Laverda SF1 750

Laverda 750 SF1

Make Model	Laverda 750 SF1
Year	1972
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	8.9:1
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 230mm drum
Rear Brakes	200mm drum
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

SF1 (1972)

Several mechanical changes were introduced on this model, including a new cylinder head and crankshaft, and the replacement of the 30mm VHB Dell'Orto with larger 36mm PHF instruments with accelerator pumps. The exhaust balance pipe was not only vastly increased in size but its location was also transferred, to underneath the engine. Conti replaced Lafranconi as the silencer supplier, which also meant an entirely new shape. Lucas switchgear replaced the earlier Italian-made assemblies, while a mechanical piston (incorporated within the casting) was fitted between the two cams on the brake to ensure improved operation.

The first Italian manufacturer to have faith in the revival of big motorcycles was Laverda. In 1967 the company produced a two-cylinder, four-stroke 650-cc. model, which was immediately followed by a 750-cc. version that was available in both a touring and a sports model.
When the Italian Motorcycle Federation organized its first 500-kilometer race for production vehicles in 1970, Laverda introduced the latest version of its 750, the SF, at the Monza track. The 750 SF had large-diameter drum brakes that were built at Laverda's Vicenza plant.
The official Laverda racers, Augusto Brettoni and Angiolini, won the race, and both men urged the company to continue racing in the 750 class. In 1969 the Laverda 750 S won the Oss 24 Hours, a tough race that was run in Holland. The motorcycle won again in 1970 with Brettoni and Dossena. From that point on, the Laverda was

a regular at Coupe d'Endurance races.
In 1971 the Laverda 750 SFC was put on sale. It was a top-notch racing motorcycle, winning its debut race at Zeltweg with Brettoni in the saddle. It won tht Oss 24 Hours and entered the Bol d'Or at Le Mans, but without success. Despite this setback the SFC went on to win many races because of its resistance to stress.