1983 Laverda Jota 1000 (D241)

This Laverda is the first bike created by our partnership with the new Museo Laverda in Breganze, Italy, home of the original Laverda factory. This meticulously restored Laverda Jota is a remarkable example of a special motorcycle. Previously owned by Piero Laverda himself, who sold the bike to the Museo seven months ago. He recently saw our finished restoration and declared the bike:

“Better than when it left the factory!”.

A remarkable example of a unique Italian sports bike in excellent condition ... a great addition to any serious collection and a real experience to ride. If you want the very best and can afford it ... this is your Laverda. This Euro-Spec Laverda has been fully restored by the Museo Laverda team of experts in Italy. Very low original mileage. Overall cosmetic condition is literally better than new, restored to a Concours standard in all regards. Paint, bodywork, seat, wheels, chrome, instruments, tires etc. all in “as new” condition. This bike is very faithful to the original specifications. Completely rebuilt and serviced, runs and rides like new. Extremely fast, very rare, serious and extreme - a machine for skilled riders only.

The Laverda Jota is a 1000cc three cylinder Italian super sports motorcycle that was top of the line and one of the most expensive production bikes available in its day. It was noted to be the fastest production motorcycle in the world at the time of its introduction. Laverdas were a premium brand with outstanding performance, built using the best available components, proven in racing and always priced at the top of the market. Considered the top European superbike of its day the Jota was a performance showcase for Laverda and had a very successful racing career. The first series models were rated at around 90 hp, and could exceed 140 mph, making the Jota the fastest production bike of the era. Race versions went on to win the UK Production series in 1976, '78, '79 and '80.

The 1000cc three cylinder engine was over designed with multiple ball and roller bearings and is very robust. It was originally fitted with a crankshaft with 180° crankpin phasing and ignition timing on the right hand side of the engine till 1980. Then in 1981 the ignition timing was moved to the left side in a new all-electronic unit and in 1982 the Jota 120° was released which had the crankpin phasing to 120° which made for a much smoother engine. The bike being offered here is a 1983 Jota 120° that has been fully restored by Laverda experts in Italy.

Late series 120° 3 cylinder 1000 is smooth and extremely powerful and has been called the “best sounding engine ever heard”. Truly amazing just to listen to, and even more so to ride. The Jota is hefty at almost 600 pounds, but very well balanced. Handling is solid and stable, suspension is on the firm side and the brakes are top of the line Brembo for the period.

All electrical components and switchgear for the Jota are German Bosch or Japanese. The 1983 Jota had an upgraded 260 watt Nippon Denso alternator. These premium components make the Jota a very reliable and trouble free model. The Jota has a rich history and is one of the few classic bikes that can exceed any and all expectations you could have for riding it. They say don't ride your heroes. Well, here is a bike that definitively lives up to its lore.