Laverda · 1982–1985
Laverda RGS, RGA and SFC 1000: history and buying advice
The last big Laverdas from Breganze: smoother triples with a 120° crankshaft.
History
In 1981 the 1000 triple got a new crankshaft: the three cylinders now fire at 120-degree intervals instead of 180. That makes the engine run more smoothly. First came the Jota 120, and in 1982 the RGS: a new sports tourer with a rubber-mounted engine, a fairing and the filler cap in the front of the fairing.
Many variants followed: the RGS Executive with panniers, the faster RGS Corsa (about 200 made), the simpler RGA and RGA Jota. In 1985 the SFC 1000 followed with gold-coloured frame and wheels. After that the money ran out: the Laverda family withdrew and the big triples disappeared.
Key data
| Engine | 3 cylinders in line, four-stroke, 2 overhead camshafts, 120° crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 981 cc |
| Power | RGS Corsa: approx. 95 hp (claimed) |
| Special | rubber-mounted engine, filler cap in the fairing (RGS) |
| Total | approx. 7,100 triples of all types together |
What to check when buying
- Check whether it is a genuine Corsa or SFC; compare the numbers and the specifications.
- Check the rubber engine mounts; they harden.
- The fairing and plastic parts are expensive and hard to find. Look for cracks.
- Listen to the timing chain and have the valves checked.
- Ask about the maintenance and when the carburettors were last synchronised.
SourcesWikipedia: Laverda 1000 (English)Hagerty: Laverda (English)Wikipedia: list of Laverda models (English)