Highlights

Rare and highly regarded Laverda with distinctive triple warble
Current keeper since 2007 and very reluctant sale due to changed circumstances
Regular mechanical and electrical renewal work carried out during current ownership
Used sparingly but regularly and serviced correctly with detailed records
UK market bike collected by first keeper and ridden home to UK

The Appeal

Carving a niche amongst the array of blue chip Italian motorcycle manufacturers was never an easy task, but one Laverda achieved. Its bikes were highly rated for their innovation and quality, giving buyers a robust and stylish alternative to sometimes more fragile home-grown models.

The 1200TS uses the firm’s DOHC ‘triple’ with its distinctive soundtrack - you can hear one coming from a mile off, a short wait that is well worth it when the beautiful bike arrives. As you can see from this gorgeous example. It is a highly original example, UK-registered bike that we’re told was driven home by its first British buyer from Italy, hence the KM speedo.

The vendor acquired it in 2007 and to say he has cherished it since feels like an understatement. A highly detailed maintenance spreadsheet hints at how much he loves and has looked after this rare bike. We’ve summarised this work and you can find out more in the photos - it covers, brakes, engine overhaul, carburettors and ignition system. The bike has been used regularly, covering 1,000km per year on local runs and long tours, and has been maintained regularly and correctly. It is only reluctantly for sale due to an unfortunate change of circumstances.

The Mirage is one of classic biking’s best and most distinctive tourers. They rarely come to market and with its maintenance and provenance, this is definitely one to watch.

The vendor says:

“The bike is a dream to ride. It has a relatively long wheelbase making it very stable on the road, but still handles beautifully in bends. Brakes are exactly what you expect from a triple Brembo setup. It’s a comfortable long distance tourer with tank bag and throw over panniers. The lights, when compared to modern machines are not world beating but perfectly adequate. The Mirage would benefit from an LED conversion. Having owned and cherished this bike for 20 years, why would I sell it? It should be going in my box alongside me! Unfortunately, a recent major ankle surgery means I can no longer change gear with the right side gear change. I can't bear to keep it if it's not used. It should be ridden and continue to turn heads wherever it goes....”

Key Information

Mileage: 60,100 km displayed (odometer has been replaced; estimated actual reading is approximately 65,000 km we are told - not verified
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, last MOT expired 2021 with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,116 cc inline three-cylinder (180-degree crank), five-speed manual
Paperwork: Detailed service records during current ownership with a precise log of all work carried out, V5C, factory handbook

The vendor says:

I bought the bike in 2007 and have used it each year since but covering only modest mileage each year (~1000miles). I've used it for both local rides as well as some touring expeditions in the UK at which it really excels. I believe it was originally bought as new by an employee of Slater Brothers who for an agreed discount, rode it home from the Laverda Factory in Breganze, Italy, hence a km speedometer was fitted. During my ownership the bike has undergone a lot of renewal.

Work completed according to seller includes:

Generator coils, rectifier and HV coils
Plugs and plug leads
LH handlebar lighting, turn. signal switches
Horns (replicas)
Fork springs, seals, bushes
New brake discs front and rear
Brake caliper overhaul front (2) and rear
Brake seals and ceramic pistons
Stainless steel brake hoses
Replaced Swinging arm bearings
Dell’orto carburettors overhauled, cleaned and rebuilt
New replica silencers, chain-guard
Cylinder head, valve seats, valves replaced and cam re-shimmed by specialist engineers

The Detail

Beautifully presented bike in original condition with bespoke fairing
Some light age to note to silver paintwork but not unsightly
Long list of recent work detailed above covering brakes, engine, suspension, electrics, carburettor and ignition
Replacement fairing manufactured and fitted by a local specialist, as the standard-fitment fairing was not present when acquired
Paintwork described as generally in good condition by seller
All instruments and switchgear reported as fully operative
Tyres are relatively new, with an estimated 6,000–8,000 miles of life remaining
The vendor notes that the lights are the weakest element and would benefit from an LED conversion
The vendor states the engine is reliable and does not use oil
The vendor describes the brakes as performing as expected from a triple Brembo setup

BEFORE YOU BUY

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