The Bikes - 1000 Spaceframe Endurance
The Laverda spaceframe ‘1000 3C tipo endurance 1000’ is one of the more unusual race machines in the Laverda Corse collection. Since the 1950s, Laverda had promoted their models in competition and concentrated on the sport production classes using suitably modified versions of their road bikes. Apart from a couple of lightweight specials built around the early single cylinder motors the factory had never created a frame specifically for use on a race model. Luciano Zen’s spaceframe chassis design answered a special need to keep the factory triples competitive in international endurance racing.
The distinctive perimeter frame, a ground breaking design at the time which was imitated by many in years to come, was lighter and created more ground clearance than was available from the standard production frame for the triple. It also gave excellent access to the engine and facilitated the use of a large 25 litre fuel tank and a fully enclosed fairing offering good rider protection and excellent areodynamics. The spaceframe machines also featured a distinctive forward mounted alternator, this undoubtedly helped ground clearance but it also moved the alternator’s gyroscopic forces inboard which may have contributed to stability and improved crankshaft life.
The spaceframe has a typically brutal, functional appearance which defines the 1970s endurance racing era. During its debut season in 1975 the factory spaceframe showed great promise with some excellent results in the hands of riders Gallina, Brettoni, Luchinelli, Fougeray and Cereghini. The spaceframes were retired from official factory racing duties in 1976 and today there are only three known surviving machines.
Technical Specs
Type; Spaceframe endurance
Year; 1975
Displacement ; 981cc
Engine type; DOHC 2 valve, three cylinder
Frame type; cro moly perimeter ‘spaceframe’
Transmission; 5 speed
Power output; 90bhp
Maximum speed; 250kph
Number produced; 4
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