MAKE. Laverda
MODEL. Jota 180 Mk2
YEAR. 1981
REGISTRATION. W
COLOUR. Black with Gold wheels
ENGINE SIZE. 981cc Air cooled In-line Triple DOHC developing 90bhp
CARBURATION. Triple 32mm Dellortos
TRANSMISSION. 5 speed close ratio manual – Wet clutch
MODEL SUMMARY.
Wonderful Laverda Jota 180 in Black with Gold wheels. 1981 machine, UK registered on a ‘W’ suffix, and brought over from The Netherlands in recent times. Matching numbers, chassis and engine 3CL783x
The ‘Jota’ model came about through the influence of the Laverda UK importers and distributors, Slater Brothers. Run by brothers Richard and Roger, Roger successfully raced the 3C 1000 model in the production class, but with the Japanese teams upping their game, so to speak, found that his Italian machine was losing ground in terms of power and performance
In 1975 Laverda agreed that Slater Bros. could market a modified 3C, known as 3CE (E for England, although some would say for ‘Exhaust‘) and Slater Bros added the high compression 10:1 pistons and 4C race cams which were available ‘off the shelf’ as a Laverda factory tuning kit, and then further a new exhaust developed in conjunction with Tim Healey, the Aerial Square Four specialist. When the 3C model, with it’s wire spoked wheels, was replaced by the 3CL, with 5 spoke cast rims, side hinged seat and plastic rear ducktail, Slater Bros. saw a marketing opportunity for the modified machines and named it ‘Jota’. It is unclear whether the name came from the Spanish dance, or from Lamborghini whom had used it for one of their models. In any case, whereas Ducati was often referred to as the 2wd Ferrari, it soon became that Laverda was the 2wd Lamborghini
The bike was a huge success. With 90bhp, a top speed of 140mph, standing ¼ mile covered in just under 13s, it was pretty much the quickest thing available, and went on to win the Avon production series championship four times
The ‘180’ nomenclature signified the crankpin positions, with the outer two pistons moving in unison, and the central one 180 degrees apart. Later bikes moved to a 120 degree offset, but lacked the character and feel of the 180, and are generally considered less desirable
The original Slater Bros. supplied and modified Jotas are the most highly sought after and valuable machines. This bike is not one of them. From 1980, the factory at Breganze were selling Jotas with all the Slater performance modifications far beyond the UK, and in to their other world markets. The Jotas were 3CL models, modified either by Slater Brothers in the UK, or, as with this one, later on at the Laverda factory. As a 1981 bike, this is a Mk2 model, the last of the 180 models, and these benefitted from an improved alternator/charging system, Bosch lighting and ignition, hydraulic clutch and a revised fairing. This bike retains all it’s original MK2 bodywork
Indicated mileage is 39000 km (24000 miles) Much work has been carried out on the bike in recent times, and this now ensures that it starts, runs, rides and performs just how you would hope. All work is documented and includes stripped/cleaned/balanced carbs, valve clearances checked/adjusted, oil change, renewed fuel lines and vacuum hoses, overhauled wiring loom, replacement wheel bearings and various gasket replacements
All in all this is a very clean example of a wonderfully charismatic motorcycle, in fit and healthy condition, ready to be used and enjoyed this coming summer with no work, other than the usual mechanically sympathetic ongoing maintenance any such vehicle demands
The sound of the triple Dellortos, breathing through the de-restricted ‘pipes is uniquely Laverda, and reason enough to own one of these. This is a bike that will only appreciate in value, and is a true classic machine in every sense of the words. It will offer much pleasure on those Sunday morning rideouts and meets with similarly minded riders and owners, and instil a great deal of pleasure from it’s ownership. 12 months MOT provided at point of sale
MODERN/CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE, OR CAR, UP OR DOWN, WELCOME IN PART EXCHANGE
DELIVERY POSSIBLE – PLEASE ENQUIRE
PRICE. £SOLD
