The Laverda 1000 3C didn’t impact the market like some of the other heavy hitters that emerged from Italy during the 1970s. And while being miscast by many as a sort of super standard (especially after the release of the hyper-performance Jota) the 3C illuminated the brightest era in Laverda’s storied production history. Although several members of the Laverda family (including possibly, Chief Engineer Luciano Zen) felt the expense of developing the 750cc line had stretched the company far enough, eldest son Massimo’s vision prevailed. Both he and younger brother Piero wanted a Harley-sized super bike and Zen was pressed to make it happen. After dismissing a 1-liter SOHC prototype based on the SF twin, Zen and his engineering team started over. The result is pictured here.    

If the 3C looks the part of the basic Laverda, then its persona is accurate. Using the original 180-degree throw (later triples used the more conservative 120 spacing) a 2v head rests on a cylinder with bore dimensions of 74 x 74mm; the exact bore and stroke figures of the 650 twin. A trio of 32-mm Dell’Ortos feed the all alloy engine, rated at 90-bhp; a very impressive figure for the day. The five-speed transmission uses all needle bearings, driven by a double row primary. The only real glitch in the design (and succeeding models) was the irksome Bosch ‘points free’ ignition. When production began in 1972 the 3C used a 230-mm front drum, refitted with twin 300-mm cast iron Brembos in 1974. The 3C’s 18” Borrani wheels are held by 35-mm Ceriani forks and a dual shock swingarm, rounding out the 3C’s traditional-for-the-era suspensions.

Handsome and capable, the 3C was well received. In one period test motorcycle journalist Bob Greene flew to Albuquerque and tested the bike for a report published in the October, 1974 issue of Motorcyclist magazine. Greene described the Laverda as having “The kick in the tail of a Sportster and the banshee wail of a Zee!”    

Although long out of production, the Laverda faithful retain a solid owner support system, largely in part to the efforts of enthusiastic parts chasers like Canada’s Wolfgang Haerter. Having the pleasure of logging many miles on various 3Cs, I can report it is a machine that generates many smiles and even more adoration, thanks to its excellent handling characteristics and willing engine. And while the Jota gets most of the press, the slightly more subdued 3C remains this writer’s sentimental favorite. Nolan Woodbury

Laverda 1000 3C (1974 specifications)

Engine
Air-cooled inline triple
981cc
Bore x Stroke: 75mm x 74mm
Valves per cylinder: 2
Compression: 9.0:1
Carburetors: Three Dell'Orto PHF 32mm
Ignition: electronic

Chassis
Double loop tubular cradle
Wheelbase: 1,486mm
Seat Height: 813mm
Front Tire: 4.10in x 18in
Rear Tire: 4.10in x 18in
Front Brakes: Dual 280 mm Brembo discs
Rear Brakes: 1-230 mm twin-leading-shoe drum
Front Suspension: Ceriani 38mm