1979 Laverda 500 Endurance Racer | The ultimate Laverda 500 twin!

Laverda 500 Endurance Barcelona racer

With Phil Aynsley

Following on from the previous column (Link), here we look at the ultimate version of Laverda’s 500 twin.

Four 500cc Endurance Barcelona bikes were built, two each in 1978 and 1979. This is a ’79 bike and is original condition.

These bikes were raced in the Spanish Endurance Championship for both years and won the 500cc class at Barcelona’s Montjuic 24 hour event twice. In fact the UK only road-going Montjuic was named after these victories.

Differences over the Formula models included a smaller fairing, 24L tank, Marzocchi magnesium suspension, magnesium wheels, the seat, bars and footpeg position. Power was increased to 58hp at 10,500rpm.