1974 Laverda SFC 750

Description

1974 Laverda 750 SFC

The example offered here is an excellent example of the US series 1974 Laverda 750 SFC and comes with a known and documented history. Although it has been slightly modified from original, ith a smaller European taillight, erlicchi twin cable throttle, nd no turn signals and reflectors, he sporting soul remains intact.

The late 1950s and early 1960s was not a great time for Italian motorcycle manufacturers. As Italian industry was heavily protected and imports restricted, otorcycle manufacturers survived in a false world where most of their products were consumed by the domestic market. When domestic demand collapsed so did much of the Italian motorcycle industry. Laverda struggled during this period but Massimo Laverda saw a way out, nd that was targeting the huge American market.

Massimo was a motorcycle enthusiast, lready aware of the move to towards motorcycling as a means of fun and enjoyment instead of basic transportation and was convinced the future lay in large capacity, ore sporting machines. Knowing he didn’t have the resources to develop an engine from the ground up, nd not wanting to emulate obsolete British designs, assimo looked at what Honda was doing. Honda released their 305cc CB77 parallel twin “Super Hawk” for 1961 and as this overhead camshaft unit construction engine with horizontally-split crankcases was already proving considerably reliable, averda essentially enlarged and strengthened the Honda engine, nitially creating a 650, efore releasing the 750 in 1969. In long distance endurance racing during 1969 and 1970 the 750 S and SF established Laverda’s reputation for robustness and exceptional all round performance and for 1971 Laverda created the 750 SFC (C for Competizione). The bright orange color scheme of the factory racers became an SFC trademark. Although it was always a limited edition model, ven after 1973 when the factory stopped racing the 750 twin, he SFC continued, ncorporating many of the developments learnt from three successful years of racing. The 750 SFC was thus a true racing machine, uilt to the highest standards, hat could be ridden on the street and a limited edition replica of a successful factory racer. Few components were shared between the SFC and regular SF, nd only in 1974 did production exceed 200 a year.

For 1974 Laverda released an updated 750 SFC, rimarily for Italian 750cc production-based racing, ne of the leading domestic racing categories. Success in 750 racing was seen as very important publicity and the updated 750 SFC differed considerably in design and concept to the earlier drum brake versions. It was now substantially different to the 750 SF and designed with 750 class production racing in mind rather than endurance racing. Incorporating many developments of the 1973 factory bikes, he 1974 750 SFC was one of the outstanding sporting machines of the era. With its low frame and sculptured looks the 1974 750 SFC was also a styling triumph. There was also a specific US version this year but while these North American examples were slightly different in equipment the engine and chassis specifications were the same as the European model.

Also published at eBay.com