Rare, Italian and not a Ducati: 1999 Laverda 750S Formula

Location: Carlsbad, California

Mileage: 10,000

Price: $7,500 or offer

These have been posted on RSBFS before but they are certainly not a bike you see rolling through the neighborhood that often (at least not my neighborhood). As mentioned before, the Formula was a hopped up limited edition version of the regular 750S. The upgrades included top notch Brembo four piston calipers and dual floating discs, along with lightweight Marchesini rims and a fully adjustable rear shock. All of this was powered by a 750cc parallel twin that cranked out 92 bhp.

Some more pics-

From the seller-

Up for reluctant sale is my 1999 Laverda Formula. This is a very special bike – it is a TRUE 1999 model and one of only a handful imported into the country, in all these years I have never seen another like it for sale. I am the founder of the Zanelist, the largest online support group for Laverda owners, and have owned the bike practically since new (2000), and put all relevant miles and service into the bike. This is a bike best sampled by the Italophile, these Laverdas were some of the last hand built motorcycles to come from an Italian motorcycle company still owned and operated by Italians. The character really shows and the fact that these bikes were built at the base of the Dolemites comes out in the way they perform in switchback mountain roads. These were the last bikes to be imported into the country before Laverda shut their doors, which happened just months after I bought the bike. 

Now, some history on this machine in particular: 

The bike has always received THE BEST oil (Motul 300V Double Ester), and has never been left sitting for too long.

Bike was in a low side accident several years ago and the lower fairings were repainted factory “Mediterranean” blue with factory decals. There are some small imperfections (dust) in the repainted fairings but they can only be seen upon close examination.

Factory race cans installed (Termignoni) and accompanying chip. Throttle response is perfect and the sound is incredible.

2000 Laverda Factory cams – these cams are the pinnacle of Laverda engineering and eliminate the notorious flatspot in the RPM range earlier Formula models exhibited. The bike responds smoothly throughout the rev range.

New Regina (OEM) chain installed (less than 1000 miles)

New Dunlop Q2 tires installed (less than 1000 miles)

Forks (Fully adjustable Paioli) rebuilt with new seals and oil (less than 1000 miles)

ALL fluids replaced (less than 1000 miles)

Shock replaced with new OEM (Less than 1000 miles)

Laverda Formula 668 Subframe (reduces weight/improves balance of machine – stock steel subframe is included with purchase)

New LiFeP04 Pulse battery (~10 lbs. lighter than stock battery).

New Fuel Pump (Upgraded ND Unit less than 1000 miles)

New Speedometer (Original was damaged in my accident and will be provided in sale for proof of mileage as stated.)

Factory Shop and Parts manuals included

As for why I am selling the bike, this Laverda is now at a point in its life where it would be best served by an owner who wishes to add something quite rare (and beautiful) to their collection. I have 2 other bikes, a sport tourer and an older air cooled Laverda, and I’m at a point where I can’t really justify an Italian exotic as I am now saving up for a house. It’s a captivating machine that exudes the essence of Italian motorcycling, like a 2 wheeled Ferrari F-40. Someone who wishes to own something really unique and characterful will have no regrets. 

PLEASE – serious inquires only. “Test Rides” only for those who provide cash in hand. That said, if you have any technical or vehicle history questions, feel free to ask away. 

Bike has approx. 10,000 total miles. Valves were adjusted less than 1000 miles ago. This bike runs perfectly. 

The seller is clearly a fan of the brand and seems to have covered the maintenance end of things very well on this bike. The seller does mention an older low side accident and the subsequent repairs. Also, there have been some modifications to the bike, although they seem to be smart upgrades. However, depending how into originality you are, you may want to take that into consideration. Otherwise it seems the bike is well cared for and the mileage doesn’t seem too high. The BIN price is $7,500, which seems about right, but the seller also allows offers.

There’s a lot of bikes out there, and something different is always welcome in my book. The Formula model has the kind of upgrades that makes the bike even more interesting. If you want to start or finish a collection of interesting Italian bikes, make the jump!

-RN