The Laverda 1000 triple was first seen at the Geneva Show in 1969. At this early stage the motor was basically a 750 twin with an extra cylinder grafted on. It was still a single OHC design with the starter behind the cylinders and the belt-driven generator in front.
Laverda’s 3C Prototype
However by 1971 Massimo Laverda and Luciano Zen had massively reworked the design. It now sported a DOHC cylinder head with narrow angled valves, together with very substantial crankcases.
Laverda’s 3C Prototype
The original 120º crank was replaced by a 180º unit (the outside pistons moving together, with the centre piston 180º out of phase).
Laverda’s 3C Prototype
The new design was first displayed at the 1971 Milan Show, named the 1000C, and the bike I photographed is in fact this prototype, with engine number 1000 001.
Laverda’s 3C Prototype
By comparison to the production bikes that followed in 1972, it is quite unique with sand-cast cases of a different pattern, 750 instruments and handlebar, ignition key placement and even sand-cast Dell’Orto carbs.
Laverda’s 3C Prototype
The 180º motor was replaced by a rubber-mounted 120º in 1982 and after evolving through a total of 16 different models production of the triple ceased in 1986.
Moto Guzzi’s V7 is one of the brand’s most celebrated and well-known models, with the third generation currently on offer in the form of the V7 III. Recently the 2019 Stone and Stone Dark Pack variations were updated for the new year model and presented at EICMA.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
The V7 III family is made up of seven versions – the Stone, Special and Racer; joined by V7 III Rough, V7 III Milano and V7 III Carbon, which introduce a series of special parts capable of giving each one a very different connotation and a unique character.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
V7 III Limited, made in only 500 numbered units, represents the most recent news in a range which, for 2019, offers aesthetic upgrades on the V7 III Stone, available from next spring also in the “Night Pack” variation, characterised by full LED lights and new specific stylistic details.
2019 V7 III Stone
The 2019 Model Year of the eclectic V7 III Stone forsakes any chromium detail to embrace matt black paint, paired with a saddle that has a passenger grab strap. The headlight frame is also not chrome, but black.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
The front mudguard is painted to match the fuel tank and the logo on the side panels has been completely renewed, as has the eagle that decorates the tank, now done in a burnished finish.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
The total “dark matt” look characterises the new V7 III and distinguishes it from the other versions, but that is not the only difference. V7 III Stone rolls on alloy wheels and has single circular display instrumentation. The front mudguard is further shortened to enhance the essential nature of this model.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
In addition to Nero Ruvido, V7 III Stone is available in two new and attractive satin finish colour schemes , Grigio Granitico and Rosso Rovente.
2019 V7 III Stone ‘Night Pack’
In 2019 the V7 III Stone will also be available in the Night Pack variation, characterised by significant styling and functional changes, the first of which is the implementation of new LED lights which ensure high lighting power for the headlight, turn indicators and taillight.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone Night Pack
This version, aesthetically defined by the low positioning of the headlight and the instrument cluster, boasts a new rear mudguard, short and sleek, on which the brake light bracket is integrated, as well as the licence plate holder, which is also revamped.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone Night Pack
The dedicated saddle is heat welded and enhanced by the embroidered Moto Guzzi logo. V7 III Stone Night Pack will be available in the classic Nero Ruvido livery and in the Bronzo Levigato and Blu Pungente variations. Unfortunately though, on present indications the 2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone Night Pack will not be in Australia until the second half of 2019.
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone Night Pack
2019 Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone Specifications
ENGINE
Type
Air-cooled, four-stroke longitudinally mounted V-Twin, OHV, 2-valve with ally pushrods and rockers
Displacement
744cc
Bore & Stroke
80 x 74mm
Compression Ratio
N/A
Max. Power Output
38 kW (52 hp) at 6200rpm
Max. Torque
60 Nm at 4900 rpm
Oil Capacity
N/A
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation
Weber-Marelli EFI
Fuel Tank Capacity
21 L(inc reserve)
Fuel Consumption
5.5 l/100 km
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12V 330W 14 Amph
ACG Output
N/A
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type
Single disc, dry with cush drive
Transmission Type
6 speed
Final Drive
Shaft
FRAME
Type
Double cradle tubular frame in ALS steel with detachable elements.
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L x H)
2185mm x 1100mm
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Caster Angle
26.4°
Trail
106 mm
Seat Height
770 mm
Ground Clearance
130 mm
Kerb Weight
209 kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front
40mm hydraulic telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Type Rear
Die cast light alloy swingarm with two shock absorbers, adjustable spring preload
Yamaha announced two separate recalls for the YZF-R3, one for a problem with the gear shifter and the other for a potential coolant leak. The gear shifter recall affects 11,240 units of the R3 from model years 2015 and 2016 while the coolant leak recall affects 16,760 units from 2015 to 2018.
According to the recall documentation released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the upper radiator hose on the affected R3 models may crack, resulting in a coolant leak. Yamaha attributes the problem to a lack of proper vulcanization of the hose material. Radiator hoses exhibiting this problem may have a visible bulge and exhibit signs of coolant loss. Affected engines may also run hotter than usual.
Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. first became aware of this problem in late November after the issue was flagged by its Yamaha’s production center in Indonesia. An ensuing quality control review identified the cause of the problem and Yamaha began recall procedures.
Authorized dealers will install a new upper radiator hose on recalled motorcycles.
The second recall is for potentially faulty shift shaft torsion springs. According to the recall documentation, the torsion springs may not have been sufficiently strengthened by shot-peening during manufacturing. As a result, the torsion springs may break, making it difficult to shift gears. Motorcycles with this problem may be prone to missing shifts, have noisy shift levers or have a loose lever feel.
This issue was also discovered by Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing in late November.
Yamaha dealers will replace the shift torsion springs on recalled R3 models with a new spring.
Kawasaki has issued a recall for the Z900RS and the Z900 because of poor routing of the rear brake hose and rear wheel speed sensor wire. The recall is only for 2018 models, including both ABS and non-ABS versions of the Z900, but not the Z900 Cafe. The recall affects 1,173 motorcycles in the U.S.
According to recall documentation released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the brake hose and wheel speed sensor wire on the rear wheel may have been positioned too close to the tire, in some cases close enough to come into contact. Should this occur, either the hose and the wire may become damaged. A damaged hose may result in brake fluid leakage while a damaged wire may affect ABS performance or speedometer readings.
The problem was first reported in September by a Kawasaki distributor in Europe, with a rear brake hose damaged by contact with the rear tire. Kawasaki opened an investigation into the way the hose and wire were assembled, and determined some models were not put together properly. Kawasaki began recall procedures on Nov. 30.
Kawasaki dealers will examine the rear brakes on recalled motorcycles and ensure that the brake line and wheel sensor wires are properly positioned. Any damaged hoses or wires will be replaced. Kawasaki assembly line operators were also retrained on how to properly route the rear brake assembly and an additional inspection process was incorporated to check on the routing.
A crash that left a rider with serious injuries after his BMW’s spoked front wheel collapsed has prompted a wider probe into the issue amid calls for an official safety recall.
Gavin Chapman went over the handlebars when the front wheel of his 2016 R 1200 GS Triple Black collapsed.
“Although I don’t remember much, I was riding with others and as I braked for a corner the spokes on the front wheel collapsed, causing the disk brake to hit the ground,” he says .
“This catapulted the bike and myself into the bush.
Forks have gone through the spokes
“The bike was a write-off and I was seriously injured and air-lifted to Roma Hospital.”
Gavin was taking part in a charity ride about 100km west of his home in Gladstone, Central Queensland, in September, with about 50 other riders.
“It was a combination of road, dirt road and tracks, nothing too difficult,” he says.
“During the course of the day we rode across numerous cattle grids, potholes and washouts, but no rocks.”
BMW Motorrad Australia confirms there is an “international service campaign” where spoked wheels are inspected when bikes are scheduled for service at an authorised BMW dealership.
The issue affects 286 models of R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, R nineT Scrambler and R nineT Urban G/S built between February 2018 to June 2018.
BMW R nineT Scrambler
Probe widens
Mark contacted the Department of Infrastructure to call for an official safety recall.
We contacted the department about the second incident and a spokesperson confirmed they had conducted a probe into Mark’s report about loose spokes on his bike.
“The department has considered all information contained in that report,” the spokesperson says.
“The additional information you have provided relates to another recent event and will be considered to assess whether any further action is appropriate.”
RACQ Head of Technical and Safety Policy Steve Spalding says the issue is a safety concern and needs a further probe.
Steve Spalding
“This is the second incident we have become aware of in about a month and raises concerns about whether there is a more widespread problem putting other riders in danger,” he says.
“We would expect the bike manufacturer to investigate the causes of failure, whether there is a link affecting this model and, if there is, initiate prompt attention to rectify other bikes before more crashes occur.
“Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure safety-related defects are fully investigated and to take prompt action when they identify a correction is necessary.”
BMW Motorrad Australia says the international service campaign has been “initiated in conjunction with the BMW Motorrad head office in line with Australian regulations”.
“In addition, we wish to advise that all motorcycles with spoked wheels are automatically checked and tested at every scheduled service.
“This has been standard practice since well before the R 1200 GS model was introduced,” she says.
The BMW service campaign was no use to Gavin as he says his closest authorised BMW dealer is about 450km away on the Sunshine Coast.
Broken Beemer off to the workshop about 500km away
Gavin had his spokes checked by a local mechanic two days before the charity ride.
BMW Motorrad Australia says the owner’s manual advises riders to have their bike checked after riding off-road.
Gavin says there was no damage to the wheel rims from the crash, only the spokes.
Mark says his bike’s spokes were tightened at the dealership at 3000km. He rode a further 2500km on bitumen and 22km on a dirt road before his incident.
Our Yamaha Star Eluder project bike, created by Jeff Palhegyi, features bolt-on accessories and custom graphics. (Photo by Joe Agustin)
We teamed up with Jeff Palhegyi, owner of Palhegyi Design, on a Yamaha Star Eluder project bike. Known for his customized cruisers, vintage race bikes, flat trackers and more, Palhegyi has been involved with Yamaha’s product planning division for nearly three decades. The goal of this project was to enhance the Eluder’s functionality and style in a way that any owner could do in his or her own garage.
Muchas gracias a todos/as los que han hecho posible algo tan honorable como formar parte de un circuito tan emblemático. 😊🏁 Thank you very much to all of those who have made possible something so honorable as being part of such an iconic track. 🏁
The MotoGP VIP Village™ is the official and exclusive Corporate Hospitality programme of the MotoGP™ World Championship, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that will never be forgotten. Specially designed packages for each event ensure guests of the MotoGP VIP Village™ can take advantage of an incredible list of featured and complimentary services – whether they’re corporate clients or individuals.
Billy Van Eerde to add FIM CEV Repsol Ride to his dance card in 2019
The stellar rise of Aussie youngster Billy Van Eerde shows no signs of abating with the 16-year-old selected, amongst a combination of talented youngsters from the Asia Talent Cup and British Talent Cup to race under the Junior Talent Team umbrella in the 2019 FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship.
Billy Van Eerde with Jack Miller in Thailand
Promoting and running talents from different paths on the Road to MotoGP, the Junior Talent Team unifies three team names under the same umbrella, and unites the efforts of Dorna talent promotion programs, including the sponsors and partners who provide important backing to young riders and teams. In 2019 the project continues to count on the valuable support of Honda, Kushitani and Astra Honda.
Billy Van Eerde in his Red Bull Rookies Cup livery
Billy Van Eerde won the Asia Talent Cup this year and will start his second year in the Red Bull Rookies Cup in 2019, and will now also race the highly competitiv FIM CEV Repsol Moto3 Junior World Championship.
Junior Talent Team 2019 Line-Up
30 Max Cook GBR (16) British Talent Team
31 Bill Van Eerde AUS (16) Asia Talent Team
32 Haruki Noguchi JPN (17) Asia Talent Team
33 Yuki Kunii JPN (15) Asia Talent Team
34 Mario Aji INA (14) Astra Honda Racing Team
Billy Van Eerde makes the step to the FIM CEV Repsol as the reigning Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup Champion after being crowned in the final round at Sepang International Circuit. The first Australian IATC race winner and Champion, Van Eerde will be racing in the JTT alongside the rider he narrowly beat to the crown: Haruki Noguchi from Japan.
Billy Van Eerde – 2018 Asia Talent Cup Champion
The pair will join Yuki Kunii, the veteran of the squad and now a Moto3 Junior World Championship race winner aiming even higher in 2019, in Asia Talent Team colours.
Max Cook arrives in the JTT fresh from a top season in the British Talent Cup, where he took a number of wins and was a consistent pacesetter and frontrunner. Cook also has experience in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and the European Talent Cup ahead of this next step as the British Talent Team rider in the JTT.
Max Cook
Mario Aji from Indonesia is the final rider in the JTT in 2019. An IATC race winner and standout performer at many rounds in 2018, ‘Super Mario’ moves into the Junior Talent Team structure in Astra Honda Racing Team colours.
After race wins, multiple podiums and some impressive showings in 2018, the JTT is now ready to attack a new season with a number of new faces – with experienced Kunii ready to lead the way.
Action begins for the five riders with a winter training camp soon to be confirmed, before racing starts on the 7th of April at the Circuito do Estoril in the FIM CEV Repsol season opener.
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