Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands#
Viewing: Tuesday 25th March from 1pm
Auction: Wednesday 26th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1974 Laverda SF2
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Registration No: EFH 256M
Frame No: 15944
MOT: Exempt
Used and very much enjoyed by the vendor
Many upgrades during ownership
Described as a rider's machine
Paperwork and V5C on file
Laverda had built their two-wheeled reputation on the production of high quality, lightweight machines supported by an active competition programme that resulted in successes in the long distance road races popular in Italy during the1950s. However, by the early 1960s the domestic Italian motorcycle market was starting to decline as the populace became more affluent acquiring small cars such as the Fiat 500 instead of lightweight motorcycles. Massimo Laverda, the son of the Laverda founder Francesco, recognised the need for the company to diversify into new markets and consequently pushed for the development of a new large capacity machine. The result made its debut at the 1966 Earls Court Show in November 1966. Displacing 653cc, the twin cylinder single overhead cam engine was clearly influenced by the contemporary Honda CB 72/ 77, and developed a claimed 55bhp housed in a steel tubular backbone chassis. The new model was quickly joined by a 750cc version typed the 750 GT, this was followed in 1969 by the 750S and in 1970 by the first of the SF series which adopted new drum brakes, the SF in the title standing for "super freno", 'super brake' in English, but otherwise was similar to the preceding machine, retaining its robust nature and excellent performance.
This Laverda SF2 was imported to the UK in 1987. In the vendor's ownership, the machine has been the subject of an engine overhaul in 2000, with new pistons, rings, 5C sport camshaft and new valves. More recently, the Laverda underwent recommissioning in 2024, including fitting a pair of new Dellorto 36mm PHF carburettors, K&N air filter, fuel lines, Champion N2 plugs, refurbished speedo and tacho, a reupholstered single seat unit, new chain guards and DAM Racing Easy Clutch actuator. The ignition has also been upgraded to a Mott Witt system with the coil and also includes rare factory rear sets and clip-on handle bars, a stainless steel exhaust system, a powder coated frame, braided brake lines and an upgraded Brembo master brake cylinder. This Laverda has been described as in 'good working order and a rider's machine and certainly not a show queen'. MOT history shows that the bike has only covered 4, 500 miles since 2006. It is being offered with a file of paperwork and a current V5C.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
