Laverda Twins & Triples Bible by Ian Falloon

Bru Enzer is best known to the RealClassic world as ‘Laverdabru’, and so it was almost inevitable that this book would land in his lap at some point…

Us Laverda owners and fanciers are not best provided for on the books front. My personal collection, after years of Mirage ownership, comprises a photocopy of Tim Parker’s original handbook (known as the Green Book), a 500 twin owner’s manual — somewhere, also some ILOC mags from my membership days, and until a fish tank leaked, boxfuls of old/classic type bike magazines collected over the years containing articles on Laverda twins & triples.

The fish survived, the magazines didn’t. At least I have now got an excuse to put the Brooklands road test reprints on my 2012 Xmas/birthday wish list. (See link below).

The Laverda world is a small one which is full of coincidences. It was only when I told the legendary Mr Slater of Collington Works, Bromyard, that the previous owner of my Mirage had died, that I found out Bob had worked for the Slater brothers in their early days. Likewise, a couple of years back I mentioned to a Morgan enthusiast that I owned a Laverda.

‘You heard of Tim Parker?’ I confessed I had, and turned out the Morgan fan used to work with Mr Parker before the latter had gone to the USA. When researching this article I discovered there is now an update of The Green Book available by Tim Parker and Phil Todd.

So, I was not only pleased to get the ‘Twins and Triples Bible’ for a Christmas present, but surprised. My youngest stepson normally buys me real ale or cider, so this was a refreshing change. Nor is this hardback cheap. But if you own or want a Laverda, then you need this book. Ian Falloon hails from the southern hemisphere and specialises in Italian bikes. I was sent a copy of his book on Ducati SuperSports in lieu of payment when I used to contribute to a certain used motorbike magazine.

Despite having little interest in the Italian L-twin (the most disappointing bike I ever rode was an early Mike Hailwood Replica and, although I hate to say it, I preferred riding the Darmah), the beautiful photography inspired me to put an early blue and silver SS in my fantasy garage. And the cover of this one has led to an SFC being there as well.

Us Laverda owners and fanciers are not best provided for on the books front. My personal collection, after years of Mirage ownership, comprises a photocopy of Tim Parker’s original handbook (known as the Green Book), a 500 twin owner’s manual — somewhere, also some ILOC mags from my membership days, and until a fish tank leaked, boxfuls of old/classic type bike magazines collected over the years containing articles on Laverda twins & triples.

The ‘Twins and Triples Bible’ covers 650 and 750cc twins, and 1000 and 1200cc triples. It’s divided into chapters which look at the history leading up to the 650 twin; the 650 and 750s together, a separate chapter on the 750 SFC, the 180-degree 1000cc triples, the 1200cc triples, the 120-degree triples, racing history and tech specs. In total around 160 pages with plenty of pictures on almost all of them. It’s not intended to be a complete history of Laverda, as the author explains.

This Laverda book has stunning photography, much previously unpublished from private collections, combined with detailed text. I didn’t have to buy it – but if I’d realised it was this good, I would have, if you see what I mean!

RC Reviewer: Laverdabru

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The Laverda Twins & Triples Bible by Ian Falloon ISBN 978-1-84584-058-7 is published by Veloce at £29.99, and available via Amazon

Laverda enthusiasts may also appreciate the Laverda Gold Portfolio 1967-77, the Laverda Jota Performance Portfolio, or the Laverda 500 Twins Road Test Portfolio all by Brooklands Books, available at a 20% discount via this link: www.brooklandsbooks.co.uk then quote RC20

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