Three cylinders already marked the start of Robert's career as a biker, even though at the time they were of British origin. After the wild days were over and his kids were born the wish for a bike to "glide" formed in his mind. He dreamed of a custom-made chopper with a Triumph engine. But his friend "Hirschi", a devoted LAVERDA-disciple, proselytised him to building a chopper with a LAVERDA triple - the fancier and more durable solution.

"I thus bought a 1000 engine - 1975, engine number 2903 - and Hirschi overhauled it. The frame was ordered in Sweden. It had to be modified in order to take in the LAVERDA-triple. The forks and front wheel came from a Harley. After futile efforts with Harley brakes we reverted to Japanese parts. For the rear axle of a Kawa we bought a 17' rim and fitted it with new spokes. Parts like tank and lights were purchased, exhaust system and side covers however were home-made. Without Hirschi and Jim most likely it would have never happened!"

The first test rides with the LAVERDA-chopper were exciting as we didn't know how the chassis - with a wheelbase of 1870 mm - would behave. What nobody had expected happened: Stable when running straight up to over 200 kph, enough ground clearance when cornering and only slight instability in fast long corners with rough surface.

Since the bike was registered in 1992 the engine has been running without problems and has never been opened. Thanks a lot to "Hirschi" - engine and electrics - and Jim - master-welder.

Contakt:
+43/699/12152227
gruber@erge.at