Report From Italy
REPORT FROM ITALY
CARLO PERELLI
LAVERDA, a medium-sized factory in Breganze, North Italy, is part of a huge industrial plant producing agricultural machinery.
It began producing motorcycles soon after World War II and since then has become well-known for the original features and good quality it incorporates in the machines it makes.
The 200 twin, for example, is beginning to be known even in the U.S. The company, however, feels that the American market is looking for cubic inches by the gross and therefore is preparing a really attractive mount — a 650cc or 750cc twin with chain-driven overhead cam, electric starter, five-speed gearbox, primary and final drive by chain and an output of about 50 bhp. The machine most probably will debut at the next London show.
Presently, Laverda is ready to launch two smaller models: the 125cc “Sport” and the “Trail.”
Both have the same engine, a pushrod operated, 30-degree inclined, 123cc (56 x 50mm) engine developing 10.5 bhp (rear-wheel) at 9,500 rpm. Compression is 9.2:1 and the carburetor is 22mm. It has a four-speed gearbox, primary drive by gears and wet-sump lubrication.
Inner and final ratios are different to suit the particular use. The “Trail” model ratios seem okay, but the top gear of the “Sport” model is rather long, so it is difficult to reach peak revs and the promised maximum speed of 72 mph. Top speed for the trail bike is 60 mph. Acceleration is excellent in both machines, and they
put out gobs of torque. Both machines weigh 192 pounds, have 17-incb wheels and get about 90 to 100 miles per gallon in normal use.
Impressions in a nutshell: good riding position and road holding; big saddle and efficient (Ceriani) suspension; controls good, except for that rocker type gearchange pedal; powerful brakes. Steering radius, as well as ground clearance are somewhat limited on the “Trail” model. Both models have a pleasant exhaust note.
H-D Aermacchi is continuously improving its production racers, following the same policy adopted by Norton in its golden racing days. Factory riders test the improvements in competition and, if they work out, they are incorporated in the over-the-counter models. Works riders Gilberto Milani and Renzo Pasolini this year are racing exposed flywheel H-Ds of 250cc and 350cc capacity and have been very successful. Accordingly, these machines will be made available to privateers soon. The external flywheel has definitely cured a crankshaft breakage problem which occurred in past models, says Signor Bianchi, technical director of the Italian plant.
Another interesting modification: use of eccentrically mounted rocker spindles to save on reciprocating weight and facilitate adjustment.
The 248cc (72 x 67mm) model now develops 33 bhp at the rear wheel at 10,000 rpm, while the 348cc (74 x 80mm) has 40 bhp at 8,500 rpm, also taken at the rear wheel. The 350 quite frequently blows off the 500cc English bikes. Both machines have five-speed gearboxes in unit and 18-inch wheels. Weight of the factory mounts is about 220 pounds!
