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Malarkey Engineering Specials 
Laverda's BMW GS Prototype Recreation

Specification: 

 

Design: Original Design - Alessandro Todeschini, with fabrication by Verlicchi, Bologna
Recreation – Input by Alessandro Todeschini, Bob Dixon and Malarkey Engineering


Frame: High tensile steel bronze welded
Swingarm – R65/6 lengthened 35mm


Hubs: Disc front hub as the original Todeschini design


Tyres: Front 90 90 21 Rear 120 80 18

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Brakes: F disc, R drum

                 

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Forks and Yokes: Kayaba / Showa

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Rear Suspension: Hagon Monoshock special build


Engine: BMW 650 Boxer R657

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Gearbox:  R657       Low final drive ration

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Electronics:  Lithium ion battery


Exhausts: Malarkey Engineering 2 into 1 high level as original

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Footrests: Titanium folding trials type, reinforced mounting points

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Seat: Bespoke as prototype made by owner John

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Tinware: Malarkey Engineering side panels, LH incorporating heat shield​


Wheel base: 1455mm

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Ground clearance:  283mm


Rake: 28 degrees

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Trail: 114.5mm


Wet Weight, 2L: 138kg

 


 

Complete bike
Laverda test rides
Laverda test rides
Laverda test ride
Laverda test ride
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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 enduro and requested their friends at Laverda to build two prototypes using the R60/7 and their drive train. From these in 1980 the R80GS was launched
 

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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 yoke offset, resulting in a bike thats 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.











 

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