Laverda's Formula 750S is essentially a factory-built special edition of the basic Formula, with extensive engine tuning and even more special chassis componentry.

The original Formula was a 650, built in 1996, with the 750 Formula following a year later in 1997.

The engine work was more extensive than most factory specials, and took the Formula almost to a race tune straight from the showroom. Uprated cams, revised fuel-injection settings and carbon-fibre Termignoni silencers all boost top-end power to an impressive claimed figure of 69kW (92bhp) - almost as much as the more successful Ducati 748, another 750-class twin.

The chassis also compares well with the 748, being considerably lighter, and with suspension and braking components every bit as impressive as the Ducati.

Fully adjustable Paioli upside-down forks and monoshock, fully-floating Brembo racing brakes and lightweight Marchesini wheels all play their part in giving the Formula impeccable track manners and sharp handling.

The polished aluminium beam frame looks much more impressive than the Ducati's thin steel-tube affair, although the Ducati frame is stiffer than it looks. A single-seat

race-style fairing incorporates stylish cooling louvres and twin endurance-style headlights, and is finished in Laverda orange, the firm's distinctive racing colour. Despite the impressive spec, and some success in endurance racing, the Formula still suffered from the weakness and rewy nature of the old parallel twin-engine design, and it was never as successful as Ducati's 748.

The following modifications were needed on the early 750S models (those with the half fairing). Regarding machines imported in the UK, those with the following frame numbers already had the changes when built at the factory: 1479, 1520, 1526, 1541 and 1542. The modifications were done under normal warranty conditions. However, for owners of grey import or other such machines, the list of modified parts and their part numbers is at the end of this listing.

1 New PMS rotor. The thickness of this rotor has now been increased, from 1.5mm to 4mm. This has been done only for the purposes of reliability.

2 Oil pressure valve - diameter increased to improve oil flow.

3 It was brought to Laverda's attention that the water temperature gauges were not all calibrated correctly. There is now a diode available that plugs into the back of the gauge itself.

4 Water pump assembly. The new water pump now has a bigger impeller shaft, and also bigger seals and bearings. This part, from now on, will only be supplied completely assembled within the clutch cover. This new part should be fitted in the event of a water pump failure. It is not necessary to change the current pump fitted to the bike if there have been no problems with it.

5 Balance shaft. A new balance shaft is fitted to the latest 750s. The difference between the old and the new one is that the new one is thicker and stronger, to reduce the flex in the shaft. This part should be changed in the event of a water-pump failure, as described above.

6 Headlight bulbs. The bulbs available for the 750s are now 55/60w halogen bulbs instead of the 30/35w bulbs fitted as standard.

7 Fuel pump. The pressure of the fuel pump has been increased, and it now also has a lower drain on the battery, and an improved filter system. This part can be changed with the fuel filter under normal servicing conditions.

Modified parts and part numbers:

*(inc with water pump)