1972 Laverda 750 SF

1972 Laverda 750SF II

The inspiration for the Laverda 750 SF dates back to 1964, when 25-year-old Laverda general manager Massimo Laverda toured the U.S. for a firsthand impression of the burgeoning market here. Although Laverda had made its name in Europe with small-bore singles and twins, Massimo returned to Italy convinced the lay in large-capacity machines capable of covering distance with ease. In early 1965 he secured (supposedly after heated discussion) approval from his father, Laverda motorcycle founder Francesco Laverda, to develop a big-bore twin.

In November 1966, Laverda displayed a prototype 650cc parallel twin at the Earls Court Show in London. Looking much like a Honda Hawk on steroids, the bike was a minor sensation, creating a swelling of interest in Laverda. Although it took two more years to see production, the bike that finally went on sale in 1968 was very close to the prototype. And the fact that its engine had more than a passing resemblance to Honda’s famed 305cc overhead cam twin was no accident.

In designing the new bike, Massimo had looked to Honda’s twin for inspiration. Not having the resources of a huge company like Honda, Massimo saw he could benefit from Honda’s development of the 305, the first production overhead cam motorcycle engine and in steady development since 1958. In fact, the story goes, Massimo believed the visual connection between the Honda and his new bike would benefit Laverda, with buyers equating the Laverda positively to Honda and its unrivaled reputation for quality and reliability.

1970 Laverda introduced the improved SF, which stood for Super Freni or “Super Brakes.” Where previous 750s had relied on Grimeca twin-leading-shoe stoppers, the new SF used a twin-leading system designed by none other than Francesco Laverda, who’d earlier questioned the viability of a big twin in the company’s portfolio. Visually identifiable by an exhaust balance pipe to smooth out power flow connecting just downstream of the cylinder head, the new 750 SF further benefited from a new frame and other enhancements to improve handling and reliability.

Further changes came in 1972 with the introduction of the SF1, by which time all bikes were equipped with a Nippon Denso speedo and tach in place of the Smiths instruments used on earlier bikes. Although the ND instruments look like they were swiped directly off a Honda CB750, they have different internal ratios and aren’t interchangeable. The SF1 also got a new exhaust system with the balance pipe repositioned under the engine.

This beautifully restored Laverda 750 SF is with our Italian agent and is ready for immediate delivery.

Advertised price includes shipping and arrival charges into Sydney.

Click the link below to see hi-res pics.

Laverda 750SF

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Stock No: CC-750SF

Ref:233

SOLD