Laverda Formula Mirage

The Laverda 1200 is a air cooled DOHC triple motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Laverda between 1977 and 1982. The model was developed from the Laverda 1000. Austrian importer Werner Sulzbacher had had some success in production and endurance racing with triples over-bored to and . Sulzbacher had put pressure on the factor to produce a 1200 cc version. With increasing noise and pollution legislation in the 1970s, especially in the US, requiring restrictive inlet and exhausts, softer cams and lower compression ratios, Laverda sought to regain performance by increasing the triple's performance by increasing displacement.

Model variants

1200T

Based on the Laverda 3CL, the 1200T was introduced in 1977. Whilst marketed as a 1200, the actual displacement was , achieved by increasing the 1,000s bore from , the stroke remaining at . The '1000' cast into the primary chaincase was machined off.

The existing 3CL twin downtube frame was modified with the rear shock absorbers more forward leading. This frame was also adopted on the 1000 cc models. Ceriani front forks were fitted. Twin Brembo discs were fitted on the front with a single disc of the same size on the rear. The cast wheels were of Laverda's own manufacture. The model was initially finished in red or blue with orange flashes.

Second series

In early 1978, a number of changes were made. Marzocchi front forks and yokes replaced the Ceriani items, a BTZ electronic ignition replaced the Bosch unit and the petrol tank now had badges instead of transfers.

1200 Jota America

The 1200 Jota America was produced to comply with the US-DOT regulations. These included a left-side gearchange. The crossover linkage and rear brake master cylinder caused the footrests to be located in less than ideal positions.

Mirage

The Mirage was a higher performance version of the 1200 instigated by the UK importers, Slater Bros. Following the success of the Jota, Richard Slater turned his attention to the 1200. 4C cams and a Jota exhaust was fitted. The name Mirage was suggested by Laverda's sales manager Luciano Zucarelli. Machines were shipped from the factory minus the exhaust and nameplates which were fitted in the UK. Following a request from Slater that the Mirage should be a different colour to other 1200s, from July 1978 they were finished in metallic green. Universally known as the 'Green Mirage' it has become the most sought-after 1200.

Formula Mirage

A limited number (estimates vary between 14 and 17) of higher performance ''Formula Mirage'' models were built by the UK importer Slaters. These had a higher compression ratio and 7C endurance racing camshafts. A one-piece fibreglass seat and tank and matching fairing were fitted. As fibreglass petrol tanks were outlawed in some jurisdictions, a 2.5 gallon metal tank was fitted under the fibreglass.

30th Anniversary 1200

To celebrate 30 years of motorcycle production, Laverda announced in 1979 that they would produce a limited edition ''30th Anniversary 1200'' model. 200 of these were produced, although less than 50 were sold to the public. The remainder were sold to the Libya Police Force.

A hydraulic clutch and drilled discs were fitted. This was the first Laverda to be fitted with these items. The engine was fitted with larger inlet valves, as used on the Jota. The model was finished in Black and gold with the chrome parts finished black chrome, the engine covers were also finished in black. A handle bar fairing and seat cover that were unique to this model. The steering nut was gold plated.

Every bike was supplied with a personalised letter from Massimo Laverda and a gold medal with the owner's picture etched on it.

1200TS

Carrying on with the ''Gran Turismo'' concept, the 1200TS was introduced in 1979. It featured a handlebar fairing, engine-hugging fiberglass lowers and a new tail section on the seat. Most TS models were finished in silver with maroon coachlines. In 1980 larger inlet valves were fitted and in 1981 a larger Nippon Denso alternator was fitted and the ignition pick-ups moved to the primary side.

For the American market softer touring cams were fitted along with more restrictive exhausts and noise-cancelling baffles in the airbox.

1200TS Mirage

Slaters had agreed with the factory for the Mirage to be marketed worldwide. The model has been 'sanitised' by the factory to meet worldwide legislation. Whilst supposed to be a high-performance version of the TS, the differences were minor.

Austrian models

Austrian Laverda importer Werner Sulzbacher, in conjunction with engineer Franz Laimboeck, produced a number of tuned cafe-racer versions, including the 1200SC and 1300SC.

References

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External links

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* {{YouTube, lwBgPK-B6Qg, Laverda 1200 Mirage 1979 First start-up

1200
Motorcycles introduced in 1977
Standard motorcycles
Sport touring motorcycles