I got this '74 Laverda 3C (1000cc triple) locally, very complete and original, just sat for 20 years. It has extremely good paint, chrome, and stainless. Just needs a full going over. 12.7K miles on it. It was originally purchased by a female airline pilot (titled as a '75 but it was built in July '74). The 2nd owner was a JPL engineer. The seller was related to the latter. He restores bikes but seems to be focused on Ducati and Benelli.
I'm cleaning and checking every part, need to up my game on this one. The engine looks pristine inside, from examining the valvetrain, intake/exhaust valves and using a borescope on the cylinders - cross-hatch still visible. I sprayed some fogging oil in the cylinders and some assembly lube on the cams and turned it over. All valve clearances are in spec. Cleaning fastidiously and compiling a list of parts. A supplier in Australia seems the best, DAMracing - over $800 USD escapes tariffs so I'll exceed that amount, but not by much, thankfully. That should get me most of the way there.
The bike is now on my hoist after cleaning the engine - I'll do a bit more to it later, but it's pretty good now. The front end is off, forks are Ceriani 38mm, and are very nice. They have never been apart, and nothing needs replacement except the seals. There are 2 per fork, stacked on top of each other, but many cut the bottom rubber out and use as a spacer, and run just one - less stiction and cheaper that way.
The overall simplicity, robustness, and quality of the bike is impressive. ND gauges (new faces available, will get), Bosch ignition, alternator, and starter, and other Italian bits that are common on Guzzi and Ducati like the Cerianis, the Dell'Orto 32mm PHF carbs, Borrani wire wheels, and Brembo twin discs. Here are some progress pics.
Bike, as purchased, just arrived home:
Engine cleaning:
A peek inside:
Original Lafranconi silencers, very rare:
Dell'Orto carbs during cleaning process:
Gauges - to be refreshed:
Interesting use of ganged spade connectors:
Self explanatory:
Fork bottom hex nut removal. They were on since new, very tight. Used a Suzuki damper holder 'stabber' tool, heat outside, ice on bolt, and a makeshift allen wrench to bust them free. Internals are very nice. One seal was stuck and I had to get creative.
It has pods that fouled the side covers, tiny chips. I scored this original air box with rubber snorkels (not shown) for $150, a bargain. Still has the stickers on the sides.
I'm cleaning and checking every part, need to up my game on this one. The engine looks pristine inside, from examining the valvetrain, intake/exhaust valves and using a borescope on the cylinders - cross-hatch still visible. I sprayed some fogging oil in the cylinders and some assembly lube on the cams and turned it over. All valve clearances are in spec. Cleaning fastidiously and compiling a list of parts. A supplier in Australia seems the best, DAMracing - over $800 USD escapes tariffs so I'll exceed that amount, but not by much, thankfully. That should get me most of the way there.
The bike is now on my hoist after cleaning the engine - I'll do a bit more to it later, but it's pretty good now. The front end is off, forks are Ceriani 38mm, and are very nice. They have never been apart, and nothing needs replacement except the seals. There are 2 per fork, stacked on top of each other, but many cut the bottom rubber out and use as a spacer, and run just one - less stiction and cheaper that way.
The overall simplicity, robustness, and quality of the bike is impressive. ND gauges (new faces available, will get), Bosch ignition, alternator, and starter, and other Italian bits that are common on Guzzi and Ducati like the Cerianis, the Dell'Orto 32mm PHF carbs, Borrani wire wheels, and Brembo twin discs. Here are some progress pics.
Bike, as purchased, just arrived home:
Engine cleaning:
A peek inside:
Original Lafranconi silencers, very rare:
Dell'Orto carbs during cleaning process:
Gauges - to be refreshed:
Interesting use of ganged spade connectors:
Self explanatory:
Fork bottom hex nut removal. They were on since new, very tight. Used a Suzuki damper holder 'stabber' tool, heat outside, ice on bolt, and a makeshift allen wrench to bust them free. Internals are very nice. One seal was stuck and I had to get creative.
It has pods that fouled the side covers, tiny chips. I scored this original air box with rubber snorkels (not shown) for $150, a bargain. Still has the stickers on the sides.
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