Description
Laverda was an Italian company primarily known for manufacturing agricultural equipment and machinery. Following World War II, Francesco Laverda, the grandson of the founder, along with Luciano Zen, decided to venture into motorcycle production.
In 1968, the company released a 650cc parallel twin, inspired by the Honda CB77, which was quickly bumped to 750cc and eventually became the 750GT. Up against the Norton Commando, Honda CB750, and Triumph Bonneville, the 750 competed quite admirably by putting out 52bhp and a top speed of 115 mph.
The 750GT was Laverda’s introduction to the American market – though it was actually under the brand name of American Eagle. It all goes back to a man named Jack McCormack. McCormack worked for Honda and helped Suzuki start selling bikes in the US before he decided he wanted to work for himself. So he started American Eagle and was able to offer a range of bikes from 80cc to 750cc. He contracted with Laverda to produce the big bike, and that was the Italian firm’s big break across the Atlantic.
This example is VIN: 7502285. The seller purchased the bike twelve years ago from a San Francisco collector and states, “It’s time for a new caretaker and you’ll start with a well-sorted vintage bike that’s a joy to ride.” He continues with more details about this specific bike, “Frame 2285 = 1,285th Laverda twin of the approximate 18,000 produced. 150 American Eagle 750s were produced and shipped to the USA in the late 1960s, 75 returned to Italy in 1970 and were distributed globally. Engine number: blank due to upgraded Laverda crankcases. Early, second year of the Laverda Twin (1968-1976). Originally imported and badged as an American Eagle by Jack McCormack (original AE badges are included). Successfully completed several Moto Melee and NorCal TT rallies over the years. 4.75 gallon fuel tank giving well over 150 miles of range.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 13,000 miles. The odometer shows 50,485 miles. Per the seller, “When the old speedo came off I entered the mileage into the new speedo and continued riding the bike. Not a mile has been missed!”
Maintenance:
The seller states, “Runs wells, shifts well, stops well, lights works, brake light works.” He would like to point out some original bits:
– Ceriani forks.
– Ceriani rear shocks.
– Borrani front wheel (model 4446) with stainless steel spokes.
– Borrani rear wheel (model 4445) with stainless steel spokes.
– Grimeca front double-leading shoe drum brake, works well.
– Grimeca rear single-leading shoe drum brake brake, works well.
– Bosch electrics with electric start.
– Bosch headlamp assembly (same spec as /2 BMW).
Modifications:
The seller has provided the following list pertaining to the bikes modifications and tuning:
– Factory Laverda upgraded engine crankcases (extra webbing per 1970s).
– Seat foam replaced, seat recovered, and passenger handle renewed in 2012.
– 32 mm PHF Dell’Orto carbs (original 29 mm square-slide VHB carbs are included), tuned for today’s 91 octane.
– 150 main jets, K5 needles with clips at lowest position, 70/2 slides, and other carbs notes are included.
– Cut throttle springs (PHF carbs) 2 turns to improve rider comfort.
– Ignition timing ~2 degrees retarded from spec (safer with today’s fuel).
– Foam air filters that mimic the original airbox tubes.
– 2-into-1 exhaust, made by Marving in Italy.
– Dyna ignition points Booster that turns the points into a low voltage switch so they last much longer and stay stable.
– LED tail light assembly (original included).
– VW solid state voltage regulator.
– Easy Clutch Lever at gearbox, makes clutch pull easier, a common period upgrade.
– Speedhut custom “LAVERDA” Tachometer (original Smiths gauge is included), redline 7k rpm.
– Sigma BC 8.12 Speedometer (original Smiths gauge is included), new speedo battery in 2024.
– Sealed steering head bearings, previous owner.
– Laverda tank badges (original American Eagle tank badges are included).
– New chain, front sprocket, and rear sprocket at 47k miles.
– Valves clearances checked at 46k miles, no adjustments needed, very stable during my 12 year ownership.
– Compression test at 46k miles, hot: Left 192 psi, Right 195 psi.
– Generator brushes at 42k miles: 18mm (19mm new, 9mm minimum).
– Generator belt replaced at 42k with Gates 3L210, new spare belt included.
Inside of the tank:
“Inside the tank looks disgusting and rusty but it’s mostly an old tank liner that’s discolored. The tank hasn’t given me any trouble during my ownership.”
It is riding on Continental TKV 11 tires with date codes of 0519 and 2212. “I ran a Ducati front end and wheel on the bike for may years.”
The seller states the following are included:
– Extensive service history, notes, and receipts dating back to 2012.
– Operation and Maintenance, Spare Parts List Laverda 750 Twin manual including early GT.
– Operation and Maintenance, Spare Parts List Laverda 750 Twin manual including later GT.
– Tim Parker’s Laverda Twin and Triple repair and tune-up Guide/Green Book (printed Spring 1991).
– Original Smiths Speedometer (removed due to needing internally serviced).
– Original Smiths Tachometer (removed due to needing internally serviced).
– Original American Eagle tanks badges included.
– Stainless steel exhaust (right side damaged when another rider clipped it).
– Original 29 mm Dell’Orto square-slide carburetors tuned for today’s 91 octane fuel and ready to drop on but the PHF Dell’Orto carbs work much better.
– Laverda airbox and associated tubes, complete.
– Laverda air filter assembly and air filter element.
– Original tail light.
– Original horn, removed due to internal short.
– Spare generator belt.
– Original voltage regulator.
– Samsonite saddle bags with brackets and all (3) keys, one latch is missing its lock cylinder.
– Various boxes of removed parts and spare parts. “I don’t have pics of the spare parts because they’re all boxed up in local storage ready to go.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Upper chain guard damaged, these guards are available (new or used), paint damage on gas tank (see pics), damaged rear fender (see pics), minor scratches on left engine cover (see pic), 56 years of patina.”
Currently located in San Leandro, California, this Laverda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through November 2025.
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