1979 Laverda 981cc Jota 180
Registration no. RKH 935T
Frame no. LAV-1000-6310
Engine no. 1000 6310
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. They eventually offered a large-capacity 650cc twin in 1966, which was soon enlarged to 750. In 1969 Laverda exhibited their first three-cylinder machine which was to take until 1972 before being offered to the public as the 3C, later becoming the 3C(E). At the instigation of the British importer, Roger Slater, performance was enhanced by Laverda and the 3C(E) became the Jota. The original Jotas had a 180-degree crankshaft, later revised with the fitting of a 120-degree item. The 180 had the distinction of being the fastest production motorcycle in the world in the late 1970s, at over 140mph.
RKH 935T was purchased by the vendor in 2002 and had been part of a collection of machines imported from South Africa. UK registered at that time, it has been used every year since, and maintained as necessary. It has recently been fitted with new front brake pads, the tappets re-shimmed, and the carburettors serviced, all by a local dealership. Substantially original when purchased, the owner had the petrol tank, side panels and seat hump repainted approximately 6 years ago, otherwise it remains as acquired. Documentation comprises a current V5C, 12 old MoT certificates, a copy dating certificate, and a workshop manual.
