Roger Slater was Laverda’s importer in Britain – and like all good importers, he asked the manufacturer to make something faster. So Laverda wisely responded by turning the 3C into the Jota, the fastest production motorcycle to date. The Jota was built between 1976 and 1982, and the 1,000cc triple featured 180 degree crankpin phasing that led to a distinctive lumpy idle. In ’82, Laverda introduced a “120” model, named because the phasing had been adjusted to 120 degrees. This made the motor smoother, but some people considered it to be a slightly wussier version.
Some source suggest that over 130 incremental changes were made to create the 120 model, all of which were designed to make it easier to live with – lower vibration, rubber mounted engine, and left side gear change. Objectively, this is a better bike, but as it is with classic bikes, oftentimes the market appreciates charm over performance. The 90 horsepower engine was capable of letting the Jota hit over 140 miles per hour. For more on the difference between the 120 and 180 motors, check out this profile on Motorcycle Classics.
This Euro-specification example (VIN: 10008358) has 13,760 miles and it’s said to be entirely original except for a replacement (but still Laverda) ignition. The seller acquired it from a collector in Italy and recently imported it to California. It looks to be in good shape and the seller says it starts, runs, and rides like new. It’s been recently given a full service and is ready for a new owner!
Find this Jota for sale in San Francisco, California with bidding up to $11,100 and the reserve not yet met