Triumph 955 Daytona yokes adaption to fit 1050 forks and wheel. Offset to suit reduced fork length.
Precision and Detail
Malarkey Engineering Specials
Laverda's BMW GS Prototype Recreation
Specification:
Design: Metal Malarkey Engineering, John Tracey
Original Design - Alessandro Todeschini, with fabrication by Verlicchi, Bologna.
Recreation – Input by Alessandro Todeschini, Bob Dixon
Frame: High tensile steel bronze welded
Swingarm: R65 lengthened 35mm
Hubs: Disc front hub as the original Todeschini design
Tyres: Front 90 90 21 Rear 120 80 18
Brakes: F disc, R drum
Forks and Yokes: Kayaba / Showa
Rear Suspension: Hagon Monoshock special build
Engine: BMW 650 Boxer R657
Gearbox: R65 Low final drive ratio as std
Electrics: Wiring loom Malarkey Engineering. Lithium ion battery
Exhausts: 2 into 1 high level based on original, Malarkey Engineering
Footrests: Titanium folding trials type, reinforced mounting points
Seat: Bespoke based on prototype made by owner John
Tinware: Side panels, LH incorporating heat shield, Malarkey Engineering
Bodywork: Fuel tank replica Mako. Mudguards Preston Petty
Air Filter: 2 seperate conical type housed in modified air filter box with maximim ventilation. Plate seperating chamber from overhead exhausts
Wheel base: 1455mm
Ground clearance: 283mm
Rake: 28 degrees
Trail: 114.5mm
Wet Weight, 2L: 138kg / 305 lbs
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The Adventure Bikes Grandfather ?
1977 BMW Motorcycles, months away from bankruptcy get a call from their American distributors requesting a new dual sport machine to compete with the Japanese. BMW didn't have expertise in R&D at this time and requested their friends at Laverda to build two prototypes using the R60/7 and their drive train. From these BMW then built their own prototypes and in 1980 the R80GS was launched
Original Laverda build prototype
The brief from the owner John Tracey was to recreate a light weight enduro styled motorcycle based on these prototypes.
Designed by Laverda's famous Sadro Todeschini the prototype chassis were out sourced and hastely put together. Studying the numourous original photographs it was apparent that with the forks used, front end geometry gave 33 degree rake and 150mm trail - the same as a Triumph Americana. We suggested a contemporary 28 degrees and 114mm trail that worked with the front wheel and yoke offset, resulting in a bike that's light and responsive.
First test ride
Having built the complete bike prior to painting and reassembly, it was a privilege to be able to make the initial test rides. Due to it's light weight and low gear ratio we found it light, nimble and more than quick enough for it's intended purpose.
Other than an incompatible bought in aftermarket charging light and a faulty rear brake line switch that needed replacing we are all I think very pleased with the outcome.
