1972 Laverda 750 SF1 (D-175)

This 1972 Laverda SF1 is a rare sports model of the legendary Laverda 750 twin, Laverda’s answer to the four cylinder Honda 750 and other Japanese sport bikes of the late 1960’s. Very original and recently restored cosmetically, this Laverda SF1 has only 4,300 km (2,690 miles) showing on the clock. This model featured many of the components that contributed to the 750’s racing success.

Overall condition is excellent with smooth and shiny paintwork, good chrome, new seat, new exhaust system and proper detailing. Exhaust system is simple straight pipes to silencers, the original system had a bulky collector under the engine that limited cornering clearance. Sound is awesome. Tires are good, nice alloy rims in good condition, many spokes show light rust on the nipples. A few minor details could certainly be touched up, but it shows very well now and has no significant cosmetic issues.

Bike starts, runs and roars like the almost new mileage would lead you to expect. Engine is in great shape, recent tune up, new fuel lines etc. 5-Speed trans shifts clean and sharp, clutch is good, but does have a hefty feel typical of Laverdas. The basic engine design was a copy of the Honda 305 twin in many regards and has been proven very reliable and trouble free.

Fitted with very effective Laverda twin-leading shoe front brake with excellent stopping power.

As a 1972 unit it also has the desirable Nipon Denso instruments and starter. These premium components contributed to the Laverda reputation for reliable and dependable operation, unlike period Ducatis, Brit bikes etc.

Chassis features a sweet Ceriani fork and adjustable dampers. Ride is on the stiff side, which aids the handling feel, which is classic Italian … solid, stable and trusty, if not particularly nimble.

Performance is very good with 65 real HP spinning around 475 lbs. Overall vibration is minimal due to the hefty frame, exhaust tone is inspiring and this is a very, very fun bike to ride.

This bike was purchased in just restored condition from a collection in Italy, and we recently imported it to California. All paperwork is in order, California title and current registration already in hand. Also comes with original Italian license plate.

One great looking motorcycle, this bike is more beautiful in person than these pics can show. Overall very nice shape, runs great, reasonably close to original.

A very rare and special Laverda in great shape with very low original miles. Nice, but not too nice to ride and enjoy on a regular basis, and certainly an investment in an appreciating classic. Laverda are known for long term reliability, sporting performance and classic styling. Very expensive in their day, production was quite limited and very few clean examples have survived. This super sports model is one of the most desirable and offers a truly exciting riding experience.

The 1972 Laverda 750 SF1 sports an air-cooled, four-stroke, 744cc, parallel twin cylinder powerplant mated to a five-speed manual transmission and can produce 65 horsepower. It was the super sport model of the day and provided the basis for many successful race versions.

The engine is fitted with 2x36 mm DellOrto PHF carburetors fed from open velocity stacks. Dry curb weight is listed at 474 lbs.

1970 was the year 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.

The new 750 SF 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.

Laverda 750’s have an outstanding racing history. The company's team of S bikes won every endurance race they entered in 1970. Later street models incorporated many of the race bikes features and Laverda continued to develop the SFC race bikes. The series concluded with the SF3 models of 1976.