The Bikes - 750 SFC ‘5000’ batch
Following the success of their SF based racers in endurance events the factory decided to offer a limited number of specially prepared machines which were produced specifically for racing and initially were used by the factory team as well as carefully selected importers, dealers and racers. The model was designated the SF-C, the ‘C’ standing for ‘competizione’. It would have been impossible to predict how significant the SFC would become in building the Laverda legend. Only 20 of the first series machines were produced, making them the rarest of the SFC family. They were prepared to a very high standard by the factory race department. Detail specifications differed during the production run but the basic specification included a stronger frame with lowered battery, works cam shaft, high compression pistons, a carefully polished and balanced crank, close ratio gearbox, bigger valves , 36 mm Amal carburettors, handmade ‘campione’ megaphones that ran along the side of the engine and of course the distinctive 25 litre fuel tank, hand made in aluminium.
Most of this first batch of SFCs were fitted with the very effective Ceriani 4LS and the combination of a healthy power output of around 70bhp coupled with the inherent reliability of the Laverda 750 twin made the bike a superb endurance machine . These early SFCs have a rough-edged charm absent from the later SFC derivatives and they remain one of the purest and most iconic examples of Laverda’s racing history . They were a true low volume, sport production racer in the finest Italian tradition and are one of the most distinctive and recognisable competition motorcycles ever created.
Technical Specs
Type; SFC 5000 batch
Year; 1971
Displacement ; 744cc
Engine type; SOHC 2 valve, twin cylinder
Frame type; steel backbone
Transmission; 5 speed
Power output; 70bhp
Maximum speed; 220kph
Number produced; 20
