LOT 135
1980 Laverda 981cc Jota Frame no. K453523075208 Engine no. 1000 6597
Sold for US$18,400 inc. premium
Lot 135
1980 Laverda 981cc Jota Frame no. K453523075208 Engine no. 1000 6597
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1980 Laverda 981cc Jota
Frame no. K453523075208
Engine no. 1000 6597
Frame no. K453523075208
Engine no. 1000 6597
• One of Laverda's most iconic sports bike
• Excellent restoration by a Laverda marque specialist
Laverda began with the manufacture of farm machinery, diversifying into production of small capacity motorcycles in 1949. Increases in capacity and variations of design (including a scooter) followed over the years. Laverda became Moto Laverda in 1950 fulfilling, with their 75cc 'Motoleggera' lightweight motorcycle a part of the great demand for personal transport in post-war Europe. By the 1960s the factory at Breganze in Italy was a lightweight and scooter maker and it was a great coup when they introduced a beautifully designed and powerful 650cc, overhead-camshaft twin, capable of immense development and equally successful on road or racetrack.
The logical development of the twin was the 981cc '1000 3C', later named the 'Jota', meaning 'fast dance for three', entirely appropriate for this charismatic sports bike. Much more than just a transformation of the twin, the new engine had double overhead camshafts, and with the later 180-degree crankshaft and almost 'square' dimensions of 75mm x 74mm was a smoothly spinning unit capable of an easy 90bhp and 140mph at 7500rpm in fifth.
In the event, Laverda's own twin-tube cradle frame and ultra- high-quality equipment, made the 'Jota' - given the Fastest Production Roadster title - and its derivatives renowned for speed and handling, coupled with that raw, visceral feel that is the hallmark of the Italian sports motorcycle. The precision controls and pin-sharp handling combine with the thunderous sound of the motor and its 'sound system' to make every ride a race-entry for the sportsman serious about riding.
The 'Jota' has been described as 'The ultimate man's machine, needing a Superman to tame it' and the 1983 example offered here is a very good one. This Jota is in excellent condition and has been greatly preserved throughout the years, the vendor notes of the fantastic exhaust note these models create. This machine comes from a well known car collector that 15 years ago, decided to buy what he thought were the most iconic motorcycles of the 1970's and 1980's and set out to find the ones in the best original or restored conditions. All machines are maintained by the Guzzi Doctor in Illinois and have been kept on a trickle charge ready for a warm ride, they have been stored in a climate-controlled environment set at 65F and are ready to ride away.
• Excellent restoration by a Laverda marque specialist
Laverda began with the manufacture of farm machinery, diversifying into production of small capacity motorcycles in 1949. Increases in capacity and variations of design (including a scooter) followed over the years. Laverda became Moto Laverda in 1950 fulfilling, with their 75cc 'Motoleggera' lightweight motorcycle a part of the great demand for personal transport in post-war Europe. By the 1960s the factory at Breganze in Italy was a lightweight and scooter maker and it was a great coup when they introduced a beautifully designed and powerful 650cc, overhead-camshaft twin, capable of immense development and equally successful on road or racetrack.
The logical development of the twin was the 981cc '1000 3C', later named the 'Jota', meaning 'fast dance for three', entirely appropriate for this charismatic sports bike. Much more than just a transformation of the twin, the new engine had double overhead camshafts, and with the later 180-degree crankshaft and almost 'square' dimensions of 75mm x 74mm was a smoothly spinning unit capable of an easy 90bhp and 140mph at 7500rpm in fifth.
In the event, Laverda's own twin-tube cradle frame and ultra- high-quality equipment, made the 'Jota' - given the Fastest Production Roadster title - and its derivatives renowned for speed and handling, coupled with that raw, visceral feel that is the hallmark of the Italian sports motorcycle. The precision controls and pin-sharp handling combine with the thunderous sound of the motor and its 'sound system' to make every ride a race-entry for the sportsman serious about riding.
The 'Jota' has been described as 'The ultimate man's machine, needing a Superman to tame it' and the 1983 example offered here is a very good one. This Jota is in excellent condition and has been greatly preserved throughout the years, the vendor notes of the fantastic exhaust note these models create. This machine comes from a well known car collector that 15 years ago, decided to buy what he thought were the most iconic motorcycles of the 1970's and 1980's and set out to find the ones in the best original or restored conditions. All machines are maintained by the Guzzi Doctor in Illinois and have been kept on a trickle charge ready for a warm ride, they have been stored in a climate-controlled environment set at 65F and are ready to ride away.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
The frame number is LAV.1000/3CL*6597*. Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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