The name and the
abstraction of the Lynx
For its new motorcycle
model, Moto Laverda has chosen the denomination "Lynx" due to
the characteristics of this predator and for the Latin roots of its name.
The Lynx, although being rare and evasive, is present almost everywhere
and its name is included in several different languages. The "Lynx-
lynx", the European Lynx (the term comes from the Latin "lynx-lyncis")
is known as "lynx" in French, "lynx" in English, "lince"
in Italian, "lince" in Spanish, "shili" in Chinese,
"lodjur" in Swedish, "yi" in Indian and "gaupe"
in Norwegian.
Present almost everywhere in the World, other varieties are known as
Lynx Ibérico or Lynx Pardinus (gato-cravo or gato-lince in Spanish),
Caracal (desert lynx), Lynx lynx Wrangeli (Siberian or Euro-Asiatic
Lynx) Lynx-lynx Isabellinus (Turkestan Lynx) and Lynx Canadensis (North
American Lynx or Bobcat). The legendary Snow Leopard of Nepal is classified
in the family of the lynxes.
A feline predator of medium size and of compact and brawny build, fast
and quick off the mark, the lynx is evasive and difficult to study. It feeds
on wild rabbits and hares, but its agility allows it to catch also birds
and it is not afraid to attack larger size mammals. The look and the gait
of the lynx are elegant, its run is fast and powerful, distinguished by
fast changes of direction and sudden accelerations that cause its prey to
lose its bearings.
The speed, the very acute sight and the astuteness of the lynx are proverbial
and, in Italy, produced sayings such as "you are a lynx" or "having
the sight of the lynx".
The term "Lynx" has also a very precise connotation within
the Italian mechanic of high precision. The light bomber "Breda Ba.88
Lince" represented one of the best achievements of the aircraft Industry
of its time. Powered by two 1.000 HP motors, the "Lince" could
approach its target at very high speed and release itself by means of quick
evasive manoeuvres.
The dynamic
features of the lynx: the philosophy behind the Laverda Lynx
The lynx
is agile, quick and has lighting movements. Its hunting technique is versatile
and always adequate to the prey of the moment
Inspired by the lynx, the target given to the Engineers of Moto Laverda
was to develop a particularly powerful, agile and quick naked motorcycle
that is also comfortable. The new Laverda had to be capable of offering
excellent riding performances on urban and extra-urban courses; it had also
to be easy to service and to customise.
The dynamic features of the motorcycle had, however, to be joined to
an exclusive technical image, capable to provide an exclusive identity and
a well-defined character to the new Laverda.
The build of the
lynx: the TPS ® frame of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx has a compact build and a robust and powerful back
Conceiving the Laverda Lynx, the Technicians of Moto Laverda researched
the ways to achieve the assigned target, and designed a perimetric frame
of new conception, capable to wrap up all the advantages of such a configuration
(sturdiness and rigidity) to a very distinctive appearance. The ease of
maintenance and customisation were additional targets assigned to the Technicians.
The new TPS ® frame ("Telaio Scomponibile Perimetrale"
or "Decomposable Perimetric Frame) designed and patented by Moto Laverda
is made of a front trellis chrome-molybdenum tubing frame, firmly connected
to the lateral aluminium light alloy cast plates, and produces the following
advantages:
* structural rigidity same or better of that of the traditional perimetric
aluminium frames;
* the engine is a partially-stressed component of the frame and favours
its overall rigidity;
* ease of maintenance of the motorcycle, thanks to the decomposability
of the cast elements and the trellis tubing front frame;
* Ease of cosmetic customisation, thanks to the possibility to chance
the colour of the tubing or to replace it with ones having different sections
of materials.
The TPS frame of the Laverda Lynx has a very short wheelbase, especially
for a motorcycle powered by a 90°-vee twin engine: just 1.410 mm.
The rear limbs
of the lynx: the swinging arm of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx has
limbs with powerful muscle fibres
The swinging arm of the Laverda Lynx is made of a trestle of chrome-molybdenum
tubing of large section. It features a wide upper truss that produces further
rigidity.
The swinging arm has been designed to be also an important cosmetic component
of the new frame and it is perfectly integrated with its front section.
The elegance and
the proportion of the shape of the lynx: the design of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx is
one of the most elegant and well proportioned felines
To design the Laverda Lynx, the Design and Styling Dept. of Moto Laverda
was assigned with the target to highlight the lines of the new TPS frame,
integrating it in a motorcycle introducing relevant innovations to the elegance
of the Italian design: a new classic. In effect, the duty of the Design
and Styling Centre of Moto Laverda was foreseeing the most advanced level
of innovation, but avoiding a design that compromised function at the expense
of frivolous aesthetics, or that would be too peculiar in taste.
The design of the Laverda Lynx had also to favour the good habitability
of the motorcycle both for the rider and the passenger. The long seat is
made in one piece, and the rear grab handles are integrated in the line
of the motorcycle, producing the most comfortable and safe riding position
for both the rider and the passenger.
The seat is just 800 millimetres high and is easily accessible by riders
of any height.
The sight of the
lynx: the lighting systems of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx is mainly
a nocturnal predator and has a very acute sight
Designing the Laverda Lynx, Alberto Cappella and the men of the Design
and Styling Dept. of Moto Laverda devoted particular care to the shape and
function of the lighting systems:
- The headlamp, also if traditionally round, hosts two poly-focal, half-moon
shaped, superimposed projectors. The frontal lighting system adds the safety
and the power of the poly-focal reflectors to an innovative and exclusive
design and the tradition of the round headlamp;
- The taillight, made by two separate reflectors contained by a single
shell, is perfectly integrated in the tail section of the motorcycle and
contributes to its shape. In this way, the taillight is not an added appendage
to locate where it least disturbs the lines of the motorcycle; rather, it
is an integral part of it.
The brain of the
lynx: the control centre of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx is a particularly
smart predator and has a great self control
The instrumentation of the Laverda Lynx is made of a trapezoidal dashboard
that contains an analogue tachometer of traditional shape, and a liquid
crystals display that includes the speedometer, the partial and total odometer,
the clock, the fuel level indicator and coolant temperature. The dashboard
also includes several warning lights for low fuel level, excessive coolant
temperature, turn indicators activation, headlight high-beam activation,
low oil pressure, and the operation of the head and tail lamps.
The hips of the
lynx: the exhaust system of the Laverda Lynx
Whilst some felines
are loose-limbed and almost unseemly, the Lynx has powerful hips that link
up the muscles of its limbs
The Laverda Lynx has been designed for the best lateral slenderness.
It has been fitted with a stainless steel two into one exhaust system. The
exhaust pipes go under the engine and have nearly identical length, thus
enabling the engine to deliver its best torque and power.
The silencer is located in raised position and is integrated in right
hand side of the motorcycle, in such a manner to leave the swinging arm
fully visible and avoid any interference with the heel of the rider during
the most aggressive sport riding.
The wide chromed protections of the silencer and its location under the
edge of the tail section contribute to the comfort of the passenger.
The heart of the
Lynx: the motor of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx is a brave
and tireless hunter, capable to beat much bigger preys
A modern longitudinal 90°-vee twin engine powers the Laverda Lynx.
The engine is a particularly compact and outstanding performer. Its piston
displacement is of 645 c.c; it has double over head camshafts and four valves
per cylinder with 26 degrees inclusive angle.
The engine of the Laverda Lynx is water-cooled and features a wet sump
lubrication system. Induction is accomplished by two Mikuni BDSR 39 mm.
carburettors, and the ignition is digital electronic with transistors.
It delivers maximum power of 71,5 HP at 9.000 rpm and the torque of 62
Nm at 7.200 rpm.
The clutch is mechanically operated, and is of the wet multi-disk type.
The primary transmission has gears and the secondary is of the chain type.
The very precise gearbox has six speeds.
The lynx stops
and restarts like a thunder: the braking system of the Laverda Lynx
The run of the
lynx has sudden changes of rhythm and it can stop and restart in less than
a second
The Laverda Lynx is fitted with an extremely powerful braking system,
consists of twin front discs, with stainless steel Ø 298-mm front
brake rotors, and four piston callipers. The front brake master cylinder
(with adjustable levers) is of large diameter, to produce the highest braking
power.
The rear bake disk has the diameter of 245 mm, and uses twin piston callipers.
The front limbs
of the lynx are solid and robust: the front suspension of the Laverda Lynx
The lynx catches
its prey with its front limbs. They are limbs of superlative musculature
and bone structure.
The Laverda Lynx is fitted with a 45-mm diameter front fork, with cartridge
hydraulic system. The very large section of the front fork eliminates flexion
when the front brakes are applied with maximum force, and maintains the
constant smooth operation of the suspension in any riding condition.
The rear limbs
of the lynx are a portent of nature: the rear suspension of the Laverda
Lynx
The lynx has flexuous
and powerful rear limbs that allows it to constantly adjust its running
The robust rear swingarm of the Laverda Lynx, made of chrome-molybdenum
tubing, is quite different than other similar solutions, and incorporates
the cinematic system for the rear shock absorber. The hydraulic shock absorber
features the spring pre-load adjustment and a long stroke producing a comfortable
ride also with the rear passenger onboard. |