Matt’s Laverda Mirage

This 1200 Laverda was rusting away in its previous owner’s back garden. When he passed away, Matt had the chance to snap it up. He’d always wanted experience the Laverda thing first hand.

He restored it with his son Chris, spending a small truckload of money in the process. Laverda spares are getting very rare and not cheap.

It was running the original loom, plus a Redax ignition/charging kit from Australia. These kits use new 3 ohm coils, Redax pickups, and Ignitech ignition units – plus a new stator and flywheel. Quite a major change from the standard setup, but it takes the bike to the point where you can depend on the electrics.

The only missing link is an arrangement for a charge warning light. The reg rec recommended to Matt didn’t have a charge warning light wire. Thinking back, we could have added it via an aftermarket charge warning unit, but there you go. Goffy Electrical sells them.

I have done so many Laverda triples but the way their main electrical bits are arranged is never the same. Batteries, ignitions, regulator rectifiers and fuse boxes are all different. We also ended up with a new left handlebar switch after the original proved to be damaged. It’s from a very similar Suzuki, but not the GT250 Laverda used to fit.

I often say bikes fire up instantly, and this was another one eager to burst into life. Always a good moment.