LAVERDA
750 SFC
 |
| LAVERDA 750 SFC IN CLASSIC ORANGE BODY PAINT |
One
glance at the Laverda 750 SFC was enough to reveal why the Italian
twin made an impact out of all proportion to the small number of
machines that were produced. The SFC was hugely stylish and racy,
with clip-on handlebars, rearset footrests, a half-fairing and single
seat. Its bodywork was orange, because that colour made the model
easier to spot at night during the 24-hour endurance races for which
it was created.
Roadgoing
racer
Unlike
most so-called race replicas, the Laverda 750 SFC really was a racebike first
and a roadster second. It was launched in 1971 as an endurance racing
version of Laverda's SF series of 750cc parallel twins. Despite this,
a large proportion of the 549 SFCs built in the following few years
were ridden on the street, after fitment of such essentials as
speedometer and number plate.
Laverda,
the small firm from Breganze in north-eastern Italy, had first
produced a 654cc parallel twin in 1967, before enlarging the motor to
744cc a year later. In 1969 the factory had introduced a sportier
750S model, which in turn had been followed by the 750 SF (F standing
for freni, Italian for brakes, due to its uprated drums).
These
models had been campaigned on European endurance race circuits with
some success. But the firm's boss, Massimo Laverda, decided that a
purpose-built racer was needed so the SFC was born, the C of its name
standing for Competizione.
Although
it shared the SF's basic engine layout, which meant dimensions of 80
x 74mm, a 360- degree crankshaft and chain drive to the single
overhead camshaft, the SFC shared few components.
Special
parts included high- compression
pistons, 36mm Amal carburettors and a close-ratio five-speed gearbox.
Engine parts were selected by Laverda's race shop before being heat-
treated to improve strength. Peak output was a claimed 70bhp at
7500rpm, enough for a top speed of 125mph (20lkm/h).
Similarly
the SFC frame shared the original twin's layout of a spine made from
four steel tubes above the engine, but was modified to take the
fairing and rear-set footrests. Initial models featured Ceriani front
and rear suspension plus Laverda's own drum brakes.
The
combination proved a success, as the SFC won its first race, the
Barcelona 24 Hours at Montjuic Park in 1971.
For the
next few years the SFC was one of the fastest bikes on the road, and
one of the best handling too. But the high specification ensured that
it was expensive, and fewer than 100 were built in each of the first
three years. In 1974 Laverda subtly reshaped the bodywork and fitted
uprated parts including thicker forks and triple disc brakes.
Production numbers increased slightly, and some bikes were built for
road use with full instruments and even indicators.
Later SFCs
featured electronic ignition and some had cast wheels too. The last
models were the fastest, especially when fitted with the optional
factory camshaft that gave extra power and a top speed of 135mph
(217km/h). Fittingly, the SFC's racy look, paint scheme and
personality remained very much intact until production ended in 1976.
LAVERDA
750 SFC prices 2014
MINT $15,000 £12,000
GOOD N/A N/A
FAIR N/A N/A
PROJECT N/A N/A
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