Unbearable Lightness – 1983 Laverda 1000 RGS Muramaya Special

Though the RGS 1000 was almost the end of the line for Laverda, their Japanese importer Murayama had a thought for an extra special café version. Today’s Lav triple was built and restored to a rare level of sweetness.

In as much as the Laverda’s RGS 1000 was a Euro-centric GT, the Murayama mods make it a lightweight outlaw. Though the drivetrain, tank and frame are original, almost everything else is new. The 981cc triple was no slouch with 83 hp, but improved with 1116cc fed by Keihin flatslides, and every pound that the abbreviated bodywork and components saved reflects positively on the lbs./hp equation. 3-into-3 exhausts were retained if only for the music, but the suspension, wheels, and brakes were updated with 21st century components. Even the dash is a custom digital Stack setup, and the polished swingarm appears to be a one-of-one.

Wild as the $30K starting bid is, one can hardly quibble about the build or condition. Despite being ready for show, it’s also looks ready to go, and the owner lists these mods –

The following modifications were made.

• 1116cc
• TT-F1 camshaft
• Carrillo connecting rod
• Cylinder head bottom surface polishing
• Intake and exhaust port processing
• Primary belt specifications
• DMC ignition system
• Keihin FCR carburetor
• 3 piece muffler
• Front and rear Brembo brake system
• hydraulic clutch
• Ohlins suspension front and rear
• Vito R&D magtan wheel
• frame reinforcement
• aluminum swing arm
• Aluminum upper and lower three-pronged
• aluminum back step
• STACK meter
• and so on

The Osaka location will require some extra homework from the new owner, but appears to be worth the effort. Laverda 1000’s are already rarer than hen’s teeth, even more so with a Murayama license plate holder. Pretty sure this example won’t be logging a lot of miles after the sale, but it’ll be a joy to behold, even with the carbs and tank drained.

-donn