Laverda RGS 1000

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One of the final developments of the big three-cylinder Laverda, the RGS 1000 was the undisputed star of the 1981 Milan Show.

It used a less peaky version of the 981cc triple from the high performance Jota, rubber mounted and with a 120-degree crank instead of the purposefully out-of-phase 180-degree crank which had given earlier big triple Laverdas such a distinctive character. It also had an elegantly aerodynamic half-fairing that blended smoothly into the generously sized fuel tank.

Less noticeable was the lowered frame and altered steering geometry that made the RGS more stable and easier to handle than its predecessors. It was much quieter too (the result of ever tighter noise regulations) yet the more restrictive silencers had seemingly little effect on the performance of a machine that, even in its new ‘civilised’ form, could still reach 140mph and race through the standing quarter-mile in a little over 12 seconds.

Testing an RGS 1000 for Motor Cyclist Illustrated in October 1983, noted motorcycling authority Mick Walker rated it highly, finding the big Laverda “a long-distance, high-speed muscle bike which in the right circumstances is perhaps the best there is for continental style motorways or high-speed A roads.”

Being offered here from a deceased estate, this particular RGS was first registered in April 1984 and has had just two owners from new, being in the current ownership since 1986. Showing some 80,000 miles on the clock it was last in use about 10 years ago. Recently got going for the sale, the vendor reports that “the engine runs on all three, the lights, starter motor, brakes and clutch work but there may be a gearbox fault as there is a noise in third gear.” It comes with a good history file including various invoices, old MOTs and a workshop manual.

Only 2,500 GTS 1000 models were made and this two-owner example looks good value at the sensible guide price suggested.