact, mainly in color. Inside Motorcycles, January 2008 Review by Greg Williams Canadian magazine Great things often come from humble origins. Take, for example, the story of Laverda. Some of the sexiest Italian motorcycles on the planet are Laverdas – machines such as the competition-inspired twin-cylinder 750 SFC with its rear-set footrests, no-nonsense fairing and bright orange paintwork (the orange color is something that became a Laverda hallmark). Damn, the bike was built for speed! So it's interesting to learn that Laverda motorcycles arose from Laverda Macchine Agricole – an agricultural implement manufacturer that set up shop in Bregranze in 1873. Author Ian Falloon traces the origins of Laverda in a fact-packed new book, 'The Laverda Twins and Triples Bible'. Published in the UK by Veloce Publishing, the book includes information relevant to anyone restoring a Laverda, or anyone just plain interested in these Italian motorcycles. Falloon describes the history of Laverda – a company that started out producing small capacity single-cylinder machines for the Italian market in 1948. He discusses Laverda's intention to build large-capacity motorcycles, and even how the company's first production 650cc twin engine was patterned after that of Honda's legendary CB77 305cc Super Hawk. While the engine was inspired by the CB77, Falloon reports the rest of the machine was inspired by a Norton 650SS and a BMW R69S. Falloon writes: "Beyond the engine style of the Honda, the BMW influence could be seen in the mufflers, and the side profile was reminiscent of the Norton." Facts and details of all the Laverda twins and triples including the Jota and the rare RGS 1000 Executive are laid out in five chapters, with a separate entry for Racing History and an Appendix detailing Technical Specifications. The book truly is a bible for fans of the Laverda.

From the Publisher