1981 Laverda Jota 1000

• Desirable early '180-degree' model
• Only two owners
• 8,100 miles from new
• Not taxed for 32 years

"Every successful bike maker has a standout model, the ne plus ultra, the one where everything comes together perfectly, producing a classic bike that exemplifies the brand. For Triumph it was the Bonneville, for Moto Guzzi the Le Mans and for Indian the Chief. For Laverda, it was the Jota." – Robert Smith, Motorcycle Classics.
Blessed with one of the most evocative names in motorcycling history, the Jota was the bike that really put Laverda on the map. Its direct progenitor was the tuned version of the Italian firm's 3C triple - the 3C(E) - developed for production racing by the UK importer, Slater Brothers. The production Jota was both more highly tuned and quicker, its 140mph top speed making it the world's fastest road-going production motorcycle at the time of its launch for 1976. It was also pretty handy on the racetrack, winning the UK's Avon championship in 1976 and 1978 in the hands of Pete Davies. Few major changes were made to the Jota prior to 1982 when a heavily revised version was introduced, complete with a 120-degree crankshaft that made for a more even firing order than the original's 180-degree 'flat' crank. Toady, the Jota is one of the most collectible of Italian classics, particularly the first '180' version.

This Jota '180' is described by the private vendor as "absolutely original and perfect, unrestored. All paintwork, plating etc is what was applied at the factory back in the day". The Laverda has had only two owners from new and has not been taxed for the last 32 years, while we are advised that the odometer reading of only 8,100 miles is genuine. Recommissioning will be required before the machine returns to the road. It is hoped that further information will be available at time of sale. A rare opportunity.