Laverda Digest #65-70
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 25 1998 Volume 01 : Number 065
1. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda Hard saddlebags for RGS
2. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda Moto Witt ignition settings
3. "Michael Moore" Subj: Laverda Problem hopefully solved
4. FnGG Subj: Laverda Am I right?
5. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
6. "Steve" Subj: Laverda New to the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 10:21:37 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda Hard saddlebags for RGS
At 06:13 PM 3/24/98 -0500, Henry Willms wrote:
>Anybody have any recommendations for what will fit reasonably easily? I am
>assuming I will need to make some mounting brackets.
>I know the Executive Bags are hard to find, and they are small, but I would
>consider them if someone has them. I am thinking of the GIVI bags as a likely
>alternative
I use Givi bags; I like them a lot. My one criticism is that the
aluminium castings that the side cases click onto aren't quite
up to coping with the vibrations from an SF750 - I've had them
crack twice now.
Spares are easily available however.
> but concerned they are too big .
I guess you don't tour with your wife then... :-D
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Screw up your courage! You've screwed up everything else.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 10:17:57 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda Moto Witt ignition settings
At 08:42 PM 3/24/98 -0800, Michael Moore wrote:
>Hello Keith,
>
>Not a problem - there is no L-triple RITA kit, so I've been
>recommending the Witt ignition to people when they inquire. I think
>someone does a triple ignition based on the dreaded B-ignition, but
>don't know any details about that.
Is that 'B' for Boyer?? In that case it's Phil Todd of Todd
Laverda.
It's very much cheaper than the Moto Witt system, but it isn't
programmable or anything.
His system is based on the newer 'micro-digital' red Boyer
boxes; I have this system in the Jota and it works OK. For the
180 triples he uses two boxes; one to fire the outside cylinders
and one to fire the middle one.
I do have one problem that's ignition related; when I take
it past about 8200 then the bike starts running very ragged
and strangely the Pichler eletronic tach goes right off the
scale. Below that it's fine. However since it did this even
before we put Toddy's box in I don't think that's the problem.
Pickup maybe.
There's much work been done on the Jota over the winter;
I may switch to a Witt box if finances permit.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Screw up your courage! You've screwed up everything else.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 04:55:06 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Laverda Problem hopefully solved
It looks like Robert Milders' system had some troubles last night.
I've unsubscribed him until he can get things sorted out.
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, 25 Mar 1998 09:17:10 EST
From: FnGG
Subject: Laverda Am I right?
Safari SITREP:
Still deciding....SFC1000 or RGS.
Is the SFC a 180 while the RGS the 120?
Is there a book, a la Mick Walker's guides, regarding Laverda?
Are there any pix/reviews online for either?
Reasons I ask; when I owned the Jota I paid most attention to that and the odd
750 in my mechanic's long-gone shop. When the Jarama, 1200's etc. were
produced I really didn't give much time to 'em.
comments truly appreciated,
Frank < FnGG@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 15:48:23 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
At 09:17 AM 3/25/98 EST, FnGG wrote:
>Safari SITREP:
>
> Still deciding....SFC1000 or RGS.
>Is the SFC a 180 while the RGS the 120?
They're both 120 motors in the newer frame. Differences are, the
SFC has a tuned motor (forged pistons, F1 rather than A11 cams, hand
finished head), higher spec brakes and suspension and different
bodywork.
The SFC is better for sports riding, the RGS is better for touring
(mostly due to the fatter seat).
There's an "RGS Corsa" with the tuned engine and better brakes that's
the best of both worlds but they're very rare. I don't know if they
ever went to the USA...
There's much, much more of a difference between the 180 bikes and the
120 bikes than there is between the RGS and the SFC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Screw up your courage! You've screwed up everything else.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 11:15:47 -0500
From: "Steve"
Subject: Laverda New to the list.
My name is Steve Miller and I own ( am owned by? ) 2 SF 750s. One is a 72
which I ride on a regular basis. The other is a 71 set up for period one
vintage racing. I have been testing and modifying it at track days last
year and hope to campaign it at VRRA meetings this season. Below is a brief
description of the track bike.
Engine:
Total professional rebuild including the following:
SFC 6C Cams
SFC Rockers
SF 2 Inlet Valves
SFC first oversize 74 pistons ( polished, contoured and measured for valve
clearance.
Head ported and matched to 36 mm Dellortos with Malossi stacks.
New clutch plates
New SFC clutch springs.
Ignition:
DMC electonic ignition system.
SFC ignition switch
Brakes and Chassis
Ferodo Green Linings
Needle Roller Swing arm conversion
Exhaust
New SFC 2 into 1 Racing Exhaust
Bodywork
SFC Tank ( fibreglass) including round Moto Laverda Breganze decals
SFC ( replica) seat unit.
SFC ( replica) fairing
SFC fairing brackets
Controls
Tarrozzi rear sets
Tomasselli clip ons and grips
Magura levers
Smiths rev counter with Laverda logo
Tires
Dunlops.
One problem is that a friend of mine who has owned a 1978 Ducati 900 SS for
12 years and who promised me that he would give me the first refusal if he
ever decided to sell it, ( I never thought that he would, but a serious
heart attack and the resultant surgery changed all that ), recently called
me to ask if I wanted to purchase it. I wanted to and did. This instantly
used up my racing budget for the next few years.
If anyone is interested in photographs of either bike, please e-mail me.
Cheers
Steve Miller
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #65
****************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 25 1998 Volume 01 : Number 066
1. Ed Lutz Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
2. Ed Lutz Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
3. Henry Willms Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
4. zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel) Subj: Laverda JOTA REARSETS
5. zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel) Subj: Laverda MOTO WITT IGNITION
6. zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel) Subj: Laverda GOIN ON SAFA
7. zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel) Subj: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 08:57:09 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
At 03:48 PM 3/25/98 +0100, Keith wrote:
Snip>
>
>There's an "RGS Corsa" with the tuned engine and better brakes that's
>the best of both worlds but they're very rare. I don't know if they
>ever went to the USA...
>
Yes, they were shipped here but I've only seen a couple.
Ed
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 09:02:18 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
At 09:17 AM 3/25/98 EST, you wrote:
>Safari SITREP:
>
> Still deciding....SFC1000 or RGS.
>Is the SFC a 180 while the RGS the 120?
>Is there a book, a la Mick Walker's guides, regarding Laverda?
>Are there any pix/reviews online for either?
Haven't seen any books on the newer Laverdas. You might try one of the
magazine search places like Motorcycle Memories:
http://www.motorcyclememories.com/
They have a request form on their web site and have a bunch of stuff on
Laverdas available.
Ed
****************************************************************************
1984 Laverda Executive
1982 Laverda Jota
Westminster, California
Of the gladdest moments in human life, methinks, is the departure upon a
distant journey into unknown lands.
Sir Richard Francis Burton
December 2, 1856
****************************************************************************
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 17:46:02 -0500
From: Henry Willms
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
Corsas are in Canada, I just bought one.
Henry Willms
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 21:51:00 GMT
From: zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel)
Subject: Laverda JOTA REARSETS
> Yes Peter, those are factory units. I have a set on my Jota (with
> crossover) and they work great. Not sure who has them but I would suggest
> calling all the usual sources, Ricky Racer, Slator, etc. Someone must have
> a set laying around.
Nobody has them. Wolfgang sold a set for about $350 maybe three
years ago. It was the last one I ever heard about. If anyone has
a used set (right shift) he wants to sell I'll take them anytime.
There was talk about reproductions (by both Lance and a dutch
guy), but I don't think they have delivered yet...
Bye
Chris
- ---
_ RM 1.31 3336 _
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:20:00 GMT
From: zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel)
Subject: Laverda MOTO WITT IGNITION
> I do have one problem that's ignition related; when I take
> it past about 8200 then the bike starts running very ragged
> and strangely the Pichler eletronic tach goes right off the
> scale. Below that it's fine. However since it did this even
> before we put Toddy's box in I don't think that's the problem.
> Pickup maybe.
Doesn't the tach get it's erading from one of the coils? That
would suggest some problems with the coils...
Bye
Chris
- ---
_ RM 1.31 3336 _
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 21:53:00 GMT
From: zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel)
Subject: Laverda GOIN ON SAFA
> >Take a look at the angle you'd need to be on in order to ground it,
> >we're not talking speed freak, we're talking suicidal here!
> No, I've seen them do it - on track days. I was right behind the bloke - it
> was a plain 3C - and he grounded it, headed for the grass, stayed on, and
> kept going - all faster than me. There's no way I'm doing that, so there
> goes my macho image, thought I. I'd seen his bike before, and he had
> obviously done it before. (Keith McKay will probably know his name, I think
> its Malcolm - used to ride an RGS with an extremely tidy monoshock rear -
> so tidy you kept looking at the bike because something seemed not quite
> right, but you couldn't quite decide what...)
Hi guys,
maybe something is wrong with my triple, but I ground the right
side a lot (been through more than one alternator cover, the bad
part is that the cover will shift up because it's only held by
two screws and then the alternator will grind through it from the
inside also).
It has nothing to do with riding foolishly, it happens easily in
very slow corners, like going up mountain passes, going like 25
mph in a very tight corner. I have grounded the center stand on
the left on my second day on the triple, going about 70 mph and I
have been very slow around left handers ever since.
The problem got a lot worse when I started fiddling with the
suspension (softer fork springs and real rear shocks). The
ride gets great, but when the bike actually gets lower
because of supension sag, courtesy of White Power instead of
Ceriani, it becomes a pain to ride around very curvy roads. I was
back to the original setup for a while, but that's not a good
solution either. I've already obverbraked the front twice on
bumpy roads, because the front wheel just skips around instead of
soaking up bumps. The bike is remarkably stable bouncing through
corners, but when you have to brake hard....ooops.
I am still musing about a way to get the right side smaller
(other than fitting a 1981 180° engine). What I want is a belt
drive with a nice, soft light clutch in place of the stupid drive
cushion thingy and a big alternator in the space where the clutch
now resides. Right side would be pickups and starter only.
Bye
Chris
- ---
_ RM 1.31 3336 _
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:20:00 GMT
From: zottel@bbs.bybyte.de (Zottel)
Subject: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE
Hi Ed,
> I e-mailed them and got a reply. Seems they don't have anything yet for a
> triple. Have you seen different? language may have been a barrier. You
> mention they are expensive, how much?
> >> On the subject of ignition systems, anybody out there from Australia (or
> >> elsewhere for that matter) know anything about the status of the ignition
> >> systems shown on Stephen Battisons web page? The systems look great and I
> >> was trying to get one but it looks like the company has stopped
> operations.
> >If you are rich you might want to check out the Silent Hektik
> >unit, it's very expensive though but looks even better than the
> >Moto Witt ignition...
Gotta check, maybe they only have 180° ignitions. They are a work
of art, but cost around $850 (including rotors, pickups and
coils). They also have a great regulator and rectifier combo plus
a VERY trick fuse box with automated fuses (just turn of the
ignition to reset the fuse) plus a turn signal relay switch plus
a 400 W electronic relay (starter/horn). These items are very
expensive also. They also supply replacements for the old Bosch
pickups.
Check out the german language part of their site, at least you'll
see the pics.
Bye
Chris Rein
- ---
_ RM 1.31 3336 _
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #66
****************************
laverda-digest Wednesday, March 25 1998 Volume 01 : Number 067
1. Ed Lutz Subj: Re: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE
2. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Laverda New to the list.
3. Martin Buck Subj: Re: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE FOR SALE...N
4. Martin Buck Subj: Re: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE FOR SALE...N
5. JRSbike Subj: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 15:27:22 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Re: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE
WOW, lots more then I thought or they mentioned in their e-mail. Guess this
will be a chance to try out some web based language translation systems!
Ed
At 10:20 PM 3/25/98 GMT, you wrote:
>Hi Ed,
>
>Gotta check, maybe they only have 180° ignitions. They are a work
>of art, but cost around $850 (including rotors, pickups and
>coils). They also have a great regulator and rectifier combo plus
>a VERY trick fuse box with automated fuses (just turn of the
>ignition to reset the fuse) plus a turn signal relay switch plus
>a 400 W electronic relay (starter/horn). These items are very
>expensive also. They also supply replacements for the old Bosch
>pickups.
>
>Check out the german language part of their site, at least you'll
>see the pics.
>
>Bye
>
>Chris Rein
>
>---
> _ RM 1.31 3336 _
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 16:40:43 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Laverda New to the list.
> SFC Rockers
Hello Steve,
What is the difference between SFC rockers and those on an SF1/2
engine?
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: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 10:08:29 +0800
From: Martin Buck
Subject: Re: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE FOR SALE...N
Martin Buck wrote:
> Zottel wrote:
>
> > > On the subject of ignition systems, anybody out there from Australia (or
> > > elsewhere for that matter) know anything about the status of the ignition
> > > systems shown on Stephen Battisons web page? The systems look great and I
> > > was trying to get one but it looks like the company has stopped operations.
>
> Hi Zottel,
>
> All I have heard is that the manufacturers of the ignition system are relocating
> premises and not gone out of business. Could try the Laverda Club of New South
> Wales web page and should get more info.
>
> Martin
> Perth, Australia
Hi Zottel,
I have found out more by speaking directly with the manufacturer. He is relocating
business and hopefully will be in production in the next few months. The unit he has
developed has been trialed for 2 yrs in a RGS and there have been no problems. No
units currently available for 180 engines and it is possible that units will be sold
in the US sometime.
Anyway it sounds hopeful - but what about us Jota owners!!!
CYA
Martin
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 10:28:15 +0800
From: Martin Buck
Subject: Re: Laverda LAVERDA BIKE FOR SALE...N
Hi Ed,
Heres the site --- http://rsphy1.anu.edu.au/~stb107/laverda/clubs/nsw/nsw.html
CYA
Martin
Ed Lutz wrote:
> Martin,
> That was me asking about the AU ignition system. Where is the New South
> Wales web page? Don't have that one in my links file.
>
> Ed
>
> At 11:17 AM 3/25/98 +0800, you wrote:
> >
> >
> >Zottel wrote:
> >
> >> > On the subject of ignition systems, anybody out there from Australia (or
> >> > elsewhere for that matter) know anything about the status of the
> ignition
> >> > systems shown on Stephen Battisons web page? The systems look great
> and I
> >> > was trying to get one but it looks like the company has stopped
> operations.
> >
> >Hi Zottel,
> >
> >All I have heard is that the manufacturers of the ignition system are
> relocating
> >premises and not gone out of business. Could try the Laverda Club of New
> South
> >Wales web page and should get more info.
> >
> >Martin
> >Perth, Australia
> >
> >
> >
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 00:40:31 EST
From: JRSbike
Subject: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
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Michael:
My racer is all set to go together but my crank is still with Craig so I'll
miss my first two race opportunities. If I get desperate I might put a stock
crank in, but I dont really want to do that. While I have been waiting I have
been looking at ways to reduce engine weight. I am thinking about machining
off the center teeth of the primary drive gear as well as the center row of
teeth on the clutch hub, drilling out whatever looks
possible on the clutch hub, and using two single chains instead of a triplex.
I assume they must be available somewhere.
While examining the clutch hub I noticed hair line cracks emanating from the
rivets.
Out of curiosity I checked my stash of four other clutch hubs and found that
only one unit seems free of any hair line cracks. Check yours. Do you think
this means anything?
Also do you use the preposterous "oil filter" ? Since the oil is changed so
frequently I'm thinking of retiring mine. I am also putting a new oil drain
plug under the shifter box for quick changes because I have a two into one
with a collector directly under the oil drain which makes for a lot of trouble
in the pits. Not only do I have to remove the exhaust system to change oil but
re-safety wire the four small bolts.
Regards, John
Also - my Ducati dealer has taken on a MZ/Laverda franchise. I'm dying to see
how the new 750s stacks up to the impossibly beautiful 748. Could be trouble
for my bank account.
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From: "Michael Moore"
To: laverda@list.sirius.com
Date: Sun, 22 Mar 1998 20:19:52 -0800
Subject: Laverda SF2RR update
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After a weekend (mostly) in the garage I've come a bit closer to
assembling the Laverda 750 engine.
For those of you tuning in late, I'd been originally supplied in the
mid 1980s by Roger Slater with a set of SFC Electronica pistons,
which are a couple millimeters shorter in deck height than the
SF2/early SFC pistons. Not knowing about the different piston
heights I had shortened the cylinder block to fit them, presuming it
was very out of spec, .
A new set of JE pistons was obtained from Lance at 1-800-LAVERDA last
summer, and after shortening them to fit my shortened cylinder I ran
into valve pocket to upper ring groove interference problems when
opening the pockets to fit the new and bigger titanium valves. That
occurred the week before the AHRMA national at Sears Point in August,
and seeing a week's vacation effort go down the tubes at the last
minute put me off working on the engine for several months.
I obtained another set of pistons from Lance recently, and started
setting the engine up to use them with the stock deck height.
Inspection of the cylinder spigot/head counterbore showed the spigot
to be about .012" taller than the head recess was deep. However,
when a compressed head gasket is installed (.042") there is a .030"
(.75mm) thick ring around the combustion chamber.
I'd decided to ignore this, figuring the volume of the ring made at
most a tenth of a point of compression. I spent much of Saturday
morning cutting new base gaskets and aluminum shims of varying
thickness to set the squish band.
I got things set where the smashed solder was showing a .035-.040"
squish clearance, and called my friend Craig to mention that I had
made some progress.
Craig was very concerned about the gap between the spigot and head,
pointing out that it could be the cause of some detonation at some
point. I was all set to ignore the gap, figuring that every Laverda
750 seems to be set up that way (and not wanting to spend the time
to fix it), but I've discovered that when I ignore expert advice and
something goes wrong I feel fairly stupid. Craig told me today that
in a chat with John Symonds he mentioned this, and John told him
that Todd Laverda in England also thought it was worth fixing on
bikes they set up.
So yesterday evening I spent an entertaining 15-20 minutes squaring
up the head on my milling machine (it would be nice if they could
work some sort of fine adjustment into the gears built into the mill
for this purpose - trying to chase the last thou or two gets
frustrating). I decided to take enough off of the head surface to
give a .004-.005" clearance with the compressed head gasket. Since
the spigots can't be lapped into the head (unlike a Ducati twin with
separate cylinder heads), and the depth of the recess varied a
couple thou depending on where I measured, (and I didn't want to
bother taking a cleanup cut on them and the top of the cylinder
block seemed to vary slightly too and I didn't want to remove the
sleeves to true that up), I figured that a slight clearance would
ensure the head was still clamping up on the gasket and not the
spigots, yet wouldn't be significant in re the detonation problem.
After letting the mill run at a dead slow table feed for 7 or 8 hours
I finally got to that point, so now I can start redoing the base
gaskets to reset the squish.
The painter has primered the Laverda's bodywork and I have hopes that
the color (SFC orange of course) will be shot in a couple days. My
next task for this week is to clean up the cylinder head, install the
new Megacycle cams, and set the cam timing (on a cylinder with no
piston - saves bent valves). Then if the paint is done I'll go up
to Craig's shop this Saturday with the engine and have him assist me
getting the valve pocket clearances sorted out. That will finish the
engine stuff and let me collect the bodywork and chassis to bring
back to San Francisco to finish assembling everything.
Once it is assembled I'll have to organize a dyno session and see if
I can find a track day so I can set up the suspension (reminder to
me - build front and rear stands before the track day). If I'm
diligent I may actually get things done in time to catch the Team
Obsolete vintage races at the AMA national at Laguna Seca, which
will be a good warm up/shake down for the AHRMA nationals the next
two weekends.
I've got the feeling that I'm not going to have time to get the CR216
Honda put back together for those races - oh well.
What's the deal with the race promoters scheduling races before
June, the time when the season really should start (and I could
conceiveably be ready to go)?
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
- --part0_890890832_boundary--
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #67
****************************
laverda-digest Thursday, March 26 1998 Volume 01 : Number 068
1. "Marnix" Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
2. "Marnix" Subj: Re: Laverda New to the list.
3. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda JOTA REARSETS
4. "Michael Moore" Subj: Re: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
5. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 25 Mar 1998 22:42:52 +0100
From: "Marnix"
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
Ed wrote:
>Haven't seen any books on the newer Laverdas.
Tim Parker announced an updated version of the 'Green Book' more than a year
ago. Wonder what happened, but guess it's still 'in the pipeline'.
He also announced an enhanced re-print of Ainscoe's Laverda book but this is
not very technical of course.
Hope we will see these soon!
I haven't talked to Tim Parker the last year, anybody been in touch with him
lately?
Marnix
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
INTERNATIONAL LAVERA 750 SFC OWNERS REGISTRY
Marnix van der Schalk
Rotterdam - The Netherlands
e-mail: wschalk@euronet.nl
web site: http://www.euronet.nl/~wschalk/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 07:34:14 +0100
From: "Marnix"
Subject: Re: Laverda New to the list.
Michael Moore wrote:
>
>What is the difference between SFC rockers and those on an SF1/2
>engine?
>
Drum brake SFCs had the old type heavier rockers yet they were made lighter
and they were polished.
16000/17000 batch SFC had the lighter type but these were SF items, and not
polished.
18000 batch SFCs had same yet these were polished and made just a little bit
lighter.
So on the rocker side SFCs are not really special....
Marnix
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
INTERNATIONAL LAVERA 750 SFC OWNERS REGISTRY
Marnix van der Schalk
Rotterdam - The Netherlands
e-mail: wschalk@euronet.nl
web site: http://www.euronet.nl/~wschalk/
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 10:12:41 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda JOTA REARSETS
At 09:51 PM 3/25/98 GMT, Zottel wrote:
>Nobody has them. Wolfgang sold a set for about $350 maybe three
>years ago. It was the last one I ever heard about. If anyone has
>a used set (right shift) he wants to sell I'll take them anytime.
>
>There was talk about reproductions (by both Lance and a dutch
>guy), but I don't think they have delivered yet...
The 'dutch guy' would likely be Gijs van Dijk; he does have
rearsets but they're CNC machined thingies and not replicas
of the factory sets.
I spoke to Lance about his copies a while back; last I heard
he was still wondering if there would be enough sales to justify
the cost of making the castings. I gather that's the expensive bit.
As it happens we got the last set of factory rearsets for the 500's
for Janice's 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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Screw up your courage! You've screwed up everything else.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 05:06:00 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Re: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
> My racer is all set to go together but my crank is still with Craig so I'll
> miss my first two race opportunities. If I get desperate I might put a stock
> crank in, but I dont really want to do that. While I have been waiting I have
Hello John,
If you can use the stock crank I'd recommend you do it. 2 races will
give you valuable bike and self shakedown time, and you should be
able to swap the cranks out over a weekend without problem. The
extra track time seems to make a big difference for most people -
more valuable than an extra bit of motor performance.
> possible on the clutch hub, and using two single chains instead of a triplex.
I'd like to do the twin chain as well - an SFC racer told me about
having his triplex come apart at high speed at Talladega with
unpleasant results.
> While examining the clutch hub I noticed hair line cracks emanating from the
> rivets.
> Out of curiosity I checked my stash of four other clutch hubs and found that
> only one unit seems free of any hair line cracks. Check yours. Do you think
> this means anything?
It means something more to worry about. I really don't want to take
the bottom end apart to look at the clutch. Maybe there would be a
small market for a batch of strong alloy hard-anodized aluminum parts
if it is a known problem area.
> Also do you use the preposterous "oil filter" ? Since the oil is changed so
> frequently I'm thinking of retiring mine. I am also putting a new oil drain
> plug under the shifter box for quick changes because I have a two into one
> with a collector directly under the oil drain which makes for a lot of trouble
> in the pits. Not only do I have to remove the exhaust system to change oil but
> re-safety wire the four small bolts.
I do use it - think of it as something to keep trash out of the oil
pump, rather than an actual oil filter. I've thought of tapping into
the case as per the Electronica to run lines to an Oberg filter,
especially as the race crank oil slingers were almost silted up to
the point of blocking off the crank pin oiling hole when the crank
was first pulled from the engine when I got 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
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 14:26:59 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
At 05:06 AM 3/26/98 -0800, Michael Moore wrote:
>> possible on the clutch hub, and using two single chains instead of a triplex.
>
>I'd like to do the twin chain as well - an SFC racer told me about
>having his triplex come apart at high speed at Talladega with
>unpleasant results.
I had one of the two chains on my SFC Thou' go; I only found it when
I took the primary drive cover off to see what that tiny tinkling
noise was. The other chain was still OK.
>> Also do you use the preposterous "oil filter" ? Since the oil is changed so
>> frequently I'm thinking of retiring mine. I am also putting a new oil drain
>> plug under the shifter box for quick changes because I have a two into one
>> with a collector directly under the oil drain which makes for a lot of trouble
>> in the pits. Not only do I have to remove the exhaust system to change oil but
>> re-safety wire the four small bolts.
You can drop the oil easily by loosening the gearbox side cover and
leaning the bike to the right.
My street 750 has a 2-1 pipe which blocks the alleged "filter" ;-D
and I find this a quick way to change the oil.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
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
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Screw up your courage! You've screwed up everything else.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #68
****************************
laverda-digest Thursday, March 26 1998 Volume 01 : Number 069
1. "Marnix van der Schalk" Subj: Re: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
2. Richard Taylor Subj: Re: Laverda Grounding Bull...
3. Richard Taylor Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
4. Lance Weil Subj: Laverda Gemini 200cc twin
5. Lance Weil Subj: Laverda Green book
6. LErkie4877 Subj: Laverda triple rearsets
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 16:54:47 +0100
From: "Marnix van der Schalk"
Subject: Re: Fwd: Laverda SF2RR update
>> Also do you use the preposterous "oil filter" ? Since the oil is changed
so
>> frequently I'm thinking of retiring mine. I am also putting a new oil
drain
>> plug under the shifter box for quick changes because I have a two into
one
>> with a collector directly under the oil drain which makes for a lot of
trouble
>> in the pits. Not only do I have to remove the exhaust system to change
oil but
>> re-safety wire the four small bolts.
In my experience, the shifter box is about the best place to drain the oil
because made metal particles settle down in that part of the engine. I have
a plug under the shifter box on 2 of my 750ies with magneto which catches a
lot too.
The aluminium is a bit thin there so if you want to do things properly it
would be good to first weld an aluminium ring on to give the cover more
meat.
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: Tue, 24 Mar 1998 20:55:49 +0000
From: Richard Taylor
Subject: Re: Laverda Grounding Bull...
At 14:38 24/03/98 +0100, you wrote:
>At 19:38 23-03-98 +0000, Richard Taylor emerged and wibbled:
>
>>No, you're correct, I'm wrong. I'm cracking up - it was definitely the
>>'bigger' side. I think I'm mixing up the grass and grounding incident. So
>>much for an accurate memory. Oops.
>>
>>But he certainly ground it in front of me. Must have been the hairpin
>>straight afterwards, because the top of Gooseneck which goes right is too
>>fast to ground and stay up?
>
>If you're speaking of Cadwell Park circuit, then it's possible to ground the
>lhs in Mansfield which is the lefthander after the *steep downhill* stretch
>from the Gooseneck.
Yup, that's the one - its about 30 yards on and its _steeeep_. Maybe I
wasn't wrong after all...
>The suspension may have been upset by this. The hairpin
>drops by about a foot or so midway so it's very easy to ground there too.
I was upset by it - laughing too much (after I'd worked out the bloke was
still 'in control', and was just going to carry on regardless!).
- --
Regards, Richard Taylor. International Laverda Owners Club -
http://www.richtea.demon.co.uk/laverda
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 22:00:50 +0000
From: Richard Taylor
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
At 15:48 25/03/98 +0100, you wrote:
>They're both 120 motors in the newer frame. Differences are, the
>SFC has a tuned motor (forged pistons, F1 rather than A11 cams, hand
>finished head), higher spec brakes and suspension and different
>bodywork.
>
>The SFC is better for sports riding, the RGS is better for touring
>(mostly due to the fatter seat).
>
>There's an "RGS Corsa" with the tuned engine and better brakes that's
>the best of both worlds but they're very rare. I don't know if they
>ever went to the USA...
Not true! Corsa has 280mm floaters, SFC has 320mm = better squeals.
Combined with superior M1 Marzocchi forks, and a decent fork brace as
standard, the SFC should better.
But then, I 'm biased.
:-)
>There's much, much more of a difference between the 180 bikes and the
>120 bikes than there is between the RGS and the SFC.
Hmm, not sure. I reckon there's more variation depending on who maintains
and tunes it! But comfort? yes, definitely go for a 120. But not so
comfortable you'll be bored. Oh no...
- --
Regards, Richard Taylor. International Laverda Owners Club -
http://www.richtea.demon.co.uk/laverda
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 14:16:09 -0800
From: Lance Weil
Subject: Laverda Gemini 200cc twin
Fellow Listees,
I am looking for any oversize pistons for this Gemini of mine and have
thus far batted "Zero". So I have decided to incorporate making
somethru my contract with J&E for other Laverda pistons. So I want to
ask in reverse and see if anyone out there wants some 200cc Gemini
pistons?
Please let me know as I am about to order them and will order a quantity
accordingly. Please order a minimum quantity of Two Pistons. They come
complete with rings and pins and circlips at $115 US each.
P.S. I have tried Andrighetto and others to find them already.
Love our new talk group, thank you Michael Moore for your efforts
Regards, Lance Weil
- --
1974 MV Agusta 750 America -- 1967 MV Agusta 600 -- 1967 XLR-RR -- 1984
RGA Laverda -- 1968 AE 150 Renagade -- 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfeta GT
Rickey Racer and 1-800-LAVERDA
519 South Flower St.
Burbank, California 91502
818-841-7490 ph.
818-841-4894 fax
lwrracer@earthlink.net
www.1-800-laverda.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 14:20:31 -0800
From: Lance Weil
Subject: Laverda Green book
Yes, I talked with Tim Parker in Nov. 97 and he told me they were
planning a reprint and upgrade of the Greenbook in Jan. 98. I call them
last month and talked with one of the sales women who said she knew
nothing of any plan to have this publication again. I left a message
for tim to get back to me and have yet to hear. I will call again and
let you all know what I hear shartly. Lance Weil
- --
1974 MV Agusta 750 America -- 1967 MV Agusta 600 -- 1967 XLR-RR -- 1984
RGA Laverda -- 1968 AE 150 Renagade -- 1977 Alfa Romeo Alfeta GT
Rickey Racer and 1-800-LAVERDA
519 South Flower St.
Burbank, California 91502
818-841-7490 ph.
818-841-4894 fax
lwrracer@earthlink.net
www.1-800-laverda.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 19:28:01 EST
From: LErkie4877
Subject: Laverda triple rearsets
I've heard for some years and from many quarters that the much-admired factory
rearsets for the big triples were about to be offered as reproductions. My
advice to all: don't hold yer breath. Fact is, no one has any. Question is:
who can provide some engineering drawings so we backyard bodgers can cobble up
our own?
- -Lawrence
------------------------------
End of laverda-digest V1 #69
****************************
laverda-digest Friday, March 27 1998 Volume 01 : Number 070
1. Stephen Wilcox Subj: Laverda Re: laverda-digest V1 #68
2. Ed Lutz Subj: Re: Laverda Re: laverda-digest V1 #68
3. "Michael Moore" Subj: Laverda More list members, SF2RR
4. Bill MacCracken Subj: Re:Laverda triple rearsets
5. Keith McKay Subj: Re: Laverda Am I right?
6. "Marnix van der Schalk" Subj: Re: Laverda Re: laverda-digest V1 #68
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 16:52:01 -0800
From: Stephen Wilcox
Subject: Laverda Re: laverda-digest V1 #68
Keith wrote:
> I had one of the two chains on my SFC Thou' go; I only found it when
> I took the primary drive cover off to see what that tiny tinkling
> noise was. The other chain was still OK.
Which reminds me... the primary chain side of my RGS has been rather
loud lately. It has made some amount of noise as long as I've had the
bike, and careful fiddling with the tensioner has never made the noise
really go away. (Tighter and I get a worse sound, clutch bearing perhaps?
looser and shifts become chunky) I've been meaning to pull the cover this
winter, but I've been putting it off. What are my chances of being able
to re-use the gasket on that side?
Stephen Wilcox
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 17:16:20 -0800
From: Ed Lutz
Subject: Re: Laverda Re: laverda-digest V1 #68
Don't know what could be making the noise but as for the gasket? Its paper
so don't expect to be able to reuse it.
Ed
At 04:52 PM 3/26/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Keith wrote:
>> I had one of the two chains on my SFC Thou' go; I only found it when
>> I took the primary drive cover off to see what that tiny tinkling
>> noise was. The other chain was still OK.
>
> Which reminds me... the primary chain side of my RGS has been rather
>loud lately. It has made some amount of noise as long as I've had the
>bike, and careful fiddling with the tensioner has never made the noise
>really go away. (Tighter and I get a worse sound, clutch bearing perhaps?
>looser and shifts become chunky) I've been meaning to pull the cover this
>winter, but I've been putting it off. What are my chances of being able
>to re-use the gasket on that side?
>
> Stephen Wilcox
>
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 17:46:44 -0800
From: "Michael Moore"
Subject: Laverda More list members, SF2RR
It looks like we are just under 60 subscribers - surely far more than
I ever anticipated would show up.
Craig tells me the painter delivered the bodywork for the SF2RR
today, and it looks very nice. I'm sure it will be nice when
assembled, but I don't know if I'm going to do something of quite
this magnitude again in the near future:
HD-XR750 fairing and bubble, 72 hours of fiberglass guy's time
(fairing ducting, new seat and fender (including molds for all
that)), paint and painter's time - grand total about $1600
This is the first time that I've had anyone do painting on a bike -
I'm going to take plenty of pictures before it gets started/ridden,
just in case.
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: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 20:07:53 -0800
From: Bill MacCracken
Subject: Re:Laverda triple rearsets
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 19:28:01 EST
From: LErkie4877
Subject: Laverda triple rearsets
I've heard for some years and from many quarters that the much-admired
factory
rearsets for the big triples were about to be offered as
reproductions. My
advice to all: don't hold yer breath. Fact is, no one has any.
Question is:
who can provide some engineering drawings so we backyard bodgers can
cobble up
our own?
- - -Lawrence
If someone has a set of the factory rearsets I would be willing to take
the measurements and provide a full set of engineering documents
including IGES files so that a CNC Program could be made.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 10:35:03 +0100
From: Keith McKay
Subject: Re: Laverda Am I right?
At 10:00 PM 3/26/98 +0000, Richard Taylor wrote:
>>There's an "RGS Corsa" with the tuned engine and better brakes that's
>>the best of both worlds but they're very rare. I don't know if they
>>ever went to the USA...
>
>Not true! Corsa has 280mm floaters, SFC has 320mm = better squeals.
You're right; but I mean that the Corsa has better brakes than
a stock RGS.
>>There's much, much more of a difference between the 180 bikes and the
>>120 bikes than there is between the RGS and the SFC.
>Hmm, not sure. I reckon there's more variation depending on who maintains
>and tunes it! But comfort? yes, definitely go for a 120. But not so
>comfortable you'll be bored. Oh no...
I suppose I'm bound to have the most extreme view; I have a very early
180 triple (1974) and a latish 120 (1987) so the differences will be more
pronounced.
Incidentally, are you bringing your 750 to Cadwell in September? I'd be
VERY interested to hear about your experiences; it's on my list as a
possible race bike for '99. Not high on the list alas, it's pretty
expensive for the performance you get.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
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 gave her a look that you could have poured on a waffle.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Mar 1998 15:17:17 +0100
From: "Marnix van der Schalk"
Subject: Re: Laverda Re: laverda-digest V1 #68
Ed wrote:
>Don't know what could be making the noise but as for the gasket? Its paper
>so don't expect to be able to reuse it.
I disagree but it depends if gasket cement was used the last time and how
careful you are taking the cover off. Tap around the cover with a hide
headed hammer and you will see it come off with the gasket in tact.
I very often see Laverda engines where gasket cement was used and I really
don't understand why they do it.
The side covers fit so well on Laverda's that even after re-using the gasket
many times it probably won't leak.
Always good to have one as a spare of course.... :-)
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 #70
****************************
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