Naked Motorcycles
1981Laverda 500
19 fields on record
The 1981 Laverda 500 is a lightweight Italian twin cylinder motorcycle ideal for riders seeking nimble handling and classic styling. Its air-cooled DOHC engine delivers 45 horsepower with a 6-speed gearbox, making it well-suited for commuting and spirited riding. Known for its responsive performance and manageable weight of 189 kg, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts valuing character over sheer power.
- Capacity
- 496.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 189.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 45.0 HP (33.1 kW) @ 8200 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- It's best suited to spirited backroad riding and short sporty jaunts rather than long-distance touring or off-road use.
- Built for
- It has the personality of an eager, revvy Italian sports twin from the early 80s, rewarding an active riding style over outright power.
- Not ideal for
- It's not a good choice for riders wanting high top speed, off-road capability, or comfortable two-up long-distance touring.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 496.0 ccm
- Power
- 45.0 HP (33.1 kW) @ 8200 RPM
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2381 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 72.0 x 61.0 mm
- Compression
- 9.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 167.0 km/h (103.8 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 100/90-18
- Rear tyre
- 110/90-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 496 cc | 496 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 13.5 L | 13.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Laverda 500?
The 1981 Laverda 500 has a Capacity of 496.0 ccm (30.27 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Laverda 500 have?
The 1981 Laverda 500 has a Power of 45.0 HP (33.1 kW) @ 8200 RPM.
How many gears does the Laverda 500 have?
The 1981 Laverda 500 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
How much does the Laverda 500 weigh?
The 1981 Laverda 500 has a Wet weight of 189.0 kg (416.7 pounds).
Shop this bike
Affiliate linksWe may earn a commission from qualifying eBay or Amazon purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Please log in or register if you'd like to leave a comment.
Own one? Add it to My Garage and write an owner review with an Owner badge.