Gotta love Tdi economy

[brad]

Laverda
I always wanted a 1970s 3cyl without electrical issues. Pigs might fly too I guess.

[Skooter]

Laverda
I always wanted a 1970s 3cyl without electrical issues. Pigs might fly too I guess.

Owners have long since smartened up and ditched the orig ignition & charging systems on 3 cyl Laverdas - there are some simple and effective upgrades.

I'm a 750 twin man myself. I raced a 1200 triple (for the WA Laverda concessionaire I worked for) in the 1978 Castrol 4hr Prod race in Perth and have posted 1 sec quicker lap times on my well sorted and slightly modded 750. Also had bullet-proof elecs (courtesy of old Bosch 12v VW-style genny and reg!). Never had an elec problem in hundreds of thousands of miles (it was a '73, came with mph speedo!).

The Laverda forum is an absolute goldmine of info - decades of expertise on offer - bit like this one.

[brad]

Will add to the shopping list if I decide to get back in the saddle. Thx

[gldgti]

There you go - showing my gross ignorance There's an Allroad living at the end of our street - body-wise it looks very similar to the Scout. I thought it was a 2.4 and assumed that would mean 4 cyl. A 2.5 V6 TDI must be particularly funful to drive with gusto - I reckon the 'lowly' remapped 103 TDI is pretty damn spritely!

My running gear is pretty much VW Tig (I think ... but someone will no doubt howl me down ). On the Laverda (Italian moto) forum, I'm far more knowledgable!

I had 2 weeks where I had both the Allroad and the Octavia in my possession and size wise they are really similar, despite the C5 allroad being based on the A6 (VAG C platform) whereas the Octavia is based on the 'golf' A platform. The Allroad only has en extra 50mm between the armrests in the back seat, but it has an extra 140mm boot width and 200mm boot length, with about 100mm less depth. More rear legroom and more room in the front.

But yeah, underneath they are totally different beasts. The C platform has 'proper' suspension - duel wishbone front and rear etc, and the isolation from the body is much better - heaps less noise, vibration and harshness than the A5 platform cars. I still miss the Octy for the sportyness of its cornering though.

The 2.5 is so nice, its the smoothest diesel I've driven by far (in terms of actual engine balance - better even than the CR diesels) and its a powerhouse even though its stock. But the auto lets it down a bit.... not a dealbreaker for me, but if it ever blows up, it will be getting a manual conversion.

[Skooter]

The 6 speed box would certainly fit very nicely with a donk like that - so glad I have a manual. Interesting to read the diffs b/w the 'similar' VAG beasts - I guess they can't charge all that extra dough for nothin'!

Had 4.7/100 showing on the MFD (maybe 5.2 actual?) today after mostly fwy run from Mornington Peminsula to Preston (Vic). Predicted range was 1150 with 50km already covered on 55L full tank! Last tank was one of our worst - all short city trips, 560km on 50L ... YIKES! They do like cruising, even very fast, econ is still good.

[brad]

Had 4.7/100 showing on the MFD (maybe 5.2 actual?) .

you can tweak it with VCDS so that MFD readout is close to actual.

[Skooter]

you can tweak it with VCDS so that MFD readout is close to actual.

I'd love to do that - be good to have accurate data (you in Melbourne? ). Have contemplated buying a unit, but don't see myself using it enough.

What level VCDS is adequate for a reasonably savvy owner on a steep learning curve, BTW Brad? Have seen about 3 levels and prices to suit.

[brad]

I'd love to do that - be good to have accurate data (you in Melbourne? ). Have contemplated buying a unit, but don't see myself using it enough.

What level VCDS is adequate for a reasonably savvy owner on a steep learning curve, BTW Brad? Have seen about 3 levels and prices to suit.

I have the micro-can IIRC. It plugs into the USB. I have no idea where it fits in the price spectrum as a mate gave it to me for nix.

[Ryeman]

I'm really intrigued by stated preferences for BP diesel , Moreys additives etc. Is there any scientific evidence to support claims of superior performance or preventative maintenance or is a 'belief' thing?

[Mysticality]

I'm really intrigued by stated preferences for BP diesel , Moreys additives etc. Is there any scientific evidence to support claims of superior performance or preventative maintenance or is a 'belief' thing?

I would have sworn by BP Ultimate Diesel, but now that I'm on Stage 2 w/ DPF delete (claimed 170kW/450Nm, yet to dyno) and its settled, I'm doing some testing of different fuels.
Woolies Caltex Vortex Premium seems okay, bit sluggish though - but it was sluggish on stock tune too.

Terrence Fuel-up Log | Fuelly
My Fuelly log if you're interested
Would still be testing Woolies if I wasn't down to 20km left this morning!