LAVERDINO is the name (nickname) for small 50 cc LAVERDAS
here on this page I collect some information about Laverdinos.
LAVERDINO 4-stroke
(1)
In the year 1958 Laverda introduces the first Laverdinos to the market. They was a “small” (48cc) version of the legendary 100cc Laverdas. A “Turismo” and a “Sport” model was produced. The press reported:
“The new 48cc Laverdino is a machine that features all the undisputed
qualities of strength and endurance that characterise the Laverda 75cc and 100cc
models. The new addition to the family is therefore a thoroughbred and this
in itself is a guarantee of its calibre.”
About 1400 machines were built as “Turismo” and 400 as “Sport” version. Not
many are still alive today.
The Laverdino has a slightly inclined pushrod engine with a three-speed gearbox beneath a backbone-type frame with traditional front telescopic and rear swinging arm suspension, skimpy drum brakes and a tiny tank. (3)
A complete motobike!
Video Laverdino 48 Sport at Pompone Meeting 2005 (2,5 MB!)
racing in the 50's with Laverda 49 cc Sport (1)
LAVERDINO 2-stroke
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About 1961 the new Laverdino 2-stroke moped was replacing the
4-stroke Laverdinos. With a weight of 32 kg, automatic clutch and mechanical
disc brakes it was a modern construction. Certain features of this model were
unique at the time: the fuel tank, the chain guard and the magneto flywheel
cover made of plastic.
The frame was simplicity itself: one tube running from the steeting head diagonally
down to the pressed steel rear fork section. Slung beneath this was the 47,8cc
cylinder with produced 1,5 bhp at 4.200rpm. There was a 3-litre fuel tank, with
5% petroil mix.
An unusual feature, stopping the 24x1.75in. wheels, was the
use of cable-operated disc brakes, which Laverda claimed as a “first” on a production
machine. The top speed of 40 km/h was enough for the daily use.
Great hopes were pinned on mass production of this model and sale in ready-to-assembl
e kits was even contemplated. Given its simplicity it could even be sold in
the first supermarkets. (Im not sure if it was put into practice).
Laverda’s over-optimistic sales handouts boasted that these models sold in great numbers throughout Italy. But, the production figures reveal the disappointing truth: 2.300 in 1964 and 2.750 in the following year was not enough. (3)
LAVERDA MINI SCOOTER
The new highway code which came into force on 15th June 1959 limited the speed to 40 km/h but finally abolished the compulsory use of pedals on mopeds with could be driven without number plates and driving licence. Seizing the opportunity, Laverda decided to produce an innovative mini scooter with 4-stroke 49cc engine. The idea was the same like with the Laverdinos to producing a model for mass distribution, also because Laverda had been the first company to produce a scooter driving licence free. (3)
The mass-production started in the year 1960.
The tiny pushrod 48,9cc engine, with bore and stroke measurements of 40x39mm, featured a light alloy cylinder and head with a cast iron barrel. Other details were flywheel magneto ignition, a one gallon tank under the seat, a tiny Dell’orto SH carburettor, single seat and 2.75x9in. tyres. The motor’s 2,5 bhp at 6.000rpm powered a dwarf of a 139 lb machine to a top speed reputedly in excess of 40 km/h. (3)
In order to capture the British market and demonstrate the machine’s excellent qualities, the young Massimo Laverda undertook with Lino Marchi an adventurous trip by scooter from Breganze to London via the Brenner Pass, Munich, Ostend and Dover.
(1)
1962 Laverda upgrade the Scooter to a longer version and fit
a new 50cc or also 60cc engine with 3 gears based
on the older Laverdino 4-stroke moped from 58.
The single seat was replaced with a longer bench.
In Spain it was sold from Montesa with name: Montesa Microscooter
LAVERDA “PIPPO” LZ 50
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1981 Laverda come back after long time with a 50cc Moped powered by an Zündapp engine.
It was an air-cooled 2 stroke engine in a nice framework from
Laverda.
But Zündapp inconsiderately collapsed 1983 and Laverda has to search for
a new
engine provider.
ATLAS OR 50
In 1986 presented Laverda the OR 50 Atlas. A Similar design like the big LAVERDA ATLAS 600cc.
The engine came now from Cagiva or later Minarelli Italy. In the next years the OR 50 was slightly modified
and gets the new name: Gaucho in 1989.
(1)
The “Adventurer” with wonderfull orange paint is a prototype
from 1988.
(1)
(1)
DOWNLOADS of corse mostly in italian language (pdf-files)(2)
Spare part list Laverdino 4T italian
Sparte part list Laverda Scooter
Sparepart list Laverda OR 50 Atlas
Manual and spare part list Laverdino 2T english
(1) Moto Laverda, The Story of a Passione 1997
International IMOLA Moto Laverda spa
ISBN 88-86650-07-8
(2) Moto Laverda Breganze
(3) Laverda
Raymond Ainscoe with Tim Parker 1991
ISBN 1-85532-183-1