1981 Laverda Jota

Year: 1981

Make: Laverda

Model: Jota

Engine Capacity: 981cc running 4C Cams and High Comp Pistons.

Odometer: 11,725KMs

Rego Until: NONE

The Jota was built at the request of the British Laverda importer Roger Slater, who requested hot 4C cams, high-compression pistons, and free-flowing exhausts. The engine did not have an even 120-degree crank, but rather a 180-degree crank, where the center piston would be at the top of its stroke when the other two were at the bottom, producing an out-of-phase exhaust note. This Machine is a Genuine Italian Build Jota Laverda from 1981 - No 7718 Fits completely within the range of known Jota’s of this year.

The first 3C Laverdas proved fast but they were also heavy. For 1976, the upgraded 3CL came with triple Brembo discs and Laverda's own cast wheels. The story might have ended there but for the enterprising Slater Brothers. Recognizing the overbuilt engine's power potential, they tuned one for endurance racing and persuaded the factory to incorporate their modifications into a street version. The Jota, Laverda's best known and most successful model, was born. An immediate success, it was the fastest production machine available at the time, and for three years in the mid-seventies, with Peter "PK" Davies in the seat, it dominated Britain's Avon production racing series.

A girly bike it wasn't. If the Honda 750-Four of 1969 was the first superbike, then the term "musclebike" belongs to the big bruiser from Breganze. With a seat height of almost 32 inches, curb weight of 530lbs, heavy steering, and though tippy at slow speeds, it would rip with the best on the open road. Handling was excellent if slow by modern standards. Brembo brakes and Marzocchi suspension ensured good road holding and stopping.

The potential longevity of a Laverda engine is evidenced by the massive engine castings and features like an all roller bearing crankshaft, wrist pins that run in steel bushes, and so on. In spite of its high performance, given careful maintenance (frequent oil changes are a must), a Jota engine will top 100,000 miles before a major rebuild. This Laverda we have here for sale has just had a major overhaul and service. From new front and rear tyres, oil, spark plugs, gaskets and fluid flush. Also the carbs have been drain and adjusted to run cleanly. All wiring has been tested and replaced from corrosion. This bike has had a serious detail to get it looking almost new again. All engine cases and been removed and polished to look amazing.

This bike is not currently registered but is Blue Slip/Road Worthy for NSW. This bike was originally shipped to South Africa as long as the other following 10 consecutive numbers from Laverda followed. Now those 5/10 that went to SA are now in Australia.

You can view this Motorcycle Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm. We are located at 1047 Bourke Street, Waterloo, NSW

All yours for only