Motorcycle specifications Laverda650 Ghost 1999

The Laverda brand had more or less fallen into decline by the 1980s, its latest models having lagged behind their Japanese rivals both technologically and aesthetically.

in 1994, Laverda made a discreet comeback with an atypical sportbike (Laverda 650 Sport) based on the well-known parallel-twin engine that had already proved its worth in the past in 500cc, 600cc and 668cc versions.

however, the 668cc engine, which had already gained air/oil cooling, is equipped with an all-new Weber-Marelli electronic fuel injection system. These improvements now give the engine 70 hp and an unprecedented flexibility.

the Ghost, a sporty roadster released in 1996, uses the same power unit, but prefers a lighter tubular steel trellis frame to the "double aluminum beam" of the "Sport" model.
For the chassis of its latest model, Laverda maintains the same policy it applied when designing the Sport, drawing on top-of-the-range parts from Italian equipment manufacturers: UPSD forks and Païoli monochock shock absorbers, Brembo Gold Series brakes, Marchesini wheels...

the chassis is beyond reproach, the engine bewitching, the aesthetics successful. Laverda has even succeeded in placing its Ghost at the crossroads of its competitors' ranges. More powerful than a Mostro, it is also sportier than a Bandit and less sharp than a Hornet.

unfortunately, this ideal situation is soon marred by the unreliability of the entire Laverda 650 range. The Ghost was no exception, and the weakness of the dealer and importer network didn't help matters.

the situation improved later (with the release of the 750cc models in 1998) when production was transferred to a more modern facility, leaving the Ghost with a fairly good image in the hearts of brand fanatics.

Tanthallas - Photos D.R.