S-21898-0-1

235 N1980 Laverda 981cc Jota ‘180’Frame no. LAV1000-7061Engine no. 1000-7061‘Every successful bike maker has a standout model, the ne plus ultra,the one where everything comes together perfectly, producing a classicbike that exemplifies the brand. For Triumph it was the Bonneville, forMoto Guzzi the Le Mans and for Indian the Chief. For Laverda, it wasthe Jota.’ – Robert Smith, ‘Motorcycle Classics’. Blessed with one ofthe most evocative names in motorcycling history, the Jota was thebike that really put Laverda on the map. Its direct progenitor was thetuned version of the Italian firm’s 3C triple - the 3C(E) - developed forproduction racing by the UK importer, Slater Brothers. The productionJota was both more highly tuned and quicker, its 140mph top speedmaking it the world’s fastest road-going production motorcycle at thetime 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 handsof Pete Davies. Few major changes were made to the Jota prior to1982 when a heavily revised version was introduced, complete witha 120-degree crankshaft that made for a more even firing order. Oneconsequence of this was the instant elevation of the original version,which came with a 180-degree ‘flat’ crank, to iconic ‘first of the line’status among collectors. This Jota ‘180’ is currently in the hands of itssecond owner, who advises us that it was serviced only 655 kilometresago (at 63,000 kilometres). The machine is offered with Netherlandsregistration papers and a copy of ‘Moto 73’ magazine (27th October1980 edition) in which it is featured. Sold as viewed.£8,000 - 12,000€10,000 - 15,0002361978 Ducati 864cc 900SSRegistration no. BWC 719TFrame no. 087914Engine no. 088184Ducati’s second-generation v-twin engine - the 900cc ‘square case’(actual capacity 864cc) - debuted in the 860GT of 1974 and thefollowing year was used to power the new 900SS superbike. Morethan just a simple over-bore, the ‘square case’ engine incorporated anew camshaft drive arrangement, improved oil pump, cartridge-type oilfilter and electronic ignition. In addition, the gearchange was moved tothe left-hand side and the frame altered to provide chain adjustmentat the swinging arm pivot. As had been the case with the original750SS, desmodromic valve gear distinguished the new sportsterfrom its tourer counterpart. Breathing through gaping 40mm Dell’Ortocarburettors, the 900SS engine produced 70bhp, an output goodenough for a top speed of 135mph. This 900SS has been ownedby the vendor since September 1983. An MoT issued in May 1983records the mileage as 9,829, while the current odometer readingis 9,061 miles. However, it should be noted that the speedometerwas zeroed in 1985, which means that the machine has covered atleast 18,890 miles, probably a little more. Last MoT’d in July 2005,it will require re-commissioning before further use. Accompanyingpaperwork consists of two expired MoTs, a V5C document andsundry invoices, including one for a gearbox rebuild and a re-bore inDecember 1984. Replacement wheels and re-threaded exhaust outletsare the only notified deviations from factory specification.£5,000 - 8,000€6,400 - 10,000motorcycles | 39