Laverda 750 SFC
With Phil Aynsley
The Laverda 750 SFC is an iconic motorcycle that has a quite involved history. Next to Ducati’s 750SS ‘Greenframe’ it is probably the most sought after Italian bike of the period.
The model went through several individual development stages, each known by the engine serial number range. First came the 5.000, then the 8.000, 11.000, 16.000, 17.000 and 18.000 (the ‘.’ being the European equivalent of the ‘,’). Each batch was of limited numbers with total of 549 thought to have been made.
Again like the 750SS the SFC (although the Laverda actually predated the Ducati) was derived from more humble beginnings that started with Massimo Laverda’s original big twin 650 cc design that was debuted in 1966 (Laverda 650 Twin | The ‘modern’ Laverda story). This was followed by a standard 750 cc model in 1968, then the 750S the following year and the 750SF (Super Freni – Super Brakes) in 1970.
The SF was successfully raced in endurance events in 1970 with a first place in the Monza 500, a 1-2-3 result in the Oss 24 Hour and then third and sixth in the Bol d’Or 24 Hour. Encouraged by these results a dedicated production racer, the SFC (Super Freni Competizione) was launched in May 1971.
This batch of 20 bikes was the 5.000 series and all were intended for the factory race team. The results were all that could be wished for with six first places and numerous other podiums during the year.
In November the second batch of 78-80 bikes were constructed – the 8.000 series and the subject of the images here. This original and unrestored example shows the typical features of the series – the protruding Carello headlight, the exhaust headers that run alongside the engine and the rear brake pedal that is bent to clear the exhaust.
Stage 2 Laverda brakes are fitted (Ceriani front brakes were an option). Compared to the 5.000 series bikes there were numerous improvements that included new 9.6:1 Mondial pistons, modified swingarm, longer header pipes with shorter mufflers, close ratio gearbox, slightly differently shaped tank (in fibreglass rather than alloy) and front mudguard. Plus many other detail changes.
Output was 70 hp at 7300 rpm. Wet weight was 226 kg, with a top speed of 204 km/h. The 8.000 series bikes were the first SFCs available to the public.
