SFC Replica Project

Mastroianni

Mastroianni

New member
Location
TOULOUSE FRANCE
When I bought my SF, I experienced some recurring spark plug fouling on the right cylinder. I joined the Laverdamania forum and met a Laverda enthusiast who has owned Laverda S, SF, SFC, and three-cylinder models for 50 years.

Beyond his extensive mechanical knowledge, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to him because he is, above all, a kind soul, and I am proud to be his friend. All hail Bernard!
When I visited him, he had this S, this SFC, and a replica of an SFC that he had built for track use. He had modified the frame and installed an oil cooler.
I was already captivated by his SFC. A big thank you to those who had the magic touch when designing these Laverdas, and I told him, "You should build me one."

That's how this project was born. Frame to SFC dimensions, 2-in-1, rear hub for disc brake, rear wheel, saddle with storage compartment, and other parts to try and get as close as possible to an SFC.

Of course, it will always be a replica, a bit of a bastard, but bastard have their charm and are just as loved, and besides, it doesn't matter what the container is as long as you get the intoxication.

I will finish by thanking André, who is present on this site, for his contribution to this project by skillfully machining various parts.
This project is nearing completion, but I am missing two common parts and I am having trouble finding them.

If you have two original ignition coil clamps or copies for this 1974 SFC frame replica, I would be happy to buy them.

Or if you don't have any, please tell me where I could find some.
Looking forward to the next steps in this project.
Thank you.

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TeddyG said:
Awesome build- what type of paint was used?
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Sorry for the delayed reply.
I can't tell you exactly which paint was used, but if you really want to know, I can call the painter.
As for the colors:
The orange is RAL 2008, though RAL 2009 might be closer to the original shade—it’s really a matter of personal preference.
The gray is RAL 9006.
Honestly, the painter did an average job and seems a bit absent-minded.
I was surprised when I picked up the parts to find that he liked the orange color so much, he’d painted the frame too.
I ended up laughing about it.
 
Mastroianni said:
When I bought my SF, I experienced some recurring spark plug fouling on the right cylinder. I joined the Laverdamania forum and met a Laverda enthusiast who has owned Laverda S, SF, SFC, and three-cylinder models for 50 years.

Beyond his extensive mechanical knowledge, I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to him because he is, above all, a kind soul, and I am proud to be his friend. All hail Bernard!
When I visited him, he had this S, this SFC, and a replica of an SFC that he had built for track use. He had modified the frame and installed an oil cooler.
I was already captivated by his SFC. A big thank you to those who had the magic touch when designing these Laverdas, and I told him, "You should build me one."

That's how this project was born. Frame to SFC dimensions, 2-in-1, rear hub for disc brake, rear wheel, saddle with storage compartment, and other parts to try and get as close as possible to an SFC.

Of course, it will always be a replica, a bit of a bastard, but bastard have their charm and are just as loved, and besides, it doesn't matter what the container is as long as you get the intoxication.

I will finish by thanking André, who is present on this site, for his contribution to this project by skillfully machining various parts.
This project is nearing completion, but I am missing two common parts and I am having trouble finding them.

If you have two original ignition coil clamps or copies for this 1974 SFC frame replica, I would be happy to buy them.

Or if you don't have any, please tell me where I could find some.
Looking forward to the next steps in this project.
Thank you.

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I
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Very strange stamping on that frame?
Paul
 
Paul Marx said:
Is that frame the replica frame or Bernard's SFC frame?
Paul
Click to expand...
This frame is a replica; you’re probably wondering about the number, but an old hand in the motorcycle world like you knows French regulations well—and the reasons behind them.
This little "bastard" will always be a beloved and lovingly cherished little "bastard."
Perhaps she’ll help get young people riding Laverdas—much like the enthusiasm people show for my SF.
A revolution is won in the heart first.
You have to keep believing; miracles do happen sometimes.
I hope I’ve answered your question.
 
Mastroianni said:
This frame is a replica; you’re probably wondering about the number, but an old hand in the motorcycle world like you knows French regulations well—and the reasons behind them.
This little "bastard" will always be a beloved and lovingly cherished little "bastard."
Perhaps she’ll help get young people riding Laverdas—much like the enthusiasm people show for my SF.
A revolution is won in the heart first.
You have to keep believing; miracles do happen sometimes.
I hope I’ve answered your question.
Click to expand...
Yes, you've answered.

I know about French regulations and Laverda history. The fact that the numbers of my recently sold Electronica didn't figure on the registration documents, "carte grise" did raise a few eyebrows, but as you might know, SFCs were never legally sold new for road use in France, so registration documents were SF.

What bothers me on that replica frame is that it's stamped, badly, 750 C1 which could lead somebody who doesn't know, to think that it's an authentic machine and of course, market value isn't comparable.

I seem to remember Andrighetto selling his replicas stamped R for replica, or not stamped at all.

Paul
 
Paul Marx said:
Yes, you've answered.

I know about French regulations and Laverda history. The fact that the numbers of my recently sold Electronica didn't figure on the registration documents, "carte grise" did raise a few eyebrows, but as you might know, SFCs were never legally sold new for road use in France, so registration documents were SF.

What bothers me on that replica frame is that it's stamped, badly, 750 C1 which could lead somebody who doesn't know, to think that it's an authentic machine and of course, market value isn't comparable.

I seem to remember Andrighetto selling his replicas stamped R for replica, or not stamped at all.

Paul
Click to expand...

Clem will be rolling in his grave 🙄
 
Paul Marx said:
Yes, you've answered.

I know about French regulations and Laverda history. The fact that the numbers of my recently sold Electronica didn't figure on the registration documents, "carte grise" did raise a few eyebrows, but as you might know, SFCs were never legally sold new for road use in France, so registration documents were SF.

What bothers me on that replica frame is that it's stamped, badly, 750 C1 which could lead somebody who doesn't know, to think that it's an authentic machine and of course, market value isn't comparable.

I seem to remember Andrighetto selling his replicas stamped R for replica, or not stamped at all.

Paul
Click to expand...
I’m trying to make this replica as close to the real thing as possible. I’d basically have to decide to become a con artist and then actually stumble upon some clueless mark who can't tell the difference between this little "bastard" and the genuine article.
It’s stamped using whatever tools I have on hand—old-school style—and it doesn't look half bad compared to industrial or professionally made parts.
But it’s true that you run into all sorts in this market—people selling rebuilt originals at the price of untouched originals.
That’s not an issue when the buyer is savvy, but sellers rarely have the decency to price them below market value.
They only lower the price when they have no other choice.
Yet the classic vehicle market is a completely different story; even if the vehicle itself is perfect, the market value can't necessarily match that perfection.
Money is money, and morality goes out the window.
 
Mastroianni said:
I’m trying to make this replica as close to the real thing as possible. I’d basically have to decide to become a con artist and then actually stumble upon some clueless mark who can't tell the difference between this little "bastard" and the genuine article.
It’s stamped using whatever tools I have on hand—old-school style—and it doesn't look half bad compared to industrial or professionally made parts.
But it’s true that you run into all sorts in this market—people selling rebuilt originals at the price of untouched originals.
That’s not an issue when the buyer is savvy, but sellers rarely have the decency to price them below market value.
They only lower the price when they have no other choice.
Yet the classic vehicle market is a completely different story; even if the vehicle itself is perfect, the market value can't necessarily match that perfection.
Money is money, and morality goes out the window.
Click to expand...
Now there's a moral tale.
Paul
 
Good luck with your sfc replica.
Also be careful with the routing of any wiring cables around that headstock and those fairing brackets.
Reminds me of a story many years back.
Mallory Park 1000bikes , laverda owners gathering.
A mate and I were admiring a beautiful line up of dream SFC's, totally out of our price range at the time , next to the laverda owners area.
We noticed (by eye only) one of the SFC's wiring looms around the headstock had chaffed through to the copper core etc.
Reported it to a well known club member.
He said he knew the owner, thanked us and would let the owner know straight away.
Later that day got told by the club official that the owner had been informed, but had not been too happy!!!!!
"Who's been messing with my bike??"
Was all he said.
Not, "thanks" I'll have a close look and check it is all ok and won't set light and burst into flames at the next startup etc.
I think my mate at the time might have remarked that "I hope the posh, stuck up twats, SFC , does burst into flames, or conks out on a busy roundabout".
That was my friend's comments by the way 😁 Kawasaki owner.

So take care around those brackets and headstock.
 
Yes the plastic sheaf that contains the head stock wires can get damaged when removing/refitting the tank. It's a tight fit.
I'm not a posh SFC owner!! It cost me fuck all back in the day and owes me nothing so I use it accordingly.
Your project is looking fantastic with the level of detail gone into it. I'm sure you'll enjoy riding it as much as I enjoy riding mine.
Even when not riding it just looking at it gives me a sense of satisfaction as a piece of art
 
Thanks for the advice; I’ll mention it to my friend Bernard, who is managing the project.
Since he owns a genuine SFC, he can use the original setup as a reference.
Of course, there are differences with this replica—such as the engine that will eventually be installed, which originally had an oil cooler. For now, a bridge pipe will be fitted while we wait for the bottom end of the engine; we have to make do with what we have.
The ignition coils are currently held in place by plastic zip ties, but I’m hopeful I can find the original-style clamps or replicas.
 
Mastroianni, you have a PM.

My 74SFC has the 75 cases with oil cooler fittings. I have had a bridge pipe fitted for 44 years!!
Last year I replaced the points with a Ignitech ignition and small Nology coils. The motor has never run so well.
 
True, Rob. You don't need to run an oil cooler on an SF or an SFC. Tippie has raced his (basically) SFC motor for 12 seasons without one. Bike was ridden in virtually all states in Oz and all seasons before that.
 
Triples always ran much hotter than twins, however there were plenty of very hard ridden 3C in summer Oz that never showed problems. I had to tape over the oil cooler on my SF in winter in Perth, it took forever to warm up. I had figured that if the latest SFC needed one.....
 
Vince said:
I wonder what motivated the triple oil cooler. Nobody else did till years later.
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Tippie said:
Triples always ran much hotter than twins, however there were plenty of very hard ridden 3C in summer Oz that never showed problems. I had to tape over the oil cooler on my SF in winter in Perth, it took forever to warm up. I had figured that if the latest SFC needed one.....
Click to expand...

Maybe it has to do with the oil qualities available at the time? Racing quality castor oil wasn't (still isn't) really practical for everyday use...

I rarely see the temp guage needle of the RGS rise from its' stop, only stop 'n go in high ambient temperatures nudges it up a bit. Oh, and barrelling down the Autostrada at 180 kmh in 40° heat for an hour and a half (Rovereto-Vipiteno).

The 750SFC was a production RACER, the factory had to anticipate the owner taking it to the tracks where temperature management needed a bit of reserve. It was never meant to tootle between villages or over mountain passes. If Breganze had seen a need for an oil cooler on the SFs, they would surely have fitted one.

piet
 
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