BMW Laverda prototype project

[John of Clun]

Currently working on a project to reimagine the 1977 dual sport 'G/S' prototype BMW commissioned from Laverda and thought you guys might be interested. (The engine is just for mock-up, an R60/7 was originally used)

https://flic.kr/p/2qn2izN

https://flic.kr/p/2qn85jJ

https://flic.kr/p/2qn98U4

https://flic.kr/p/2qn76S8

 

[Robbi]

I'm in.

Never even heard of that collaboration

 

[John of Clun]

I'm in.

Never even heard of that collaboration

Cheers. A friend of mine wrote an article about it in Classic Bike but here's an abridged version https://adventurerideblog.wordpress.com/2022/08/06/bmw-g-s-the-making-of-a-legend/

 

[Posh Pete]

Interessant!

 

[steve hughes]

Im sure Mikey Boy off here will be watching with interest. He has a few specials under his belt.

 

[Oldrat]

Interesting back story, thanks for sharing. Good luck with the build.

 

[jasp]

Cracking looking frame on your bench. New story to me. Definitely following your built.

 

[ThreeDawg]

Interesting. I knew of the connection (I've owned two Laverdas). Looks like you might end up with something a bit special there.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Clunton and Clunbury,
Clungunford and Clun,
Are the quietest places
Under the sun.

When @John of Clun gets this thing running they won't be

 

[mikeyboy]

I guess you will be fitting a drum brake front end ,
If you’ve not sorted one out ,I have this,late 70’s husky front end.
Surplus to requirements
.

 

[John of Clun]

Cracking looking frame on your bench. New story to me. Definitely following your built.

Not my bench unfortunately, I just do the research, manage the project.... and pay the bills

 

[John of Clun]

When @John of Clun gets this thing running they won't be

My 1925 Dodge on straight pipes has already destroyed Housman's idyll!

 

[Mad Hatter]

If this works out there could be a lot of customers for those frames. I hope whoever built the frame has made a jig

 

[jasp]

My 1925 Dodge on straight pipes has already destroyed Housman's idyll!

The landlady from the Kangaroo rides a B40 running on nitrous if I remember...

 

[John of Clun]

The landlady from the Kangaroo rides a B40 running on nitrous if I remember...

Ha! I pass the Kangaroo 4 times a day and never knew that!

 

[John of Clun]

If this works out there could be a lot of customers for those frames. I hope whoever built the frame has made a jig

Yes I commissioned the frame from Metal Malarkey in Bishops Castle and they have all the CAD files etc if anyone else is interested. Here it is coming together on their jig

https://flic.kr/p/2qnnHfs

 

[ThreeDawg]

Of course many GS owners owe a little to another Laverda connection: the Telelever front end. Developed by Todd Laverda and Saxon Racing for the Motodd Laverda specials.

 

[dogshome]

Also never heard of it and will follow this thread!

What did Laverda bring to the party? Handling, name? What prompted this union?

Edit: read the article Keith, Duh!

 

[Davey B]

What a great thread. Look forward to seeing it progress

 

[John of Clun]

Also never heard of it and will follow this thread!

What did Laverda bring to the party? Handling, name? What prompted this union?

Edit: read the article Keith, Duh!

Most of the stuff you read on the prototype has a certain bias as quite a few egos were bruised in the project. This account from an Italian forum is pretty good https://forum.2-ventiler.de/threads/die-laverda-bmw-gs.12963/