In the moto business since 1949 ( and agricultural engines way before that ), Laverda saw the lights of the oncoming bullet train in the late 1960’s and set to developing a three-cylinder engine. The RGS featured new developments all around and this example looks just about as delivered.
1983 Laverda RGS1000 for sale on eBay
Laverda’s air-cooled triple had been in the line-up since 1969, and the RGS had the latest double overhead cams and 120-degree crankshaft. A conservative 83 hp were on rubber isolators, with 32mm Dell’Orto carbs and a 5-speed transmission. Marzocchi dampers and 280mm Brembo brakes were premium components for the time, along with 18-inch alloys. Innovative footpeg carriers and fuel filler were distinctive and complemented the bodywork which flowed from headlight to tailcone.
Offered by an eBay consigner, this Lav is reportedly in Illinois and looks pampered. Might be ridden occasionally but at 39 years young, not very far. Just the 3-into-1 exhaust, oil cooler, fork brace and what seems to be a Corsa brake upgrade catch the eye, besides the overall unrestored beauty. Some of the detailed comment in the eBay auction –
The cosmetic condition of this machine is just as good as it looks in the photos. Every finish on the machine is original. No part of the bike has been re-finished. The running condition of the machine is flawless, starting immediately. This bike has been part of the owner’s collection for a while and is ridden on a regular basis. It runs and rides with absolutely no issues.
As you can also see from the photos, the machine has had absolutely no restoration performed to any part of it. The condition is exactly what it looks like in the photos. I have been a fan of Laverda for some time, and have had two of these RGS machines in the past as well as this one.
The paint on the tank, side covers, and cowl is, as far as I can tell, original, and have never had any type of paintwork or touchup. The bike has never been in any type of accident or been dropped at any time.
The machine has 7,671 original miles on it, and is in perfect running condition with a compression test having being recently performed. The cosmetic condition of the engine finishes, apart from some minor age freckling, is very nice, with the aluminum and cast parts being particularly beautiful for their age.
The seat is original and in perfect condition, and the rear cowl is easily removable, allowing for two up riding. The wheels are original to the machine, are the rarer and more desirable gold version, stamped Laverda, and are in very nice original condition. Please note the original specification smoked windscreen is present and in beautiful original condition.
The RGS 1000 runs and rides the way you expect a machine with this type of mileage to run. All of the mechanical components have been checked over to ensure they work properly including the clutch and brakes, which were recently serviced and adjusted. The carbs were completely gone through this season and function perfectly, and there is a new battery installed.
Laverda had a long racing history and produced some beautifully equipped road bikes, but without a gazillion smaller bike sales to fund development, even their latest designs were a little quirky and relatively expensive. But sometimes a fascinating, Euro-centric design with provenance is just the ticket, and if this era and continent strike a chord, it might be a while before a nicer example is available.
-donn
eBay shows sold for $13,900.00 -dc