The Zane-era Laverda Ghost and Ghost Strike are extremely rare here in the USA. They were designed to fill the same niche as Ducati’s Monster and provide a profitable, parts-bin naked that would help put the struggling company into the black. The seller claims that the bike is “light, fast, loud, and powerful” and he’s probably mostly correct. At around 420lbs dry, it is relatively svelte and that exhaust is definitely not stock, so it’s likely pretty loud. The Ghost Strike generally came with a dual-exhaust, but this aftermarket two-into-one set up should save a bit of weight over the stock system in addition to increasing noise and power. Handling is excellent so the bike will definitely be quick down a twisted ribbon of asphalt, but “powerful” might be a bit of a stretch: the air-cooled 668 parallel-twin engine was a pretty ancient design and notably down on power compared to its competition from Bologna, with a claimed 70hp output.
A quick look at the “gas tank” reveals something interesting: a lack of a filler cap. That’s because you’re really looking at the airbox and the tank filler is under a locking panel in the tail, which should be a conversation-starter anytime you’re gassing up. These bikes may look a bit like someone ripped the fairing off a CBR, but they’re very quirky machines that stress handling over power. The standard Ghost used a trellis frame similar to the Ducati, although this Ghost Strike features a beam frame that it uses identical geometry and is shared with the fully-faired 750S and Formula models.
From the original eBay listing: 1998 Laverda Ghost Strike 668 for Sale
Real deal. Made in Italy. Rare and unique Laverda Ghost Strike 668. Aluminum frame, fuel-injected, air-cooled parallel twin. Carbon exhaust, Brembo brakes, etc. Top of the line components. If you want to ride something no one else has, this is for you! Runs, rides and shifts perfectly.
Beautiful bike in great condition. Never dropped. Very slight imperfections from normal use. Just had starter and flywheel replaced with OEM parts.
This bike is light, fast, loud and powerful!
The bike is missing passenger accommodations and its stock mirrors, but it does look better with these simple bar-end bits anyway. There are just a few hours left on the auction, with bidding up to $4,000. Certainly, a Monster will give you more bang for your buck, with much greater straight-line performance and parts availability. But handling from that Nico Bakker frame is famously good and these are rare as hen’s teeth, especially in the USA. If bidding stays low, this could be a very cool buy for someone with a desire to be a bit different.
-tad
Humph, that’s a new bike to me. Looks like fun.
looks to be in really good shape, all oem except for the few missing pieces noted by tad. cant tell from the pics if the exhaust was one of the lav catalog items or aftermarket (leo vance was a popular option).
not as hard to get parts for as people think… a good daily rider if you want something a bit different.
marty
That Ducati Corse key fob is a nice touch, but I’ll be staying with my M695.
sold for 4000