Vol. 1 No. 2
DECEMBER 15, 2020
FOR SALE
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How rare is it? What is disputed is just how many 750 Americas were made in the two years, 1975 and 1976. What is without dispute is that this example, with its low mileage, original paint and humbling patina, is very rare.
This bike should have been mine. In 2016 it was posted for sale on Craigslist from the original owner in Cape Cod with 3,300 miles on the clock, I was the second call. This will not be sold to just anyone, and I will not entertain any low offers as I will buy it and happily tick the miles over into my golden Guzzi old age. I own a ‘76, if I did not I’d buy this (and I still may) — but I am currently in a committed relationship with the first series LeMans. Read more
En-route for late night Chinese was the first time I opened this baby up over 70mph on the Manhattan Bridge, nothing like a 900SS at night... nothing looks sexier. One of the nicest original unmolested Ducati’s I have come across. Acquired from the 1st owner, who was nice enough to not to remove the air box off or the original tires. It's very fast, very smooth. It feels like it has never been ridden.
Read More or check out this bike’s listing on Classic Driver
RECENTLY SOLD
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This First series example was ordered new from the factory by Sig. Pederzani, a close friend of Count Agusta, therefore carried a number of unique parts and features, not the least of which, the stunning 230mm Fontana Magnesium drum brake. In addition, this example features a rare GP style full fairing, early Ceriani ribbed forks, and several additional early production unique details.
This Mv Agusta 750S was sold this past August to a collector on the West Coast, I was proud to facilitate the sale of this significant piece of history. The bike's original condition and value merited special attention, I personally delivered it to the delight of the new owner, more importantly, I have made a new friend.
UNDER THE RADAR
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1979 LAVERDA 500/270 SFC BARCELONA
When I saw this bike for sale and spoke to Roger, I was stunned that it did not sell faster, the build quality and execution is difficult to express, not to mention that Mr. Nairn is closer to poetry than mechanics... I said, "I'll take it"
This custom-built 500 was constructed by Roger Quemby, a skilled enthusiast with an eye for style, with an engine and transmission built by Keith Nairn of Laverda Scozia in Glasgow, Scotland. Moto Laverda’s original 500cc parallel, double overhead cam twin was launched in the mid-1970s as a 350, then a 500, hence the “year” is given as 1979. (The base bike was a 1979 350.)
“Barcelona” is a play on the Laverda’s factory team Spanish success in both the 1978 and 1979 — one, two in the 500cc class — Barcelona 24 Horas endurance races run in the city. Montjuic Park is to Barcelona as Central Park is to New York and Hyde Park is to London but unlike its comparisons it has a taxing, winding and undulating road racing circuit within.
Nairn built a 270-degree crank — his first 500 — replacing the 180-degree original. Vee-twin sound, with true 4-stroke as opposed to the 2-stroke character of the original, and improved smoothness, are three of the results. Further, he installed Ross pistons and his billet cams. In addition, he built a new wiring loom re-working the ignition system to boot. The stock, steel tube frame had been enhanced at Alumacraft’s shop in Walsall, with suspension front and back custom built by Maxton Suspension of Warrington, Cheshire. All three shops’ reputation is extremely enviable.
The bodywork mimics the factory 750 SFC endurance racers — fairing, tank and seat — complete with two headlamps. Frankly the look is more “750 SFC” than it is factory 500, Montjuic or Formula. No regrets there.
Here we have a unique, stunning looking, street-ready 1970’s style Laverda endurance racer. Newly built and hardly broken in. And massively effective. Watch this video and turn the sound UP.
COMING SOON
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1977 DUCATI 900SS
I was offered this amazing, 9k mile, very original, 1977 900SS — and of course I said YES! “What weird gas station on the side of the highway shall we meet at!?” American Pickers: Borgotaro edition begins. Strange, unloading such a rare motorcycle at Sonic drive-through in El Paso off of I10. But this is going to be a very nice bike — the case seal is intact, it has the original Conti Exhaust, the Lafranconi exhaust, and 32mm carbs. Last registered in 1984, this is very complete and low mile 77' SS is a rarity — only 137 were imported in '77.
I’m looking forward to starting this baby up. Interested? Better email soon, this won't last long. The last example I had was shipped to Germany.
COMING SOON: 1976 MV MAGNI
Includes a complete Magni conversion including chain drive kit, tank, frame, Ceriani GP forks, Grimeca 4LS brakes — this is truly a work of art. Stay tuned for the this one…
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