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Cold Start Video:
Riding Video:
A limited production model done up by the well-known Slaters Laverda of England, the Laverda Formula Mirage as a rebodied, upgraded Mirage.
There are incredibly rare machines – just 16 or so were ever built. Some Formulas were made based on the 120 Jota as well. Among other upgrades, these bikes received the aggressive race 7C cams.
Fun fact: this has a 2.5 gallon tank, which is so small because certain countries had already outlawed fiberglass tanks. Thus, Slater built a metal tank to fit inside the fiberglass tank…and you can guess how that went.
This example is VIN: LAV12002425, Engine #: 1200 2425. The seller acquired it it approximately ten years ago.
During his ownership, the seller covered 28.5 miles. The odometer shows 20,555 miles.
“This is an estate sale for Jim Henderson. Many people will know him for his abilities flying Bell 214B helicopters in forest fire fighting operations in many countries around the world. He was an avid motorcycle collector and racer who passed on before being able to fully enjoy his up coming retirement and hobby restoring motorcycles. Jim stated that this bike was entered in competitions and ridden by Roger Winterburn, a well-known name in Laverda circles prior to being sold by Slater Laverda in England in 1981. Further evidence was the presence of safety wire on several engine covers and the oil filter prior to disassembly. The camshafts are the correct 7C items, usually reserved for competition. The bike still has its last British tax disc issued in 1987. It has not been previously registered in Canada so 1987 was the last year that it was used, prior to the restoration. Mileage as displayed appears to be genuine. It is one of 16 produced, an unknown number survive today. Gearshift is on the right foot.”
Maintenance:
“Powder coated frame, fresh chrome, overhauled cylinder head, 3 new intake valves, 5th gear and output shaft replaced, vapor blasted engine cases and re assembled with new cam chain, new primary drive chain, new 530 final drive chain and sprockets, new tires, tubes and wheel bearings, new silencers, new battery, all genuine Laverda parts sourced from Wolfgang Haerter in Nakusp BC Canada.”
“Rear left shock slight weeping of oil. The original Astralite wheels, while attractive, are not wholly suitable for a heavy motorcycle. The rear is an early type with a reduced amount of fasteners joining the rim halves. Seller advises replacement with Suzuki GSX-R wheels if the bike is to be used for more than display or parades.”
Our partners at Dreamcycle inspected the bike and have provided the following condition report:
Modifications:
Fresh silver paint on tank and seat unit.
530 chain.
K&N air filters.
New HEL brake lines F+R.
Metmachex polished aluminum swing arm from the period.
Also included is the kit to move the gear shifter from the right to the left side as seen in the photos.
Not pictured: Boyer Bransden ignition with wiring for Moto-Witt.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT46 tires with date codes of 3524 and 0525.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“The front Brembo brakes are not the Goldline equipment as originally fitted at time of delivery. Rub mark on rear rim, worn anodizing on rims, worn spots on hand controls, various worn marks on components, a few rub marks on edge of silver body work. Please see the photos.”
Currently located in Sorrento, British Columbia, Canada, this Laverda is offered on a British Columbia registration. Have any Formula Mirage 1200 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
