Slightly off topic, but on the subject of factory support.... Back in the day a group of us arranged a ten day trip to Italy and back, to include a visit to the Laverda factory in Breganze, so loaned and fitted the 'touring pack' (a huge tank bag) to the Monty and off we went. Best transcontinental tourer ever, but would certainly have benefited from the comfort seat option........ On arrival at the factory in Breganze, where we were introduced to Massimo Laverda himself, who asked if we had any problems with the bikes. I said mine was starting to use some oil and the top end sounded a bit noisy. He had a listen and said it didn't sound right so would get someone to look at it. He then gave us a guided tour of the factory, including the factory race shop by which time my bike was getting some serious attention:- Mr Laverda then took us to a restaurant for lunch (in his Fiat Panda), after which we returned to the factory to see how things were going... Not looking good.... Before I left the UK, the bike had it's head gasket replaced under warranty due to a leak, and during the strip in the factory it transpired that the base gasket had been fitted the wrong way round so had blocked off the one oil feed hole to the cylinder head, so only oil carried by the cam chain had got up there during the spirited trip across Europe, so some unexpected wear with some parts getting a bit warm, so some extra work required, but also a little surprising that the bike had made it there anyway, keeping up with my mate on his Jota. "I build my bike's to withstand dealer attack" proclaimed an unfazed Massimo Laverda. "It should be ready tomorrow afternoon". Travel plans revised we returned the next day, a bit worried about the bill, to be taken to meet Massimo whilst the bike was being 'given a good seeing to round the factory test track to make sure it was OK', and presumably, for completeness, check ground clearance through the corners as the edges of the tires looked like the other post endurance race bikes in the race shop..... a total nutter.....(I may, or may not, on my return to Blighty, have implied that tyre shredding was all my own work in the alpine passes,....but I forget now). Into the office and Massimo started making out the bill, basically a new head with complete new valve train, a high flow oil pump, gasket's, fluids, labour, etc. During lunch the previous day I had mentioned I had hoped to buy some Dainese leathers that were made nearby, but as the itemised bill grew and grew, this was looking increasingly unlikely with to the ever increasing numbers of items and the astonishing amounts of following zero's, even considering it was in Lira. "I'm not sure what the current exchange rate is" he said, "but looks like about £100 sterling should cover it". I think I must have looked a bit stunned as he then asked if I would still be able to get some leathers, I said I hoped so, after which he called Dainese and arranged for us to visit, but that's another story. Back home, the dealer who replaced the gasket before the trip made sure things were put right from a cost and relationship perspective without any questions. Apart from that reliability hiccup, although maintenance heavy, the bike was pretty reliable. With frequent oil changes (1500 miles) using decent oil, thoroughly warming up before being given the beans, and not over revved, mine was as good as gold. Massimo Laverda - what an absolute gentleman.
