Marketed on US shores at the height of the disco era, it is hard to imagine Italian engineers and assembly personnel listening to anything other than Pavarotti during the construction of this beast. Still, singing some “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees might have helped – Laverda would close their doors by the early 1980s (only to be resurrected several times in failed attempts to bring back the magic). Piaggio / Aprilia is the current owner of the brand, but have no interest in manufacturing motorcycles under the Laverda banner.
From the seller:
The Laverda triple was a highly esteemed superbike of the 1970s even if it was rarely seen in the USA. They developed a reputation for speed, handling, and durability on the race track, winning multiple superbike championships in Britain and Europe. They blew minds when in a British magazine test it went 140MPH, making it the fastest production bike of the era. Look it up in a Guinness Book of Records from the late ’70s.This particular Laverda, a 1200 Jota America with a build date of November 1977, is a fine rider and attracts attention wherever it goes. I have owned it since 2009, and I enjoy it on club rides and quick trips over the “Dragon”. It runs very strongly and has been very reliable for me. After I bought it I went over it, checking the valve clearances (OK) , cleaning/tuning the carbs, and fixing a slippy clutch. I replaced the plates and springs and the triplex primary chain for good measure. I checked the compression when the engine was dead cold and found all cylinders within two lbs. of 157psi. I confirmed that the cams were the coveted 4C, but I did not pull the heads to see what pistons were in it. I suspect they are higher than the stock compression.
More from the seller:
I have changed the oil and cleaned the screen several times. I am now running Mobil 1 20w50 motorcycle oil. It is fresh. It has several desirable mods: rear-sets, Jota handlebar, Jota exhaust (I suspect they may be the original ones from England- they are light as a feather with no baffles), modern four-piston Brembo calipers, drilled rotors, braided SS brake lines, SFC fairing, Progressive shocks, the 4C Jota cams, and Moto-Witt ignition. It also has the bum-stop Jota seat, but it has a small tear in it. I have owned five Laverda triples and this one is the fastest. I hate to see this rorty beast go, but my old body finds the riding position too sporty and I just don’t ride it enough to justify keeping it.It is a fine-looking beast with tons of charisma. I had the exhaust pipes and mufflers re-chromed recently and the oldish paint is still thick and shiny but there are nicks in several places that have been touched up. She makes a very presentable rider – not a show bike. The engine and frame numbers match- it is no. 1697 and is titled as a 1979 model. I just went out to the garage and started her up for the first time since October, when I drained the carbs. She started right away with the distinctive, spine-tingling roar that is unique to these 180-degree triples.
These big triples are bikes from another era. With a classic Italian approach to performance, great looks and terrific sounds, a Laverda makes a statement to the world. It is a great piece of hardware that will not be seen on every corner of your commute, or even at most bike hangouts during spirited weekend rides.
Your chance to own this hot Italian dish is now. Bidders are turning out for this orange beauty, with the current bid up to $6,399 with reserve still in place. I’m really not sure what the value of a Jota is these days, so this will be a great bellweather for these classic bikes in 2013. For more info and pictures, click the link and jump over to the auction! Disco ball not included.
MI
As I suggested on the Classic Sportbikes website. Don’t sell your Laverda you’ll regret it, unless you also have a 1000 Jota. Start doing some yoga and stretching, your body will thank you, and keep riding that Laverda.
These are great vintage Italian bikes of that era- you need to own and ride one to really appreciate them. There’s nothing else like the sound and feel of a Laverda triple. The alloy engine covers should be polished, the black paint or powder coat is a real turn off to me and looks totally wrong. That can be reversed with some work, though.