Laverda Digest #1-10
laverda-digest Monday, March 9 1998 Volume 01 : Number 001
1. "Michael Moore" Subj: Laverda First test message
2. FnGG Subj: Laverda Greetings!
3. "Ann M. Calandro" <76726.2625@compuserve.com> Subj: Laverda Introduction
4. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda Introduction
5. Ed Lutz Subj: Laverda Hello new list
6. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda need help with Duc list Laverda post
7. Bill MacCracken Subj: Laverdas at Luguna Seca
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 8 Mar 1998 19:40:02 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Laverda First test message
This is a test to see if the list is really up and running.
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 5 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 14:55:52 EST
From: FnGG
Subject: Laverda Greetings!
Hello! At long last! I am one happy guy this AM! Finally!
Many thanks to the co-ordinators for this forum!
I'm Frank, from NY, spent my best riding of my 27 motorcycling years on a
Jota, and parted sadly with it for my house closing. Presently on a Ducati
Pantah 650SS, which ain't bad.
Debating wether to get another old triple. Cafe-guy for life (42 this month).
Would absolutely love to hear from other Laverda-lovers anytime.
regards,
Frank < FnGG@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 17:05:38 -0500
From: "Ann M. Calandro" <76726.2625@compuserve.com>
Subject: Laverda Introduction
Hey Y'all
My name is Jim Calandro and I have been riding for 28 years. The first 20
were on all Japanese bikes but in 1990 I saw the light from Balogna and
got
into real motorcycles. It took a little longer to find the Beasts from
Breganze. I sold my 851 Ducati and purchased the two Laverdas I now have
two years ago. A 76 3CL with Jota pipes and SFC triple clamps and an 84
RGS with the excutive bars and flairs. I like the older bike for back
road
storming and the newer one did just fine two years ago when I rode it to
Daytona, 525 miles each way.
I am involved with the LOC as a member, the DOCC as their SE
representative
and the IMOC as a SE chapter leader. I have organized several events for
Italian bikes here in the SE, so if any of you are interested drop me a
note
and I will send you the complere list of events. We have two weekend
rides
, a track day and a classic bike show planned. Those of us local to
Charlotte, NC try to ride most Sunday mornings year round.
Jim Calandro
.
75 Moto Morini 3 1/2 Sport
76 Laverda 3CL
78 Yamaha SR 500
81 Moto Guzzi CX 100 Le Mans
84 Laverda RGS
86 Suzuki GSXR 750
87 Ducati F1B
93 Bimota db2
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 15:41:55 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda Introduction
Hello Laverdisti,
I guess you are what the marketing folks would call early adopters -
the first people on the list.
I'll be posting to all the email lists in just a few minutes about
the new list, so while it would be nice to have a little traffic
going, you might want to hold off on any big burning questions/topics
until we get more than 4 or 5 people on the list.
As we get more people on board I'll periodically mention the number
of subscribers, so you can get an idea of the progress being made.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 5 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 15:56:44 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Laverda Hello new list
Well, I'm here...anybody else yet?
First a big thank you to Michael Moore for setting this up.
Second an intro;
I'm Ed Lutz, living in Southern California (Orange County). I've been
riding Laverdas since I purchased my 82 Jota (180 deg.) new in 1983. I
have since added a 1984 Executive which I use for general riding, touring,
and endurance riding. Over the years I've done a bit (small bit) of racing
with the Jota and did some extensive experimenting with the motor which
resulted in....extensive damage :( The Jota now runs on a stock 1200 from
a 1982 TS. One of these days I will get around to rebuilding the original
motor but for now it lives under my workbench.
So who else is out their?
Ed
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 16:01:13 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda need help with Duc list Laverda post
The Ducati list isn't liking my email address at the moment, so I'd
appreciate it if one of you on that list would mention that the
Laverda list is up. If you do so, would you please drop me a note
telling me you've sent the message, so I don't ask again later.
I just posted a message on the Laverda forum with some subscription
clarification etc, as well as to about 20 different email lists.
Thanks,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 09 Mar 1998 20:26:48 -0800
From: Bill MacCracken
Subject: Laverdas at Luguna Seca
Howdy fellow Lavardisti,
A few people have mentioned meeting at Laguna Seca in April on that
other "forum". I am planning on going and look forward to meeting some
other enthusiasts there. Maybe we'll even see Laverda kicking some
motorcycle butt on the track!
Once again a big Thank You to Michael Moore,
Bill MacCracken
1984 RGS
1974 SF2
http://www.hevanet.com/lavrgs/USALOC1.htm
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #1
***************************
laverda-digest Tuesday, March 10 1998 Volume 01 : Number 002
1. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverdas at Luguna Seca
2. Martin Chudley Subj: Laverda Re: Welcome to laverda
3. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
4. Martin Chudley Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
5. Martyn Wheeler Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
6. gbb@creighton.edu Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
7. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 21:40:55 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverdas at Luguna Seca
> A few people have mentioned meeting at Laguna Seca in April on that
> other "forum". I am planning on going and look forward to meeting some
> other enthusiasts there. Maybe we'll even see Laverda kicking some
> motorcycle butt on the track!
The likelihood of the latter happening would be greatly increased by
4 or 5 of you skilled mechanics/restorers coming by the garage over
the next few weeks and helping get things reassembled!
There looks to be about 12 peope signed up so far - not bad for the
first day.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 10:06:58 GMT
From: Martin Chudley
Subject: Laverda Re: Welcome to laverda
> After you've subscribed please send a post to the list with an introduction
> telling a bit about yourself, your bikes, your list-related interests.
Hi, I'm a regular euro-moto lurker in London.
My bikes are: (laverda first of course)
1. a 1978 Mirage engine + unleaded conversion done by Steve Pemberton
of Moto-Italia as was (whatever happened to him?)
in a 1985? Harris Magnum II frame, with jota bars and pretty much bog
standard Mirage forks, wheels, brakes, electrics & instruments.
2. 1973 Ducati 250 Desmo
3. 1958 MV Agusta 125TRA (in pieces)
4. 1992 Triumph Trophy 1200
5. 1997 Triumph T595
I've taken the Laverda to the last two ILOC trackdays at Cadwell Park and
intend to keep going. At the last one the crankcase breather decided to
spit oil all over the back tyre so I cut my track time a little short, but
both times I've had immense fun and a great sense of achievement that a bike
I've pretty much completely pulled apart and rebuilt has made it the couple
of hundred miles to the circuit, there been thrashed to the best of my
ability, and then got home again.
Martin
- --
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 17:11:53 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
>After you've subscribed please send a post to the list with an
>introduction telling a bit about yourself, your bikes, your
>list-related interests.
I don't know how many people will be subscribed yet since the list
is so new -- I might be talking to myself! Here's a brief intro
anyway.
Anyway; I'm Keith McKay; I live in Holland. I have an '87 SFC1000
(which is for sale to finance racing activities!), a seriously
modified '75 3C which is in the process of being even *more* seriously
modified, a '72 SF1 750, a Saxon Mk. III 1200, and my other half
Janice has a 500 Montjuic.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
"He's just a politician trying to save both his faces ..."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 16:24:06 GMT
From: Martin Chudley
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
Hello Keith,
no, you're not talking to yourself. But I think I may have been.
Hi to Janice
Martin
- --
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 11:28:35 -0500
From: Martyn Wheeler
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
Well, I'm here, but I'll probably just be lurking most of the time. Put
me down as merely a Laverda fan, not an owner...
Martyn
--sasmjw@unx.sas.com--(Martyn Wheeler)--SAS Institute Inc.--DoD #293--
"Touch me with your soul, Bless me with your smile / traci lords
Give to me all your love, Baby watch me fly, watch me fly!"
"High and wide open, reaching forever, I fly into the blue" -- Moby
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 10:36:10 CST
From: gbb@creighton.edu
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
Briefly, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm George Bovard, in Omaha, NE,
and I have a '84 RGS (red, of course). It's stock, but I'd like to pick
up a 3 into 1 for it. There is another RGS in town that is tricker and
nicer than mine. Also, I know of a SFC out west in NE and there was a
3C in Lincoln, NE a few years ago. Those are all the NE Lavs that I know
about.
I fell into the Lav would almost coincidentally. I was wearing a Lav
shirt (from a Pro-Italia visit) at the IA BMW rally and a guy came up
to me and asked if I had one. "No". "Do you want one?". "Sure". And
he went on to tell be of a wrecked one, right here in Omaha. I guess
it was at the auto auction. Noone knew what the heck it was so this
salvage shop picked it up, I assume rather cheaply 'cuz they thought
they had qiote a deal when I gave 'em $450 for it. Major front end
damage, and when I priced new parts I opted to part it out and about
1/3rd paid for finding a "good" one. I got it from a veterinarian in
Daytona. Fairly well known in the lav twin world, but he didn't like
the weight of the triple, plus it was a bitch to start 'til I got the
right sparking plugs for it. What was his name? and is he out there?
Anyway, thats longer than I wanted. Still have two extra rear wheels
to sell or trade for a 3-1.
"rubber side down"
George Bovard
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 17:52:44 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
At 04:24 PM 3/10/98 GMT, Martin Chudley wrote:
>Hello Keith,
Hiya mate!
> no, you're not talking to yourself.
makes a change...
> But I think I may have been.
>
>Hi to Janice
Erm, you mean "Hi to the Dutch Laverda Club Calendar's Miss January
*and* Miss February!!"
The pics from the calendar are on the Dutch Laverda club's web site;
the URL of which I have intelligently forgotten.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
"He's just a politician trying to save both his faces ..."
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #2
***************************
laverda-digest Tuesday, March 10 1998 Volume 01 : Number 003
1. Martin Chudley Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
2. gbb@creighton.edu Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
3. "Joel O'Rourke" Subj: Laverda Introduction
4. FnGG Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda
5. FnGG Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda(calendar?!)
6. Ed Lutz Subj: Laverda Hello new list
7. Stephen Wilcox Subj: Laverda Hello!
8. "Michael Moore" Subj: Laverda Admin stuff, 200 twins
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 17:23:44 GMT
From: Martin Chudley
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
On Mar 10, 10:36am, gbb@creighton.edu wrote:
> plus it was a bitch to start 'til I got the
> right sparking plugs for it.
and what did you find were the correct plugs?
I often have starting problems.
- --
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 11:35:05 CST
From: gbb@creighton.edu
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
>
> On Mar 10, 10:36am, gbb@creighton.edu wrote:
>
> > plus it was a bitch to start 'til I got the
> > right sparking plugs for it.
>
> and what did you find were the correct plugs?
> I often have starting problems.
>
I'll look tonight. The ones that were in it were the correct number
in _MOST_ of the cross reference books. One day I was cross checking
them at NAPA and one of the books, Champion I think, showed a plug
that was one step hotter for the RGS than other triples. All the
other books (NGK, Autolite, ?????) showed the same plug for all 1000cc
trips. Maybe some one on the list has access to the Champ book?
jorge
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:01:45 -0500
From: "Joel O'Rourke"
Subject: Laverda Introduction
I'll be lurking, mostly. I am new to Italian motorcycles, but have been
riding for 30 years now; mostly Harley (97 FLSTS, 97 Buell S1 [sold], 91
Sturgis, one BMW R1100RS, a few Hondas, etc.) I am currently awaiting
(impatiently!) delivery on a 98 Moto Guzzi Centauro Sport, and I've been
attracted to Laverda by all the press they have been receiving lately ..
see "Fast Bike" March 1998 issue in particular.
Some have asked me why I have decided to go "Italian". The
answer is simple. If soul can describe a motorbike's attributes, then
the Italians have more than anyone. HD sold theirs when they
deemphasized performance and allowed their dealers to rob the
motorcycling public.
I'm going to keep an eye on Laverda: I've owned BSA twins and triples,
and that past experience may be translatable to Laverda.
Joel.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:08:58 EST
From: FnGG
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda
Keith:
Good to see your (any!) post on Laverda. Would that Saxon 12 be the one
featured in, I believe, Motorcyclist magazine not long ago? Mods from Pro
Italia?
What a beast! Tell us more!
Frank < FnGG@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:13:34 EST
From: FnGG
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda(calendar?!)
The link to the Dutch club site is on Bill's well done USLOC site I think. I'm
clicking over there post-haste, after all, a Laverda calendar, with babes? I
have *got* to get me one of *these*! (o;{
Frank < FnG@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 10:49:57 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Laverda Hello new list
I sent this before but I think it was before most of you were on the list
so i thought I'd send again.
- -----------------------------------
First a big thank you to Michael Moore for setting this up.
Second an intro;
I'm Ed Lutz, living in Southern California (Orange County). I've been
riding Laverdas since I purchased my 82 Jota (180 deg.) new in 1983. I
have since added a 1984 Executive which I use for general riding, touring,
and endurance riding. Over the years I've done a bit (small bit) of racing
with the Jota and did some extensive experimenting with the motor which
resulted in....extensive damage :( The Jota now runs on a stock 1200 from
a 1982 TS. One of these days I will get around to rebuilding the original
motor but for now it lives under my workbench.
So who else is out their?
Ed
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 13:19:55 -0800
From: Stephen Wilcox
Subject: Laverda Hello!
Hi!
Just a quick note to say hi and introduce myself. I'm
Steve Wilcox, I live in the Santa Cruz mountains of the
SF Bay area in California, USA. I've got an'83 RGS which
I love very very much. Like George, I very much fell into
the Lav world by luck. I've written up a long story of how
I came to own this wonderful machine, I'll bore ya'll with
it sometime. The short of it is the bike was sitting for a
long time in need of lots of little work. I heard about it
by word of mouth from a friend, and bought it. And fell in
love! What a great bike! She needs some routine work at
the moment, but I'm looking forward to some good riding weather
and more long trips on her.
A big thanks to Michael for setting up this list! Looking
forward to more online community of Laverda enthusiasts.
Stephen Wilcox
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 16:45:53 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Laverda Admin stuff, 200 twins
Hello folks,
21 on the list so far, hopefully things will swell a bit more.
I had things set (I thought) to restrict posts to list users while
allowing alternate ISPs if the username stayed the same. Still, a
couple of you have had bounced messages (John Brennan and Ed Thyberg)
due to server names being stuck into the subscribed address etc.
I just changed things back to accept posts from non-list members -
we'll have to hope the spammers don't find us.
I had an inquiry today about the general attraction/worth of a 1956
200 twin in very original decent condition.
I don't recall if it was from a list subscriber, so if someone wants
to mention something about the bike I'll forward it on to the person
considering buying it.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #3
***************************
laverda-digest Tuesday, March 10 1998 Volume 01 : Number 004
1. thumper@hughes.net Subj: Laverda Welcome to the list
2. Jim Comrie Subj: Laverda Gemini 200
3. Ed Thyberg Subj: Laverda intro
4. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list
5. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda intro
6. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda Gemini 200
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 17:53:25 -0800
From: thumper@hughes.net
Subject: Laverda Welcome to the list
Hi,all. My name is Michael and I am a Laverdaholic.
Seriously I'm owned by a 84 RGS Exec. that I bought in somewhat tattered
condition from Euro. Cycle Spec. in Orange County, Ca. back in '87. I
stripped it down to the frame and did a chassis and cosmetic restoration
then rode it for a while. Since then I had Laverda's Only re-work the
carbs, put in an Axtell cam and install a Witt ignition. It ran great,
then I began to get a misfire on 2 cyl's I did some troubleshooting and
found that the Motoplat coils were shorting out internally. They were
replaced with Nology coils[the same as used on the new Triumph triples]
and Hot Wires. I got the bike to run after that but it would die as soon
as I installed the "point" cover. Turns out that a pick-up was shorting
out as the wire was squeezed by the cover. I cleaned out the potting
compound past the break and soldered in a new lead.
Since then it will crank, but will not spark except when the Start
button is let off, then it will spark once as it rolls down to a stop.
This is with the 3 plugs removed and 3 plugs grounded. I sent my box up
to Wolf Haerter in B.C. to have him do a swap test with his box on his
bike. Unfortunatly, he was unable to get through the snow drifts to get
to it.[10 meters of snow!!] He sent it back to me with his personal Witt
box for me to do the test, again unfortunetly, my business [GMD
Computrack-LA, a motorcycle chassis and suspension shop]kept me too busy
through the summer to get to it. It is now almost a year since we
started this affair and I am tearing back into it. I plan to swap boxes
next week after the F-USA race is over and I can spare the time.
Question is: what is wrong? Is it just a burnt box or is it a deeper
prob. I have been told that the key contacts can arc and become unable
to carry the voltage of both the starter and the ignition, that my
battery voltage must be at least 12V, that my box is hooked into the
wrong hot lead.
any ideas? I'll keep you posted on the results of the box swap,
hopefully it is just a bad box.
P.S. I tried the orig. coils and orig. wires but to no avail. Also a tow
start is unsuccessful as was a new battery.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 22:09:36 -0800
From: Jim Comrie
Subject: Laverda Gemini 200
Well ..... I have one of these old gals and I think it's in need of some
ignition work.
It starts well (2nd maybe 3rd kick) but, if it runs for more than say 20
minutes the ignition slowly go's away. First it won't idle at stop
lights, 10 minutes later it won't run at less than say about 1500 RPM
and finally after another 15 minutes it just flat won't run. Give it 45
minutes (to cool off?) and the spark comes back and it will run well
only to start the cycle all over!.
My understanding of ignitions is somewhat limited. I'm inclined to
blame either the condenser or the spark generating coil. I have swapped
the spark plug coil but, it behaves the same. I started with 2 of these
bikes and it's a good thing as I've needed allot of the 2nd to keep the
first on the road. Obviously I have neither of the parts I'm looking
for as spares.
Soooooo..., if anybody out there could direct me to someone who might
have spares for the Gemini (lowest of the low) I would appreciate an
RSVP.
Jim Comrie
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 21:47:46 -0500
From: Ed Thyberg
Subject: Laverda intro
Thanks to Michael for setting this list up. What with separate lists for
Ducati, Moto Guzzi, BMW, Brit Iron, and now Laverdas I guess the guys on
Euro Moto will have to be content discussing Benellis, Zundaps and the
occasional MV.
For the past 2+ years I have been restoring a 1972 750SF. Little did I
know, back when I found this $400 "diamond in the rough", that It would
take so long and cost so much. I've probably "invested" more in my Laverda
project than the cost of a new 750 Ducati. No one has ever accused me of
being rational when it comes to motorbikes. ;-) I hope to finish it up
this season.
If you are interested in pictures/details of my resoration efforts, as well
as other bikes of mine, please follow the link in my sig.
Regards to all, ET
__________________________________________________________________
Ed Thyberg * Baltimore, MD * Ducati 906Paso * Honda ST1100 * Laverda 750SF
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/8214/
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 19:07:54 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list
> Hi,all. My name is Michael and I am a Laverdaholic.
> box for me to do the test, again unfortunetly, my business [GMD
> Computrack-LA, a motorcycle chassis and suspension shop]kept me too busy
Hello Michael - I've got the special framed 750 that you took a look
at at a Sears Point race a couple years ago. Welcome to the list.
I don't have any experience with the Witt ignitions, but have heard
that they are a good product. Many times with RITA ignitions the
ignition is fine (about 95% of the time) and the "ignition" problem
is elsewhere in the electrics.
I often recommend to someone who is having trouble with finding the
problem to hook up the ignition as a total loss system to a battery,
bypassing as much of the rest of the wiring harness as possible. At
least then if it works fine you know the ignition isn't at fault.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 19:14:55 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda intro
Hello Ed,
> Thanks to Michael for setting this list up. What with separate lists for
> Ducati, Moto Guzzi, BMW, Brit Iron, and now Laverdas I guess the guys on
> Euro Moto will have to be content discussing Benellis, Zundaps and the
> occasional MV.
Horexes, MotoBi, Zanellas, there is still plenty of fresh ground
to be covered on EM.
> If you are interested in pictures/details of my resoration efforts, as well
> as other bikes of mine, please follow the link in my sig.
Your SF is looking nice - how soon before it is ready to run?
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 19:21:12 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda Gemini 200
> and finally after another 15 minutes it just flat won't run. Give it 45
> minutes (to cool off?) and the spark comes back and it will run well
> only to start the cycle all over!.
Hello Jim,
It does sound like something getting hot in the electrics. I would
have guessed the ignition coil, but it sounds like you've already
checked that out.
Have you checked voltage in the system as the power slowly dies? It
would be interesting to see if voltage is dropping - maybe it is the
power generation that is going south, not the ignition. You could
try taking a different battery (known to be good) and try hooking it
up as a total loss per my previous post. It seems easier to start
with the simplest possible ignition system, make sure it works, and
then add parts back in. You should be able to run the ignition off
of a 6 AH 6 v battery (I presume you've got 6v system) for 30-45
minutes.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #4
***************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 005
1. Bill MacCracken Subj: Re: Laverda intro
2. Keith McKay Subj: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
3. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Welcome to Laverda(calendar?!)
4. Keith McKay Subj: Saxon III (Re: Welcome to Laverda)
5. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda Gemini 200
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 20:04:19 -0800
From: Bill MacCracken
Subject: Re: Laverda intro
> I feel your pain on the restoration costs - my $800 SF2 has cost me somewhere
> in the neighbohood of $6000 to get to its present condition - far from "Show
> Quality". But I sure had fun. I do remember getting a box of parts that I had
> ordered from Roger Slater and upon opening it thinking that $1100 in parts
> should have come in a much larger box!
>
> For the past 2+ years I have been restoring a 1972 750SF. Little did I
> know, back when I found this $400 "diamond in the rough", that It would
> take so long and cost so much. I've probably "invested" more in my Laverda
> project than the cost of a new 750 Ducati. No one has ever accused me of
> being rational when it comes to motorbikes. ;-) I hope to finish it up
> this season.
>
> If you are interested in pictures/details of my resoration efforts, as well
> as other bikes of mine, please follow the link in my sig.
>
> Regards to all, ET
>
> __________________________________________________________________
> Ed Thyberg * Baltimore, MD * Ducati 906Paso * Honda ST1100 * Laverda 750SF
> http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/8214/
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:37:04 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
At 05:53 PM 3/10/98 -0800, thumper@hughes.net wrote:
>Hi,all. My name is Michael and I am a Laverdaholic.
Ain't we all... ;-D
>Seriously I'm owned by a 84 RGS Exec. that I bought in somewhat tattered
>condition from Euro. Cycle Spec. in Orange County, Ca. back in '87.
[snip]
>carbs, put in an Axtell cam
What are your impressions of that cam? Here in Europe we can
pretty much only get factory parts.
> and install a Witt ignition. It ran great,
[snip]
>any ideas?
Yep!!
On the back of the Witt box is a little hole with a DIP switch
block underneath it. (that's Dual Inline Package, a little
plastic box with tiny switches along the top if you're not
into electrickery!).
These switches select the ignition curve and rev limit and
stuff lie that. They also have a "test" setting which causes
the ignition to spark constantly, i.e. with the engine off.
That setting is great for finding ignition problems! I can't
remember exactly what the switch setting is, but 'test' is
either all switches on, or all off.
If you don't have the full spec' sheet for the Witt box, I'll
rake mine out of my (ha ha!) "filing system" and post the
details.
Also; the Witt box had several mod's early on (modded boxes
are marked by little holes punched out of the sticker on top).
If you have an early one it may have a problem, having trouble
with later ones is pretty much unheard of.
Hope this helps!
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Happiness is a hard disk.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:44:52 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Welcome to Laverda(calendar?!)
At 01:13 PM 3/10/98 EST, FnGG wrote:
>The link to the Dutch club site is on Bill's well done USLOC site I think. I'm
>clicking over there post-haste, after all, a Laverda calendar, with babes? I
>have *got* to get me one of *these*! (o;{
Fully clothed babes I hasten to add! Especially Janice's pic; it
was taken on the ice of a frozen canal and it was -15 degrees at
the time!
Rob Milders, the Dutch club's secretary and Laverda BoTT racer
extraordinaire, is at mildersr@rdm-cc.eucom.mil; he's the lad
to contact if you want one.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Happiness is a hard disk.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:53:44 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Saxon III (Re: Welcome to Laverda)
At 01:08 PM 3/10/98 EST, you wrote:
>Would that Saxon 12 be the one
>featured in, I believe, Motorcyclist magazine not long ago? Mods from Pro
>Italia?
>What a beast! Tell us more!
Nope; this one was built by Phil Todd (ex of Motodd, now of Todd Laverda,
builder of verrrry fast engines!).
It's pretty much an ongoing project, has been for the past 3 years for me!
The engine is done; Mez Porting did the head work ('bathtub' combustion
chambers, twin plugs and heavily downdraughted carbs). JE pistons machined
down a hair in the valve pockets. A lot of metal has been ground off the
crank.
For the rest, the frame has a conventional front end (not like the
"Sax-Trac" thingy on the later Saxon frames) and a rising rate monoshock.
The suspension is the next thing to get sorted; I want to put WP
upside down forks on and rebuild the shock.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Happiness is a hard disk.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 10:41:12 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda Gemini 200
At 10:09 PM 3/10/98 -0800, Jim Comrie wrote:
>Soooooo..., if anybody out there could direct me to someone who might
>have spares for the Gemini (lowest of the low) I would appreciate an
>RSVP.
If you're stuck for parts in the US, you could try "De Laverdist",
tel. (+31) 492 665544, fax (+31) 492 665615.
The bloke that runs it is Marcel Merkx, he has a lot of parts for
the older bikes. He's in Mierlo in The Netherlands.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Is a person who blows up banks an econoclast?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #5
***************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 006
1. Keith McKay Subj: 3-1 Pipes (was: Re: Welcome to Laverda)
2. "Marnix van der Schalk" Subj: Laverda Buongiorno!
3. FnGG Subj: Re: Laverda intro
4. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda intro
5. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda Buongiorno!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 10:51:23 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: 3-1 Pipes (was: Re: Welcome to Laverda)
At 10:36 AM 3/10/98 CST, gbb@creighton.edu wrote:
>Briefly, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm George Bovard, in Omaha, NE,
>and I have a '84 RGS (red, of course).
Hi!
> It's stock, but I'd like to pick up a 3 into 1 for it.
You might look into getting a pipe make up onto the stock
headers. You could modify the stock collector box; weld on
a new back half so you have a 3-1 instead of 3-1-2 set up.
The a bit of pipe bending and a generic carbon slip-on
and away you go!
I put carbon fibre pipes on the SFC; the work & sound great
but when you run them underneath the pillion pegs they look
a bit strange, too low down. We did the Manx GP on this bike
last year and for extra ground clearance we took the pillion
pegs off and put the silencers at a much steeper angle; that
looked much better.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Is a person who blows up banks an econoclast?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 13:54:08 +0100
From: "Marnix van der Schalk"
Subject: Laverda Buongiorno!
I think I know most of the list members or they know me.
I'm Marnix van der Schalk from Rotterdam Holland and I am kind of
enthusiastic about Laverdas.
I am custodian of the International Laverda 750 SFC Owners Registry which
tracks down SFCs, offers advice, helps out where possible and communiactes
with the 390 SFC owners presently known around the globe. See the web site!
My big love is the 750 twin, the air cooled that is!
My bikes are:
1974 SF2 (which is hardly SF2 anymore but more a '11000' batch SFC replica.
It was my first Laverda (I bought it in 1976) and even though it is very
very far from standard (entirely my fault and I love it) it's the bike I'm
the most attached to because it saw most of Europe with me in the saddle (in
total about 140.000 km).
It also has been a most reliable racing companion from 1982 through say
1994, when after a complete overhaul with lots of new trick bits (forged
Asso pistons, Carillo rods, new (and apparently different then my last worn
out) 6/C cam. Fancy WP shocks upset the supension and due to my activity as
importer of Laverda motorcycles in Holland which took a whole lot oftime and
energy, I did not have time to sort everything out properly. So I lost track
completely resulting in holing pistons three times, crashing out at a
Laverda race and almost crashing out of a Ducati race.
I then decided to dismantle the bike and to not race it until everything is
set up properly. Hopefully this spring it will run again but I intend to run
it on the road until everything is sorted out! Laverda import activity has
ended so I can spend time in the hobby again.
Then I have:
1971 750 SFC '5000 batch'
1974 750 SFC '16000 batch'
1994 650 Sport
This was one of our demonstrators. It was endlessly tested by customers,
dealers and press, it was raced on several occasions. It runs perfectly but
oil consumption is quite high (pistons).
1974 750 SF2 (in bits)
1970 750 S (yep also in bits)
1988 Suzuki GSXR 750 - ha! This bike is my therapy which keeps me from going
insane. It runs perfectly but oil consumption is quite high (pistons) again
:-). It's for sale but nobody wants it so then I keep it. Good for shopping
around town...
That the Laverda mailing list may flourish! Thanks Michael for setting it
up!
Marnix
**********************************************************************
Marnix van der Schalk
INTERNATIONAL LAVERDA 750 SFC OWNERS REGISTRY
ROTTERDAM - THE NETHERLANDS
Web site: http://www.euronet.nl/~wschalk/
E-mail: wschalk@euronet.nl
**********************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 08:06:17 EST
From: FnGG
Subject: Re: Laverda intro
Ed;
That's what got me away from the Jota finally, a cager in a parking spot
tipped it over, and the snapped speedo cable and a broken clip-on cost me $250
from Italy. I remember the same ("that box?") feeling when I saw the
parts/bill. Couldn't even afford to take the dent out of the tank then,
either.
But dammit I'm diving back in!
Frank < FnGG@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 05:14:18 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda intro
> That's what got me away from the Jota finally, a cager in a parking spot
> tipped it over, and the snapped speedo cable and a broken clip-on cost me $250
> from Italy. I remember the same ("that box?") feeling when I saw the
> parts/bill. Couldn't even afford to take the dent out of the tank then,
> either.
Frank,
That is why I'm not a restorer. Building specials/hot rods lets you
use anypart that you want to use.
Cheers,
Michael
Michael Moore
Euro Spares, SF CA
Distributor of Lucas RITA and Powerbase products
Sole North American distributor of "The Racing Motorcycle: a technical guide for constructors"
Host of 6 m/c email lists (details on the web site)
http://www.eurospares.com
AFM/AHRMA #364
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 14:18:00 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda Buongiorno!
At 01:54 PM 3/11/98 +0100, you wrote:
>I'm Marnix van der Schalk from Rotterdam Holland and I am kind of
>enthusiastic about Laverdas.
That gets my vote for "understatement of the millenium" ;-)
Hi Marnix!
[the white SF2]
>Hopefully this spring it will run again but I intend to run
>it on the road until everything is sorted out! Laverda import activity has
>ended so I can spend time in the hobby again.
Will you bring it to the track day at Croix? (This is the Dutch Laverda
club day on the 4th May for the non-Dutch folks!)
[yummy collection edited]
>1988 Suzuki GSXR 750 - ha! This bike is my therapy which keeps me from going
>insane. It runs perfectly but oil consumption is quite high (pistons) again
>:-). It's for sale but nobody wants it so then I keep it. Good for shopping
>around town...
It says a lot about your Laverdas that the GSXR is your 'sensible' bike!
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleanliness is next to impossible.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #6
***************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 007
1. Carlo Klein Subj: Laverda introduction
2. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda introduction
3. thumper@hughes.net Subj: Re: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
4. gbb@creighton.edu Subj: Re: 3-1 Pipes (was: Re: Welcome to Laverda)
5. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 14:49:22 +0100
From: Carlo Klein
Subject: Laverda introduction
Hi all,
I just subscribed to the Laverda mailing list. Though I don't own a Laverda
(yet) I am a member of the dutch Laverda club (hi Marnix) and have attended
quite a few rallies and parties.
It all started when I was first brib^H^H^H^Hasked to play guitar (hi Keith)
on the annual club rally, I liked the crowd so much (though maybe my
judgement was slightly obscured %-) that I decided to stay..
My bike's a modified '92 Triumph Daytona 1000 special and I am a keen track
rider. I noticed that somehow there are always Laverdas on trackdays.. I
have already put my name down for the club's trackday at Croix btw.
I am looking for a (cheap) 750S(F) for the missus (not because she likes the
vibrations so much! ;-), and I just *might* bring it out on the track too..
Carlo
- --
Carlo Klein Hengelo, The Netherlands
"I only chewed in self defence, but I never swallowed!" - Draco the dragon
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 15:36:24 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda introduction
At 02:49 PM 3/11/98 +0100, Carlo Klein wrote:
Hi Carlo!
>I am looking for a (cheap) 750S(F) for the missus
Any luck with John's old 750S?
> (not because she likes the
>vibrations so much! ;-), and I just *might* bring it out on the track too..
Hope you don't "modify" this one! ;-)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Reality is just a crutch for people who can't handle science fiction.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 07:29:55 -0800
From: thumper@hughes.net
Subject: Re: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
Keith McKay wrote:
>
> At 05:53 PM 3/10/98 -0800, thumper@hughes.net wrote:
> >Hi,all. My name is Michael and I am a Laverdaholic.
> Ain't we all... ;-D
>
> >Seriously I'm owned by a 84 RGS Exec. that I bought in somewhat tattered
> >condition from Euro. Cycle Spec. in Orange County, Ca. back in '87.
> [snip]
> >carbs, put in an Axtell cam
> What are your impressions of that cam? Here in Europe we can
> pretty much only get factory parts.
>
> > and install a Witt ignition. It ran great,
> [snip]
> >any ideas?
> Yep!!
>
> On the back of the Witt box is a little hole with a DIP switch
> block underneath it. (that's Dual Inline Package, a little
> plastic box with tiny switches along the top if you're not
> into electrickery!).
>
> These switches select the ignition curve and rev limit and
> stuff lie that. They also have a "test" setting which causes
> the ignition to spark constantly, i.e. with the engine off.
>
> That setting is great for finding ignition problems! I can't
> remember exactly what the switch setting is, but 'test' is
> either all switches on, or all off.
>
> If you don't have the full spec' sheet for the Witt box, I'll
> rake mine out of my (ha ha!) "filing system" and post the
> details.
>
> Also; the Witt box had several mod's early on (modded boxes
> are marked by little holes punched out of the sticker on top).
> If you have an early one it may have a problem, having trouble
> with later ones is pretty much unheard of.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
> Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
> Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
> 3526 KS Utrecht
> The Netherlands
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Happiness is a hard disk.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
I've tried the test position and it makes no difference, this is what
led me to suspect that I had inadvertantly fried the box. The business
of sparking only after the start button is released is what is so
puzzling.
Please do look up the data you might have on the Witt system, it may be
a big help.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 9:57:25 CST
From: gbb@creighton.edu
Subject: Re: 3-1 Pipes (was: Re: Welcome to Laverda)
> > It's stock, but I'd like to pick up a 3 into 1 for it.
>
> You might look into getting a pipe make up onto the stock
> headers. You could modify the stock collector box; weld on
> a new back half so you have a 3-1 instead of 3-1-2 set up.
> The a bit of pipe bending and a generic carbon slip-on
> and away you go!
>
I even have a spare collection box. Who would I get to do the
welding / pipe-bending? A muffler shop?
jorge
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 16:59:42 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
At 07:29 AM 3/11/98 -0800, thumper@hughes.net wrote:
>I've tried the test position and it makes no difference, this is what
>led me to suspect that I had inadvertantly fried the box.
Hmm, strange, I would have thought that if it was capable
of making sparks then the test setting should work.
It sparks pretty fast, simulating the engine running at some
speed.
>The business
>of sparking only after the start button is released is what is so
>puzzling.
Well, one possible explanation is that the starter is dropping the
voltage below 9V and the Witt box won't work; when you release the
button the starter will stop drawing current and hence the box will
leap into life. But in that case the test setting on the box should
work... this is a head scratcher!
>Please do look up the data you might have on the Witt system, it may be
>a big help.
Ok. I'll have a dig around tonight to see if I can find it.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
3526 KS Utrecht
The Netherlands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Your CHEEKS sit like twin NECTARINES above a MOUTH that knows no BOUNDS --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #7
***************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 008
1. smlnjack@toolcity.net Subj: Laverda Intro
2. Rick Hammond Subj: Laverda [Fwd: Re: Welcome to laverda]
3. FnGG Subj: Re: Laverda Intro
4. Ed Lutz Subj: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
5. "Marnix van der Schalk" Subj: Re: Laverda Buongiorno!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 11:29:33 -0500
From: smlnjack@toolcity.net
Subject: Laverda Intro
Hello boys, girls and undecided's...I'm Jack Ballard, residing in northwest
PA where the men are men and the sheep are nervous. Been riding off and on
(not as much "off" now that I've been to some track schools) since the
early 60's. First bike was a 1937 WLDR, forerunner of the K models. (Alas
and alack...would that I still owned it). Then came a succession of Brit
bikes over the years, culminating in a nice little collection of classics
ala DBD 34, Velo Thruxton, Squariel, 88 and 99 Dominators, '48 HRD B model
Touring Rapide and '52 C model Vincent Rapide. I eventually tired of
pissing around with these machines on a continual basis and sold the lot,
keeping only a "modern" MK III Commando and T-160. Subsequently, I was
introduced to Guzzi which was a satisfying relationship and the third one I
still have, an '80 SP1000, breathed upon by Manfred Hecht. At Sportbike in
Canada last summer, I saw in the flesh a lovely SFC owned by a fellow named
Jim Bird who is either dead or in constant lurk mode, never surfacing for
air. Anyway that kindled an interest in Lawies in general so that when I
happened upon a 3C RS for sale in the Guzzi newsletter, I pursued it and
ultimately came home with the prize. This was not however, before doing a
lot of soul searching, speaking with all and sundry about the marque and
its suitability or lack thereof for moi. I probably picked the brains of
even a few of you on this list for which I thank you. Also consulted was
none other than the legendary Tim Parker who initially told me to pass on
the bike as he felt I was too small to ever feel comfortable or competent
on the machine. When he heard the asking price however, he changed his
mind and told me by all means to buy it. For the record, I'm about 5'8"
and weigh about 160 lbs. I'm a trifle intimidated by the Dominatrix but
love her nonetheless. To tip the scales a little more in my favor, I plan
to take lessons in Tae Kwondo before riding her, but I digress. She sports
a lovely Cico fairing and a beautiful solo seat so she looks like a retro
60's or '70's racer. And what a beautiful voice she has. I'm captivated.
She's slighly tattered, having spent the first 22 years of her life in
Europe where they ride 'em and don't polish 'em but she's still a hardbody.
Since she's not cherry, I gunked her thorougIy to avoid any sexually
transmitted diseases. I was fortunate enough to recently discover a NOS
dualseat at a fair price which is appropriate for 1975 only, in the wild
but absurd notion that the old lady might get on the back with me
someday.("when pigs fly"). Thereafter, I was able to buy a pair of NOS
mufflers as well, so now I probably will restore her cosmetically. That
will have to wait until next winter however, as the temptation to be
physically abused by this young lady is too overwhelming to ignore. Sorry
for the bandwidth (whatever that means). Cheers to one and all...you seem
to be a great lot.
Smilin' Jack ( If you catch the reference, you're older than you think)
'75 Norton
'75 Trident
'80 Guzzi SP
'75 Laverda 3C RS
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 11:15:29 -0800
From: Rick Hammond
Subject: Laverda [Fwd: Re: Welcome to laverda]
X-Mozilla-Status: 0001
Message-ID: <3506DEDB.336A@uoguelph.ca>
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 10:58:35 -0800
From: Rick Hammond
X-Mailer: Mozilla 2.02 (Win16; I)
MIME-Version: 1.0
To: majordomo@list.sirius.com
Subject: Re: Welcome to laverda
References: <199803100301.TAA09296@list.sirius.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
majordomo@list.sirius.com wrote:
>
> --
>
> Welcome to the laverda mailing list!
>
> Hello All,
Rick Hammond here, (near Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
I expect a good bit of overlap with the Ducati list, Chassis and others
but as for Laverdae, (Caesar; "Give me a Martinus". Bartender; "Don't
you mean Martini?" Caesar; "If I wanted two I'd ask for two!"
[Wayne/Schuster]) I have only the one; '73 750SF.
This was my second Italian bike, after the Ducati 250 Monza which I still
have, and was taken apart quite a while back for bottom end surgery. I
have been distracted since with other projects (DOCC members will know
the monoshock 860 and the YSR/narrow-case 350, tee hee) but the beast
will rise again.
It was like adopting an abused dog. The ad showed a really cheap price;
'accidentee' (Montreal) The front end was pranged, tank dented and one
shock rudely bent. It turned out to be one fork tube bent, rotated
around the other, so in those days $150. got a new fork tube. I figured
out later the reason I had to fight so much to fit the forks was a bent
triple tree. (Still could use a stock one if any are out there)
Frame seemed OK so with some Bondo etc. I got it going, but the accident
had been the kindest blow. The rest was the real cruelty.
Standard bolts rammed into metric threads. Rear motor mount broken off
so NUTS welded onto the frame, (I think with 220V from the back of a
stove and coat hangers) Starter sprag buggered then welded shut, and
onwards.
All that aside (I was younger then) I had a great time with it. Got it
running, a bit rough, but it move pretty well compared to the 250.
Scared the begeezuz out of me when the other cylinder kicked in!
This was with open stacks and the OPEN SFC pipe, on the street. Went for
months, coasting into the girlfriend's and pushing to the corner to
leave, before the first ticket. The officer's Harley had rusted out
pipes and he had to shut down to tell me I was getting a noise ticket. I
went home, made a baffle (Brass sink drain, perforated, and
glass-packing) and no more problems.
It's former life did catch up with it; bottom end bearings; so it went to
the basement around the same time I got the 860.
For the sake of arguement; to repair the frame, there is nothing left of
the upper rear lugs, so i was thinking of replicating the SFC mounts.
(not to fool anyone, but obviously a better design and it will not be a
'show' original) What do you all think, and does anyone have actual
measurements/plan copies etc?
All for now,
Larry Strung; are you out there? (I still remember you whipping all the
GPZ750s at Mosport on your 500 twin.)
Rick #:~D
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 11:40:57 EST
From: FnGG
Subject: Re: Laverda Intro
Jack:
Great post! My kinda guy! BTW I'm 42 next week and hey, I remember
Smilin' Jack. How 'bout that ridin' guy Mike Nomad ? Gotcha?
Great bikes you have. Get one to Marcus Dairy in April, I'm 10 min. away!
Frank < FnGG@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 08:56:20 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
Its baackk...
Some of you may remember this from euro-moto a while back.
My Executive has an interesting problem I cant seem to track down. While
riding along, minding my own business, one cylinder will stop firing. If I
toggle the kill switch, the cylinder will return to life. This seems to
happen once during each ride, usually early on as things are heating up. I
worked on this a lot last year and thought I fixed it when I replaced the
aftermarket Dyna coils with the originals. The bike has been fine since
last October. Now this last week the problem has surfaced again. So whatta
ya all think? I don't have any more spare coils but could get something
easily. I'm just doubtful about having a second coil go out in this manner.
Last time I had this problem I swapped ignition boxes, replaced wires,
swapped pickups, and the problem was always on the same cylinder. I did
verify that spark was going away and that it wasn't some kind of odd carb
problem. Replacing the coils made it all go away so I figured one was bad.
If its coils again, what could be happening to make them go out?
Any hints, ideas, or magic incantations will be welcome!
Ed
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:29:26 +0100
From: "Marnix van der Schalk"
Subject: Re: Laverda Buongiorno!
Keith wrote:
>Will you bring it to the track day at Croix? (This is the Dutch Laverda
>club day on the 4th May for the non-Dutch folks!)
Yes that's the plan but the barrels are still in v. Dijk's shop waiting for
them new forged Asso pistons. If I knew then what I know now I would
probably have taken JE pistons, but the crankshaft is has been balanced for
the Asso's so that's what it will have to be....
>
>
>It says a lot about your Laverdas that the GSXR is your 'sensible' bike!
Jap bike overs think GSXRs are sensational sports bikes. Compared to the 650
it feels like the engine is made of lead (just like a Triumph - hi Carlo!
and just like most Laverda - hi guys) and it is very comfortable for 2 up
use compared to the Lavvies!
Marnix
**********************************************************************
Marnix van der Schalk
INTERNATIONAL LAVERDA 750 SFC OWNERS REGISTRY
ROTTERDAM - THE NETHERLANDS
Web site: http://www.euronet.nl/~wschalk/
E-mail: wschalk@euronet.nl
**********************************************************************
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #8
***************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 009
1. smlnjack@toolcity.net Subj: Re: Laverda Intro
2. smlnjack@toolcity.net Subj: Re: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
3. "Webber, Adrian, WEBBERA4" Subj: Laverda Introduction....
4. "Ann M. Calandro" <76726.2625@compuserve.com> Subj: Laverda What's left for Euro Moto
5. "Marnix van der Schalk" Subj: Laverda Re: Welcome to laverda
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 12:22:48 -0500
From: smlnjack@toolcity.net
Subject: Re: Laverda Intro
At 11:40 AM 3/11/98 -0500, you wrote:
>Jack:
>
> Great post! My kinda guy! BTW I'm 42 next week and hey, I remember
>Smilin' Jack. How 'bout that ridin' guy Mike Nomad ? Gotcha?
>
> Great bikes you have. Get one to Marcus Dairy in April, I'm 10 min.
away!
>
> Frank < FnGG@aol.com
Hello Frank and thanks for the compliment. I've been meaning to ask you,
ever since seeing your post on the Laverda forum, what does the *GG*
signify in your e-mail address? It's obviously nothing to do with your
last name.
I'm afraid Mike Nomad is a gotcha for me. Right over my bald spot.
I've never been to Marcus Dairy but have read about it for years. I should
have made it when I lived in Jersey. You never know however. I'm probably
only about 450 miles from there so it weather and time permit...Nice
chatting with you.
Jack
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 12:28:56 -0500
From: smlnjack@toolcity.net
Subject: Re: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
. While
>riding along, minding my own business, one cylinder will stop firing. If I
>toggle the kill switch, the cylinder will return to life.
Ed I confess that I know squat about electrics (white man' s magic) but I
had a similar problem on my Norton Commando wherein the ignition was routed
thru' the kill switch first. Bypassing the kill switch cured the problem.
Yours may be a lot more esoteric. Just a thought. Bet Michael M knows for
sure though.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 13:39:00 -0000
From: "Webber, Adrian, WEBBERA4"
Subject: Laverda Introduction....
Dear all,
Just a note to introduce myself (apologies to those also on E-M).
I'm Adrian Webber and I live in Bristol UK. For my sins I now have two
Laverdas which share the garage with 3 mountain bikes, a Velocette Viper ,
Honda VFR400K and assorted untidy heaps of tools, spares bits of cars
etc....
Bike number one was a mistake, bought without doing enough homework from
someone who wasn't quite as honest as they appeared.... It was so
attractive & I underestimated the amount of work needed...
It's an '81 Montjuic Mk1 , bought in large lumps and now reduced to lots
more smaller ones as it gets a systematic rebuild. As all "projects" are on
a budget I've hand painted the frame with a synthetic enamel used on trucks
and am cleaning / mending everything else where possible. Progress isn't
exactly rapid but it's proving very educational and I've learned a lot about
the model in the process.
Number two was different. A friend (a British bike enthusiast) appeared one
day clutching a copy of "The Classic Motorcycle" With a mischevious grin he
pointed to an advert "Laverda 500, spares or repair" Well it was so cheap
(all things are relative but cheap in Laverda spares terms!) that I bought
it over the 'phone. On collecting what I expected to be a basket case (I
needed it as donor for missing parts on number one) I was amazed to see a
scruffy but serviceable '77 Alpina that even ran (after a fashion).
Far too good to break it's now joined the queue to be mended and has
overtaken the Monty .... It has tacky non-standard clocks and a Yamaha
headlight (I guess someone dropped it or it was vandalised) but a good Monty
exhaust system. It only runs on full choke so I've just rebuilt the carbs
with new gasket sets (had a few left over though....!) in the hope that this
will improve things. Other than that it looks like it has been loved in the
past & just wants a lot of tlc to bring it back...
The only other major problem is that when I had the bike there was no oil in
the forks.. Soon found out why when I filled one leg up - it leaks out of
the bottom somewhere. The manual shows a plug inside the leg with a washer,
I'm hoping that this is the cause - anyone any ideas?
Just realised how long this is...
Sorry..
Cheers for now,
Adrian.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 07:25:54 -0500
From: "Ann M. Calandro" <76726.2625@compuserve.com>
Subject: Laverda What's left for Euro Moto
Hey Y'all
> Thanks to Michael for setting this list up. What with separate lists for
> Ducati, Moto Guzzi, BMW, Brit Iron, and now Laverdas I guess the guys on
> Euro Moto will have to be content discussing Benellis, Zundaps and the
> occasional MV.
Subject: Laverda Re: Welcome to laverda
Rick wrote:
>For the sake of arguement; to repair the frame, there is nothing left of
>the upper rear lugs, so i was thinking of replicating the SFC mounts.
>(not to fool anyone, but obviously a better design and it will not be a
>'show' original) What do you all think, and does anyone have actual
>measurements/plan copies etc?
I suppose you want to do this because of the different angle of the rear
shocks of the disc brake SFC model? Fact is that effectively the position is
exactly the same as with SF. The different angle of the shock absorbers
comes from the different design swinging arm which has the mounts for the
shocks behind the rear wheel spindle.
>
>All for now,
>Larry Strung; are you out there? (I still remember you whipping all the
>GPZ750s at Mosport on your 500 twin.)
Larry Strung is no longer involved in Laverdas. He quit racing and sold his
impressive collection of Laverdas.
Bye,
Marnix
>
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #9
***************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 11 1998 Volume 01 : Number 010
1. Rick Hammond Subj: Re: Laverda Re: Welcome to laverda
2. Bill MacCracken Subj: Re: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
3. thumper@hughes.net Subj: Re: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
4. thumper@hughes.net Subj: Re: Laverda Introduction....
5. thumper@hughes.net Subj: Re: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:42:10 -0800
From: Rick Hammond
Subject: Re: Laverda Re: Welcome to laverda
Marnix van der Schalk wrote:
>
> Rick wrote:
> >For the sake of arguement; to repair the frame, there is nothing left of the upper rear lugs, so i was thinking of replicating the SFC mounts.
> >(not to fool anyone, but obviously a better design and it will not be a 'show' original)
> I suppose you want to do this because of the different angle of the rear shocks of the disc brake SFC model? Fact is that effectively the
position is exactly the same as with SF.
Sorry, I was probably a bit unclear on that. By upper rear lugs I meant
the frame lugs/tabs for the upper rear engine mounts; the SF being flat
metal while the SFC is a boxed structure. I was just thinking that as I
was going to have to replace the mounts I might just as well use the
better design.
> >Larry Strung; are you out there? (I still remember you whipping all the GPZ750s at Mosport on your 500 twin.)
> Larry Strung is no longer involved in Laverdas. He quit racing and sold his impressive collection of Laverdas.
> Pity, he really knows his stuff.
Thanks,
Rick
> Bye,
>
> Marnix
> >
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 16:48:15 -0800
From: Bill MacCracken
Subject: Re: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
Is it a stock ignition or a Witt ignition. If it is a Witt,The quick solution
is as you mention - turn off the ignition. The longer term solution is
shielding the wires from electrical noise. If its a stock ignition .... I dunno
Ed Lutz wrote:
> Its baackk...
> Some of you may remember this from euro-moto a while back.
> My Executive has an interesting problem I cant seem to track down. While
> riding along, minding my own business, one cylinder will stop firing. If I
> toggle the kill switch, the cylinder will return to life. This seems to
> happen once during each ride, usually early on as things are heating up. I
> worked on this a lot last year and thought I fixed it when I replaced the
> aftermarket Dyna coils with the originals. The bike has been fine since
> last October. Now this last week the problem has surfaced again. So whatta
> ya all think? I don't have any more spare coils but could get something
> easily. I'm just doubtful about having a second coil go out in this manner.
> Last time I had this problem I swapped ignition boxes, replaced wires,
> swapped pickups, and the problem was always on the same cylinder. I did
> verify that spark was going away and that it wasn't some kind of odd carb
> problem. Replacing the coils made it all go away so I figured one was bad.
> If its coils again, what could be happening to make them go out?
>
> Any hints, ideas, or magic incantations will be welcome!
>
> Ed
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:07:26 -0800
From: thumper@hughes.net
Subject: Re: Laverda Yet another ignition problem
Ed Lutz wrote:
>
> Its baackk...
> Some of you may remember this from euro-moto a while back.
> My Executive has an interesting problem I cant seem to track down. While
> riding along, minding my own business, one cylinder will stop firing. If I
> toggle the kill switch, the cylinder will return to life. This seems to
> happen once during each ride, usually early on as things are heating up. I
> worked on this a lot last year and thought I fixed it when I replaced the
> aftermarket Dyna coils with the originals. The bike has been fine since
> last October. Now this last week the problem has surfaced again. So whatta
> ya all think? I don't have any more spare coils but could get something
> easily. I'm just doubtful about having a second coil go out in this manner.
> Last time I had this problem I swapped ignition boxes, replaced wires,
> swapped pickups, and the problem was always on the same cylinder. I did
> verify that spark was going away and that it wasn't some kind of odd carb
> problem. Replacing the coils made it all go away so I figured one was bad.
> If its coils again, what could be happening to make them go out?
>
> Any hints, ideas, or magic incantations will be welcome!
>
> Ed
This is why I started all my travails with the Witt ign. I had exactly
the same situation!! I compared the primary R in the coils and found one
good one one OK/weak one and one bad one. I know that the stock location
lets them cook if the bike isn't moving, this was what I figured caused
the prob in the first place. By the way eventually I could only get it
to start on 2 cyl until I hit the kill sw. and then re-started it on all
3.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:11:57 -0800
From: thumper@hughes.net
Subject: Re: Laverda Introduction....
Webber, Adrian, WEBBERA4 wrote:
>
> Dear all,
> Just a note to introduce myself (apologies to those also on E-M).
> I'm Adrian Webber and I live in Bristol UK. For my sins I now have two
> Laverdas which share the garage with 3 mountain bikes, a Velocette Viper ,
> Honda VFR400K and assorted untidy heaps of tools, spares bits of cars
> etc....
>
> Bike number one was a mistake, bought without doing enough homework from
> someone who wasn't quite as honest as they appeared.... It was so
> attractive & I underestimated the amount of work needed...
> It's an '81 Montjuic Mk1 , bought in large lumps and now reduced to lots
> more smaller ones as it gets a systematic rebuild. As all "projects" are on
> a budget I've hand painted the frame with a synthetic enamel used on trucks
> and am cleaning / mending everything else where possible. Progress isn't
> exactly rapid but it's proving very educational and I've learned a lot about
> the model in the process.
>
> Number two was different. A friend (a British bike enthusiast) appeared one
> day clutching a copy of "The Classic Motorcycle" With a mischevious grin he
> pointed to an advert "Laverda 500, spares or repair" Well it was so cheap
> (all things are relative but cheap in Laverda spares terms!) that I bought
> it over the 'phone. On collecting what I expected to be a basket case (I
> needed it as donor for missing parts on number one) I was amazed to see a
> scruffy but serviceable '77 Alpina that even ran (after a fashion).
>
> Far too good to break it's now joined the queue to be mended and has
> overtaken the Monty .... It has tacky non-standard clocks and a Yamaha
> headlight (I guess someone dropped it or it was vandalised) but a good Monty
> exhaust system. It only runs on full choke so I've just rebuilt the carbs
> with new gasket sets (had a few left over though....!) in the hope that this
> will improve things. Other than that it looks like it has been loved in the
> past & just wants a lot of tlc to bring it back...
>
> The only other major problem is that when I had the bike there was no oil in
> the forks.. Soon found out why when I filled one leg up - it leaks out of
> the bottom somewhere. The manual shows a plug inside the leg with a washer,
> I'm hoping that this is the cause - anyone any ideas?
>
> Just realised how long this is...
>
> Sorry..
> Cheers for now,
> Adrian.
If it's a copper washer, and you have no money, you can anneal it to
soften it and let it work as a seal and not a metered orifice.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:00:07 -0800
From: thumper@hughes.net
Subject: Re: Michael's sparkless RGS (was: Re: Laverda Welcome to the list)
Keith McKay wrote:
>
> At 07:29 AM 3/11/98 -0800, thumper@hughes.net wrote:
> >I've tried the test position and it makes no difference, this is what
> >led me to suspect that I had inadvertantly fried the box.
>
> Hmm, strange, I would have thought that if it was capable
> of making sparks then the test setting should work.
>
> It sparks pretty fast, simulating the engine running at some
> speed.
>
> >The business
> >of sparking only after the start button is released is what is so
> >puzzling.
>
> Well, one possible explanation is that the starter is dropping the
> voltage below 9V and the Witt box won't work; when you release the
> button the starter will stop drawing current and hence the box will
> leap into life. But in that case the test setting on the box should
> work... this is a head scratcher!
>
> >Please do look up the data you might have on the Witt system, it may be
> >a big help.
>
> Ok. I'll have a dig around tonight to see if I can find it.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Keith McKay tel. : +31 (0)30 2809461
> Vicorp International Services fax : +31 (0)30 2897323
> Europalaan 542 email : kmk@vicorp.nl
> 3526 KS Utrecht
> The Netherlands
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Your CHEEKS sit like twin NECTARINES above a MOUTH that knows no BOUNDS --
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
I suspected that the starter might be a problem so I disassembled it and
replaced the brushes and cleaned up the commutator. I also tried to
bump/tow start the bike to avoid the starter altogether, to no avail.
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #10
****************************
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