We’ve only seen three examples from the famous Italian motorcycle maker Laverda here on Barn Finds over the years. They were two 750s and a 1,000 cc, but none of them compares to this beautiful motorcycle: a 1980 Laverda 1200TS. This bellissima motocicletta can be found here at Monkey Moto in Argyle, Texas, and they’re asking $17,098. Thanks to Nevadahalfrack for the tip!
The triple-cylinder Laverda 1200TS (Turismo/Touring Sport) model was an interesting upgrade from Laverda’s famous 1,000-cc triple. The 1200 was offered from 1977 through 1982, but the TS model came along in 1979. There was also a Mirage version with a bit of an extra kick, extra gauges, but mainly it had quieter exhaust pipes and touring A12 cams, at least for U.S. bound models. The bodywork was elegant and understated, as expected.
The three-into-two exhaust is elegant, but my 1978 Yamaha has a similar setup. Now, if mine were a 1,200… zzzz… sorry, I was dreaming again. It’ll take some major financial tomfoolery in order for me to get a $17k motorcycle. While marketed as a 1,200 cc, the actual displacement was 1,116 cc. Five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels were part of the package, as was a newly styled tail section behind the seat. I can’t imagine having a rider on a motorcycle; it’s been decades since I’ve given anyone a ride on one.
This seller has provided fantastic photos, both overall and detailed images. You can see the mileage is 11,254 km, and that equates to 6,993 miles. This one is barely broken in. We don’t know much about this example, as while the seller provided great photos, they give hardly any information about it at all. In fact, they don’t give any information other than it’s silver, it’s in excellent condition, and the VIN is 3486, which I’m assuming are the last four digits.
The engine is a Laverda 1,116 cc air-cooled four-stroke DOHC triple-cylinder, which had 73 horsepower and 40 lb-ft of torque when new. Backed by a 5-speed manual transmission, we have to assume this bike runs as well as it looks. I have a feeling they’ll be holding onto this one for a long time at that price. What do you think?
Real stunner SG. Never heard of these bikes. Good eye Nevada. š®š¹
Oh, we heard of Laverda in Beer City, where just being a motorcycle city, we were privy to all motorcycles, just don’t show up on anything but a Harley,,,or a Limey. Italian bikes just didn’t have the dealer network, and was difficult to obtain any, much less have any parts or service. There was no package delivery or Internet, and parts would take months sometimes. By then it was snowing anyway.
Be that as it may, the Italians knew what they were doing. I read, this bike was no slouch. This bike would do 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and 12.5@ 106mph and a top speed of almost 135, putting it in 4 cylinder performance territory, or that awful Kaw triple madness. Italians made such neat vehicles, like an Italian supermodel should be shown with one. Very cool, SG!
Say, I was just wondering, how DOES one get tips approved ’round here?
Send in good tips.
Look at Fast Finds, some tippers send in dozens of tips a day. Or you could send in vehicles that have a big following.
This bike is incredible! I would love to ride this on any given Sunday! (get the reference?) beyond the initial investment, what if you needed work done on it? and nonetheless, Iād still like to twist that throttle!