Laverda 500 Twins: Road Test Book - Detailed Rider History

In this review of the Laverda 500 Twins: Road Test Book the bottom line is simple: this is for the enthusiast who wants a focused, sourced collection of contemporary road and comparison tests rather than a glossy coffee-table history. The book compiles original riding impressions, race reports and practical advice on buying a used 500 twin, so readers looking for firsthand period journalism will find genuine value. Our review highlights the book's usefulness to restorers, club racers and anyone researching the Alpina/Alpino S and Formula 500 story.

Key Features

• Contemporary road tests: The book gathers original road and comparison tests that show how the Laverda 500 twins were judged at the time, useful for authentic period perspective.
• Racing coverage: Reports on the Formula 500 racer and the Montjuic road-legal F500 give context on the model's competition life and its evolution for track-minded readers.
• Practical buying advice: The compilation includes guidance on acquiring a good used 500 twin, which helps prospective buyers spot useful and problematic features.
• Model-focused scope: Coverage concentrates on Alpina, Alpino S and related Mk2 developments, helping readers understand variations and the model lineage.
• Technical and performance notes: Articles discuss features such as the six-speed gearbox and balancer shaft, clarifying what made the 500 twin distinctive.

Who It's For

This title suits motorcycle historians, club racers and restorers who need contemporary test reports and race accounts to understand the Alpina/Alpino S and Formula 500 development. It is particularly valuable for owners trying to verify period specifications or to decide whether a candidate bike fits a Montjuic or Mk2 profile.

Readers who want a broad, illustrated history or a modern technical manual should look elsewhere; this is a focused compilation of period journalism and practical advice rather than a full factory service manual or pictorial retrospective.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Collects original riding impressions and comparison tests that preserve contemporary opinions for research and restoration.
• Includes racing and performance articles that explain the Formula 500 program and Montjuic conversion context.
• Offers practical advice on buying a used 500 twin, which is rare in retrospective collections.

Cons

• Scope is narrow by design, so readers wanting a heavily illustrated or exhaustive factory history may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Laverda 500 Twins: Road Test Book (Road Test Portfolio)
Brand	Brooklands Books Ltd.
Models covered	Alpina, Alpino, Alpino S, Formula 500, Montjuic, Mk2
Content type	Compilation of road and comparison tests, racing articles, buying advice
Period covered	Late 1970s to early 1980s development and race era
Technical highlights	Six-speed gearbox, balancer shaft, 8-valve twin layout

Our Verdict

The Laverda 500 Twins Road Test Book is an efficient, credible resource for enthusiasts who need original road tests and race coverage to inform restoration or purchase decisions. It is good value for readers who prioritize period journalism and practical advice over lavish visuals, and it preserves the voices that assessed the Alpina family when it mattered most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Laverda models are covered?
The book covers the Alpina/Alpino family including the Alpino S, the Formula 500 racer and derivatives such as the Montjuic and Mk2.

Does it include technical repair instructions?
No, the compilation focuses on tests, riding impressions and buying advice rather than step-by-step repair procedures.

Is racing history included?
Yes, the book contains race reports and articles about the Formula 500 program and the Montjuic road-legal racer.