Report From Italy

REPORT FROM ITALY

CARLO PERELLI

BIG LAVERDA SOON ON DELIVERY

THE FINAL VERSION of Laverda's big gun is near completion of road and bench tests, while the factory has nearly finished preparation of jigs and tools for series production, to start this winter. Young factory boss Massimo Laverda recently toured the U.S. He reports great interest in his big machine. In Italy and other countries, there is great anticipation as this model features an ohc valve train driven by central, duplex chain; primary drive by triplex chain; five-speed gearbox in unit; electric starter; twin carburetors; and an excellent finish.

Mainly for the U.S., it will be built in a 750-cc version, but the original 650-cc machine also will be retained. In both cases, power is approximately 50 bhp. The larger engine delivers greater torque.

Main modifications to the prototype, introduced at last year's London Show, are to the crankshaft, now reinforced and running on six bearings instead of five; to the clutch, strengthened, yet smooth in operation; to the gearbox selector, which now provides smoother, quicker action; and to the electrics, which now include a new, very powerful, silent, Japanese starter, well fed by a new type of Italian battery, such as is fitted to racing Ferraris.

Suspension, now by Ceriani, also is improved. Wheels are 18-in. diameter. The saddle is a bit too high and too large for medium-sized riders. The fuel tank also is very large, and has no knee recesses. All this, with footrests set a little too far rearward, makes the riding position somewhat uncomfortable. However, Laverda people seem to have accepted rider recommendations, and most probably the machine will be corrected for production. There will be a choice of three handlebar styles, to suit various tastes and sizes of riders.

Next year, the machine will be officially entered in endurance races and the Tour of Italy, because Laverda is convinced participation will be very valuable.

Another big gun to be seen in final shape at the Milan Show is the 650-cc Benelli twin (CW, Oct. '67). The machine now carries a slimmer fuel tank and seat, and panels along side battery and carburetor filters. However, the 650 is much the same as before, rather monumental and cluttered looking. It will be offered either with electric starter (of Japanese make) or with the traditional, but more fatiguing, folding pedal.

The new Gilera 500 ohc twin, also with electric starter and five-speed gearbox, will be shown at Milan only in a police version. The civilian machine will arrive soon after.

ITALIAN CHAMPIONS

There were only three rounds for the Italian Senior Championship this year. They were contested at Vallelunga autodrome near Rome, at Zingonia's new circuit near Bergamo, and at Pergusa autodrome in Sicily.

The 125 title went to Walter Villa, on the single-cylinder rotary valve Mondial. During this winter, a batch of about 20 of these machines will be built and offered to private riders. The machine features a horizontal watercooled cylinder and aircooled head, an eight-speed gearbox in unit, and 24 bhp at 11,000 rpm. Weight is 177 lb.

The 250 champion is Angelo Bergamonti, who rode to victory on the Morini Single

against the four-cylinder Benelli of Grassetti who — for consolation — secured the 350 title with a Benelli Four.

With Agostini riding and winning aboard his MV Three only at Zingonia, 500 laurels again went to Angelo Bergamonti, this time on the Paton twin, the machine which has performed so well in the past season, both in Italy and abroad, and which will be built in small numbers for private riders.

The trials championship, decided in seven ferocious rounds, was won by Trevisani (Cimatti 50), Dossena (Morini 98), Saini (Gilera 125) and Gritti (Morini 150).

NEW GUAZZONI TRIAL

The lone firm in Italy to produce rotary valve models, Guazzoni, has just announced a well conceived trials model. The machine is available in no less than four displacements on the same race-tested frame with Ceriani competition suspension, and with 19 inch front and 18 inch rear tires. The 50-cc unit delivers 7 bhp, the 60-cc unit 9 bhp, the 98-cc unit 14 bhp, and the 125-cc unit 16 bhp. All carry six-speed gearboxes and flywheel magneto ignition. Weight is around 188 lb. ■