1981 Lot 1 1980 Laverda 981cc Jota For Sale by Auction

This motorcycle is Lot 1 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.

Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.

Lot 1

1980 Laverda 981cc Jota
Registration no. RDS 890W
Frame no. LAV. 1000* 7102*
Engine no. 1000* 7102* (see text)
• Present ownership since 2021
• Four former keepers
• Apparently well maintained
• Extensive history file of bills, MoTs, etc
• Requires recommissioning

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 maximum 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. Today, the Jota is one of the most collectible of Italian classics, particularly the first '180' version.

This beautifully presented Laverda Jota was acquired by the private vendor from The Bike Specialists in Sheffield in 2021 (cost £19, 000); at that time the odometer reading was 23, 548 miles and is now 23, 566 miles, indicating only 18 miles covered since its purchase. Since acquisition the machine has been stored in our private vendor's climate-controlled garage, with the last MoT expiring in July 2022. Having an extensive collection of vehicles to maintain and enjoy, the vendor feels the Jota is not getting the attention it deserves and is ready for it to find a new owner. The substantial history file contains the following:

• V5C registration document stating four former keepers
• Old (1982) V5
• 2012, 2013 and 2014 expired tax discs
• An undated note regarding 'components fitted in 1997 and 1999': tyres and inner tubes; throttle and clutch cables; cam chain; battery; brake pads (1997). Cylinder head valves; inlet valve stem seals; valve seats; valve springs; both master cylinder pistons and seals; brake hoses; stainless calliper components; exhaust sealing rings; flange nuts; various stainless steel fastenings (1999)
• HPI report
• Gov. uk MoT history printout
• Expired MoT certificates dated July 2021 (23, 549 miles); August 2019 (23, 521 miles); June 2017 (23, 500 miles); February 2015 (23, 438 miles); August 2014 (23, 412 miles); July 2013 (23, 342 miles); March 2012 (23, 322 miles); November 2010 (23, 309 miles); January 1986 (16, 869 miles)
• Made in Italy Motorcycle Ltd invoice dated April 2019 for £4, 119 for extensive works: full service including valve clearances; removed, stripped and cleaned carburettors; replaced incorrectly fitted jets; adjusted choke and throttle cables; replaced centre cylinder HT lead; fitted new battery and tested electrical functions; found clock illumination and warning lights not working; rectified wiring faults; run up and set carburettors; found fuel tank previously sealed with non-ethanol proof sealer and dissolving in tank badly corroded and perforated; stripped tank and sent for specialist repair (£1, 150); refitted fuel tank; run up and carried out 25-mile road test; Morris 20/ 50 oil; cam cover gasket; triple NGK B8ES; brake fluid Dot 4; various Laverda shims; Brembo rear bellows; Dell'Orto PHF seal kit; main jet; PHF float needle; pilot jet; float bowl nut; battery 530.; tank rubber strap; sprocket lock tab (pair).
• The Cylinder Head Shop invoice dated February 1999 for lead-free valve seats and replacement valves and certificate of lead-free conformity
• 2012 Motori Di Marino invoice for dismantling and cleaning carburettors, cleaning plugs, fitting new cam chain tensioner and MoT
• 2013 Motori Di Marino invoice for a new battery; drain carburettors; new plugs; check coils; clean and rebalance carburettors; fit correct needle valve; road test
• 2015 Motori Di Marino invoice check for oil leak and MoT
• 1999 Universal Tyres invoice for 18" Bridgestone tyres
• July 2021 The Bike Specialists Order Form
• 2021 DVLA correspondence regarding its Historic Class tax.
• July 2021 The Bike Specialists PDI sheet
• 2021 The Bike Specialists brochure extract

It should be noted that the engine appears to be a replacement unit: the engine number boss clearly restamped with the original engine number. Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to correctness and authenticity of this motorcycle's component parts prior to bidding. The machine currently has a flat battery and will require recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road. Offered with two keys (ignition and fuel tank).

All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.