Reborn Italian: 1999 Laverda 750S for Sale

1999 Laverda 750S
Kilometers: 22,467
Clean Title
Listed Price: $13,850 AUD [Approximately $8,940 USD]

Looking very much like an Italian take on an early 90s Kawasaki ZX-7R, this Laverda 750S represents the brand’s short-lived rebirth during the company’s “Zanè era,” so named as production was moved from its traditional home in Breganze to a site just down the road near the town of, naturally, Zanè. It’s a story similar to Triumph’s revitalization during the same era: rich industrialist Francesco Tognon bought what remained of Laverda, set up a new production facility, and introduced a line of sports motorcycles based around a pair of common frames and heavily updated engines. In this case, the aluminum beam frame was designed by the famed Nico Bakker, although some models used a tubular steel trellis similar to Ducati. Early bikes were air-cooled, but eventually liquid-cooling was added to the parallel twin, allowing the bike to produce a competitive 92hp. Period reviews felt it was a bit agricultural and underwhelming, compared to bikes like Ducati’s 748, but it was revy and characterful, and the bike had excellent handling, owing to the Paioli suspension fitted to the 750S and top-shelf 750S Formula models. Unfortunately, unlike Triumph, Laverda’s second shot at life ended in 2000, when the moribund brand was absorbed into the grasping tentacles of the Piaggio Group, never to resurface.

With only 22,467 km from new, this bike is in very nice original condition throughout. The bodywork and paint remain undamaged, showcasing its well-preserved history. While the front wheel has a few chips in the paint and the plastic air duct bears some scratches, these minor imperfections don’t detract from the overall appeal.

Launched in 1997 and produced until 2002, the Laverda 750S carries the marque’s legendary DNA. The water-cooled, fuel-injected 747cc engine delivers an impressive 92 bhp, while the stiff aluminium beam frame paired with Paioli suspension offers superb handling—precise, stable, and confidence-inspiring through corners.

This bike also features high-end components, including Brembo brakes and the original exhaust, which remains undamaged.

The motorcycle has been fully serviced and test ridden, with Pirelli tyres currently fitted (though they are a few years old). It’s a mechanically sound and ready-to-enjoy Italian sport bike.

Finished in one of the most desirable Laverda colour combinations, this 750S is not just a performer—it’s a head-turner. Arguably one of the coolest Laverdas you can own.

As you may have guessed, this particular Laverda 750S is in Australia, for sale at Brad’s Vintage Cycles. It appears to be in excellent physical condition, with glossy paint and very few blemishes, although there are some marks on the air intake tubes, as can be seen in some of the photographs. There is also some surface corrosion evident in some areas, such as the clip-ons and the top triple-clamp. Overall, it’s a very cool, very rare bike, with low miles. I’m a huge fan of these, particularly the gloriously orange-and-black, top-tier Formula version. The biggest concern with any Zanè Laverda would obviously be finding parts to maintain, repair, and upgrade the bike, assuming you planned to ride it.

-tad