This 1978 Laverda 1000 Jota was reportedly owned for a time by Richard Slater of Slater Laverda–the Italian marque’s UK importer throughout the 1970’s.
Based on the successful 3C, the Jota came to fruition after a meeting between Mr. Slater and company execs–the result was an exotic sportbike powered by a 981cc air-cooled triple that produced nearly 100 horsepower with a dry weight of around 525 pounds. Known as the fastest production motorcycle of its day, this Jota comes with a letter of authenticity from Slater Laverda, and the seller says it continues to be used almost every week and adds that it’s recently been serviced and is ready to ride. Find it here on eBay in Miami, Florida for $20,900 OBO.
Most examples we’ve seen wear red, orange, or green, but we’re really digging the gold metallic paintwork on this one. The seller notes that the tank, side fairings and wheels were repainted to factory specs by Slater Laverda in 2014. This one is without the large nose fairing seen on some others, though both setups look great.
Stopping power is through twin 11″ Brembo discs at the front end, with another 11″ single out back. The seller says that new Dunlop rubber was fitted at the same time the wheels were repainted.
The cockpit features dual guages, drop bars, and a 20-liter fuel tank with which to lay on when reaching for the bikes 130 mph top speed. It’s refreshing to see a relatively well-used 16,890 miles on the odometer–these bikes are for riding. A factory tool kit is included and stored under the refinished seat.
The Jota’s heart is a 981cc air-cooled twin-cam triple with a trio of 32mm Dell’Orto carbs, connected to a traditional one-down, four-up 5-speed gearbox. With 97 horses and 90 lb. ft. on tap, output was impressive for the day, and its 130 mph top speed made the Jota the fastest production street bike of its time.
