Model history - Laverda Jota

The Laverda Jota made its official UK debut as a UK-only special in January 1976. Developed by Roger Slater from the 1000cc 3C triple, the bike had higher compression pistons, beefier cams and less restrictive (read ‘loud’) exhausts, and was tested at MIRA that August by John Nutting, who got a best one-way top speed of 140.04mph and said it had ‘easily the highest recorded top speed for a road-going production motorcycle’.

The bike remained more or less unchanged until 1979 when, in anticipation of new European noise legislation, the factory changed both main bearing and cylinder head specifications, leading to a rash of mechanical failures which blighted the 1979 season bikes. Sorted for 1980, and gaining better electrics and a hydraulic clutch, the bike was beginning to show its age against the new generation of dohc Japanese superbikes in both power and feel, the raw delivery of the big triple feeling rough against the smoother oriental fours. For the 1982 season Laverda redesigned the crankshaft for a 120-degree firing angle, changed from the original 180-degree set-up. The 120 Jotas were much smoother and more civilised, but many owners feel the original 180 motor with its raw, brutal power delivery was closer to the spirit of the real thing.

Our test bike was registered in 1983, so is actually one of the very last 180s. It has the later frame with angled shockers, the 240W Nippon Denso alternator, and ignition relocated to the engine’s left side in a circular housing at the front of the primary case.