Laverda · 1974–1977
Laverda 250 Chott and 2TR: history and buying advice
An unusual two-stroke enduro with magnesium parts and adjustable steering head angle.
History
In 1973 Laverda showed its own off-road bike at the Milan show: the 250 Chott, named after the salt lake region in North Africa where it was tested. It had a newly designed two-stroke engine with two spark plugs, and crankcase, brake hubs and chain case of magnesium. The steering head angle could be set in three positions.
The Chott was cleverly made, but expensive, and sold modestly. In 1976 came the 250 2TR: simpler, without magnesium and with plastic covers, and therefore lighter. Fewer than 5,000 of the two together were built. After that Laverda used Husqvarna engines for its off-road bikes.
Key data
| Engine | 1 cylinder, two-stroke, two spark plugs |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 246 cc |
| Power | 26 hp at 7,600 rpm |
| Weight | 108 kg dry |
| Special | steering head angle adjustable to 25°, 27.5° or 30° |
| Production | fewer than 5,000 (Chott and 2TR together) |
What to check when buying
- Magnesium parts can corrode. Look carefully at the crankcase and the brake hubs.
- Many Chotts have been used hard off-road. Check frame and front fork for cracks and welds.
- Ask whether the engine has been rebuilt; pistons and bearings are not available everywhere.
- Check whether the bike is road-registered or off-road only.
- A complete Chott is rare; missing magnesium parts are hard to find.
SourcesMCNews: Laverda 250 Chott (English)Wikipedia: list of Laverda models (English)