The Laverda Twins & Triples Bible

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