Laverda 750GTL

Laverda 750GTL

Make Model	Laverda 750GTL
Year	1975 - 77

Engine	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinders, SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Capacity	744 cc / 45.4 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	80 x 74 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	7.7:1
Induction	2x 36mm Dell'Orto PHF carburetors
Ignition	Bosch electronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	65 hp / 47.4 kW @ 7300 rpm
Clutch	wet plate
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	Ceriani telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Swinging fork, Ceriani adjustable shocks
Front Brakes	2x 280mm discs
Rear Brakes	Single 280mm disc
Front Tyre	3.50-18
Rear Tyre	4.0-18
Rake	28.0°
Trail	82 mm / 3.2 in
Wheelbase	1452 mm / 57.2 in
Seat Height	790 mm / 31.1 in
Dry Weight	215 kg / 474 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19 Litres / 5.0 US gal

For the 1975 model year onwards, Laverda offered the 750 GTL. This employed the chassis and most of the mechanical components from the SF series, including the Francesco Laverda-designed, FLAM-produced 230mm drum front and rear brakes.

The concept and detail changes were the work of Laverda rider and journalist, Giancarlo Daneu. The original idea was for a refined touring mount, but in reality the factory produced very few for general sale. Instead, although it was a sales flop in the civilian market, the model went on to achieve considerable success as a police motorcycle, not just in Italy but also in the export markets, notably in the Arab countries of the Middle East.

Besides its all-new bodywork, the GTL also sported rubber fork gaiters, a passenger grab rail and high handlebars. For police work, a fairing, legshields, crashbars, hard panniers and a radio carrier were fitted, the latter in conjunction with a single seat.

The softer engine specification of the GTL made it ideal for tasks such as traffic duty and escort work. Besides a lower 7.7:1 compression ratio there were smaller 30mm square slide VHB Dell'Orto carbs and reduced cam lift.

The early GTL had an enormous 200mm (8in) Bosch headlamp, but this was soon abandoned in favour of a 180mm (7in) assembly (also of Bosch origin).

Switchgear and instrumentation came via Nippon-Danso and there were all the other late SF goodies, such as Conti exhaust, stainless steel mudguards (and chainguard), Borrani alloy rims and dual Fiamm horns.

Just to add confusion, some machines employed an alternator instead of a dynamo - neither having a particular advantage over the other on this particular model. Some machines, especially in the Middle East, also came with an SF specification engine.

For the standard, low compression, small-carb model, official Laverda sources claimed a maximum speed of 180km/h (112mph).