Laverda 500 Twins 1977-1983: Road Test Book (Road Test Portfolio)

Laverda launched a 500cc twin cylinder 8-valve entry-level machine named the Alpina (Alpino and Zeta in the USA) in 1977 and came with a six speed gearbox and balancer shaft. This was followed by the improved Alpino S and Formula 500 racer in 1978, to support a single model race series. Its import into the UK led Roger Slater to develop the Montjuic, a road legal F500 with lights, sidestand and instruments in 1979. It evolved and became a cult bike, the Mk 2 in 1981 but EEC noise restrictions saw to its demise two years later. Massimo Laverda went on to say that each Alpino sold lost the factory money! This book is a compilation of road and comparison tests • riding impressions • articles on racing and performance and advice on acquiring a good used 500 twin. Models covered: Alpina • Alpino • S • 500T • Zeta • Montjuic • 500 Sports • Roadster and Formula 500. Read more