The Laverda Jota 180 (Jota is the name of a Spanish dance) was built as a sport version of the 3C after feedback from Roger Slater, the firm’s British importer. Built from 1976 to 1982, this example is one of the last bikes with a wonderful 180 degree crank, giving it a lopey idle and great sound. It also didn’t hurt that when it was introduced, it was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.
See if you can hear the different idle sound that comes from the 180 degree crank (in this bike, 2 up, 1 down):
The 981cc triple produced 97 horsepower, yielding a blistering 131 mile per hour top speed. From a review from Motorcycle Specs:
It is a tough, brutal and uncompromising machine. The clutch lever is numbingly stiff while the five-speed gearbox needs a positive change if any progress is to be made. The brakes—twin 11-inch Brembo discs at the front, a single disc at the rear—are fierce and positive. The net result is that the Jota is a taut and frill-free machine, definitely not the kind of bike for a gentle Sunday afternoon ride. The engine begs to be revved and the handling makes it difficult to resist throwing the Jota round every bend which the rider encounters.
For more on the Jota, check out this great review from Motorcycle Classics.
This specific Laverda Jota 180 (VIN: 8118) has just completed a restoration which included a repaint, new mufflers, a carbon fiber tail, and plenty of other cosmetic pieces. The engine has just 9,500 miles on it and is still healthy – the seller claims that the internals look brand new.
Find this Laverda Jota 180 for sale in Tualatin, Oregon with bidding up to $11,200 and the reserve not yet met (or a BIN of $18,500)
