Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Scout63 on January 18, 2023, 05:50:18 PM
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I'm thinking about looking for a Laverda triple project to get into the restoration rotation. Any thoughts or feedback will be much appreciated. I know next to nothing about them other than that I like the early 3C 1000s. I've seen pictures of SPMoto's RGS and it is very lovely.
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No triple input, Ben. But I will offer this apparently-overpriced-so-still-unsold-for-months-on-fbmp original 750 SFC down near Atlanta as a back-up plan-
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/509045517893287/ (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/509045517893287/)
(https://i.ibb.co/wwk9KVS/E72-A4-D68-2-AF5-4708-8624-7-A3-E514251-DC.png) (https://ibb.co/wwk9KVS)
Fwiw, I thought the specs on Chris Palmer’s 750 SFC Palmelli replica bikes from back in the late 90’s were very interesting. Different crank configuration to tame the vibrations, lighter frame, etc. I read about it back when I had my SF1 that needed direction and had lots of “what if” thoughts….
Good luck in your hunt.
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There's an overpriced (IMO) 3C on ebay right now. Starting bid of $6999.99.
I decided that I really didn't want a triple after following this thread for a while. Maybe a 750.
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/workshop-stories.1529843/
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This showed up on BAT two days ago.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1980-laverda-jota/
Already getting some healthy bids.
FarmallA
Steve
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If you want to learn about all things Laverda and find the source for every NOS or reproduction part imaginable then you need to contact Wolfgang Haerter at Columbia Car and Cycle in Nakusp British Columbia, Canada. I have been to Wolfgang’s amazing warehouse of Laverda parts (as well as Dellorto, CEV, Brembo, KONI etc) several times. Wolfgang is an expert mechanic who spent a lifetime working on Laverda and can diagnose anything on the machines. I sent my 1973 Laverda SF1 to him to tune a couple years ago and he transformed the bike. He also knows just about every Laverda for sale and it’s history. Wolfgang ships parts around the world and has many contacts in Europe where he sources specific hard to find parts.
Email. laverda@lightspeed.ca
Phone for shop. 1-250 265 0165
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I love triples!!!
Why? Dunno....
I have 3 right now - a Triumph Rocket III Touring, spmoto's old Triumph Trophy, and a BMW K75S.
Back in the day, I put over 50K on a Yamaha XS750. I'd lose my license on a Speed Triple.....
I'd love to try one of those Big Beasties from Breganze. 3CE, RGS, Jarama, or even a 750 twin.
I'm told that they're very well-built, but that the triples are VERY, VERY maintenance-intensive. Valve checks every 3K,
(split the cam chain and pull the cams to adjust), replace the cam chain and primary every 15K, etc., etc..
Enthusiasts say all of the headaches are worth it. :grin: May be someday....
I think you should get one, Ben! :laugh: :laugh: (We're supposed to be enablers on this forum, yes?! :cool:)
-Stretch
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This guy from Spain does some good restos and his videos are great....
https://youtu.be/5_6zzzKM1JA
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There's an overpriced (IMO) 3C on ebay right now. Starting bid of $6999.99.
I decided that I really didn't want a triple after following this thread for a while. Maybe a 750.
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/workshop-stories.1529843/
I contacted the eBay seller this morning to ask a few basic questions like whether he had a title in his name, did the crank turn freely, etc. so I could decide whether to drive the 300 miles to look at it. He was so unfriendly that I just took the bike out of consideration. I couldn’t see climbing into bed for the next year or so with a bike with bad karma. The histories of these bikes and our connections with their owners and their pasts are so important. It’s too bad. It was a nice looking motorcycle in just the condition I like to start with.
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Message sent.
Mike
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I contacted the eBay seller this morning to ask a few basic questions like whether he had a title in his name, did the crank turn freely, etc. so I could decide whether to drive the 300 miles to look at it. He was so unfriendly that I just took the bike out of consideration. I couldn’t see climbing into bed for the next year or so with a bike with bad karma. The histories of these bikes and our connections with their owners and their pasts are so important. It’s too bad. It was a nice looking motorcycle in just the condition I like to start with.
Amen. Two solid rules I always follow:
1. Never buy a bike unless you talk to the owner and enjoy the conversation.
2. Always trust your gut!
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I know nothing about any Triple other than the Yamaha XS750 Triple. Lovely bike, low end torque of a twin, and decent mid range but runs out of power, and can't compare to my XS1100. I haven't ridden either since 2013 or so, they are in mothballs eagerly waiting my retirement. Here is my 78 Special.
(https://i.ibb.co/6R1qZ0S/IMG-0577.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6R1qZ0S)
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This is probably the only triple I'd love to get my hands on.
(https://motorcycledays.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/speed-triple11.jpg)
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If you want to learn about all things Laverda and find the source for every NOS or reproduction part imaginable then you need to contact Wolfgang Haerter at Columbia Car and Cycle in Nakusp British Columbia, Canada. I have been to Wolfgang’s amazing warehouse of Laverda parts (as well as Dellorto, CEV, Brembo, KONI etc) several times. Wolfgang is an expert mechanic who spent a lifetime working on Laverda and can diagnose anything on the machines. I sent my 1973 Laverda SF1 to him to tune a couple years ago and he transformed the bike. He also knows just about every Laverda for sale and it’s history. Wolfgang ships parts around the world and has many contacts in Europe where he sources specific hard to find parts.
Email. laverda@lightspeed.ca
Thanks Jim. I think that will come in handy. Ben
Phone for shop. 1-250 265 0165
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Hey Ben, 7k for that heap on ebay makes Wendel's 3C sound reasonably priced.
The Laverda forum is a good group. Not wildguzzi but then nothing comes close.
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Hey Ben, 7k for that heap on ebay makes Wendel's 3C sound reasonably priced.
The Laverda forum is a good group. Not wildguzzi but then nothing comes close.
Roger that Steve. I’ll give you a call tomorrow to catch up. Ben
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I bought a triple today from forum member Travlr (Mike) near Phoenix. It is a '77 Jota partially finished and in parts. Once I get it home I will post more. I am so excited. Thanks so much to Mike for reaching out to me and offering the bike for sale. More to follow.
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I bought a triple today from forum member Travlr (Mike) near Phoenix. It is a '77 Jota partially finished and in parts. Once I get it home I will post more. I am so excited. Thanks so much to Mike for reaching out to me and offering the bike for sale. More to follow.
Very cool. Good or you. Those Jotas make a wicked nice noise.
There is a fellow here in Maine that is very well versed in the Laverda triples. I can send his info to you if you like.
Just an FYI on the name:
jo·ta. ˈhōtə, -ō(ˌ)tä plural -s. : a Spanish folk dance in ³/₄ time performed by a man and a woman to intricate castanet and heel rhythms.
My contribution to the triple conversation.
'75 T160 Trident Triple...
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/923/q3fh8H.png)
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Congrats Ben! Can't wait to hear more.
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Congrats Ben! Can't wait to hear more.
:grin:
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I bought a triple today from forum member Travlr (Mike) near Phoenix. It is a '77 Jota partially finished and in parts. Once I get it home I will post more. I am so excited. Thanks so much to Mike for reaching out to me and offering the bike for sale. More to follow.
Great doing business with you Ben! For those of you out there, Ben is a great guy to work with. 5 stars.
(Now I've got some money burning a hole in my pocket for Mecum.)
Mike
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My 2nd bike was a 72' GT750. Oh.....sorry not a 4 stroke. :grin:
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(https://i.ibb.co/C7bCw4P/Laverda-Jota.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C7bCw4P)
From an old issue of Classic Bike. :grin:
-Stretch
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(https://i.ibb.co/C7bCw4P/Laverda-Jota.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C7bCw4P)
From an old issue of Classic Bike. :grin:
-Stretch
That has to be one of the best photos I’ve seen in a while Stretch. It would make a great poster for my office.
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It would make a great poster for my office.
The thought had occurred to me, too - but I haven't done anything about it yet! LOL!
-Stretch
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Congrats Mike ! Still have the zephyr?
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I’ll toss a triple in
(https://i.ibb.co/QXfrvLw/4-D9-D3-EBC-4-D58-4482-B16-A-325645-F97-D0-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QXfrvLw)
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I’ll toss a triple in
(https://i.ibb.co/QXfrvLw/4-D9-D3-EBC-4-D58-4482-B16-A-325645-F97-D0-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QXfrvLw)
I need to learn more about modern Triumphs. That is one very nice looking motorcycle.
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I have a new T120 Bonneville, nice motorcycles. I almost didn't buy it due to the small gas tank, 3.8 gals. However I average 57.5 mpg, so no problem. I can go 200 miles if I am not riding like an idiot.
kk
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Congrats Mike ! Still have the zephyr?
Missed you at Mecum Turin. The big Zeph went to a Kawasaki collector in Cal.
Mike
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I had some big bids to get outfor work, and there's no budget for a new scooter. hope you find something !
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Quote from: BRG-BIRD on January 27, 2023, 09:41:58 PM
I’ll toss a triple in
I need to learn more about modern Triumphs. That is one very nice looking motorcycle.
Those first generation Hinckley Triumphs were over engineered and overbuilt. I'm on my second. Those thunderbird triples are a bargain.
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Many moons ago (1987 I think) I briefly owned a lovely, orange, 180 crank Jota. Big, top heavy, steered like an oil tanker in that it was very stable at speed but needed a lot of 'input' to get it to change direction. Getting it to run on all 3 cylinders on a cold, foggy, morning could take some patience and the neighbours were definitely aware of what was going on.
A beautiful, fun bike to ride but I don't think I was ever totally its master and it retained the tendency to bite back occasionally just to remind me who was in charge, it's element was long, sweeping, bends where, once set up, it tracked like it was on rails. Took it to the IOM and it was hard work around the mountain course trying to keep up with my mates who were on GSXR750's and similar.
Only had the bike for about 12 months, so can't comment on detailed servicing requirements, and swapped it for a GSX1100 Katana as the pillion accommodation was better (of some importance in those days).
I'm sure you are aware there are two incarnations, the 120 crank on later bikes makes the whole thing far smoother.
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Many moons ago (1987 I think) I briefly owned a lovely, orange, 180 crank Jota. Big, top heavy, steered like an oil tanker in that it was very stable at speed but needed a lot of 'input' to get it to change direction. Getting it to run on all 3 cylinders on a cold, foggy, morning could take some patience and the neighbours were definitely aware of what was going on.
A beautiful, fun bike to ride but I don't think I was ever totally its master and it retained the tendency to bite back occasionally just to remind me who was in charge, it's element was long, sweeping, bends where, once set up, it tracked like it was on rails. Took it to the IOM and it was hard work around the mountain course trying to keep up with my mates who were on GSXR750's and similar.
Only had the bike for about 12 months, so can't comment on detailed servicing requirements, and swapped it for a GSX1100 Katana as the pillion accommodation was better (of some importance in those days).
I'm sure you are aware there are two incarnations, the 120 crank on later bikes makes the whole thing far smoother.
Thanks for a lovely description Paul. I think this bike has a 180 crank. I’m not a huge fan of getting bikes already in parts. I’m hoping that there are some good parts diagrams available as well as a comprehensive shop manual or two.
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My first bike was a triple, a 75 Suzuki GT380 bought new in 76, very smooth bike, bad mpg,sold it to buy a XS650 lost the smoothness but doubled my MPG, then I had a 91 BMW K75S a very underrated bike and my last triple was a 97 Triumph Sprint 900 Executive, top heavy, always thought I was going to drop it, but had a great motor. All really good bikes.
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I have owned a few Laverdas and what I read on the net about them is generally garbage. If they are broken in properly you will have a good bike. If not, then trouble. My 81 Jota was a paragon of virtue. It didn't need shim changes in 30000 kms and was extremely reliable despite being used as everyday transport. This was down to very regular oil changes and me lavishing way too much love on it. My recommendation is to join The international Laverda owners club ILOC in Britain. Im currently resurrecting a 1982 Mirage 1200TS. They are simple, well made bikes that don't suffer idiots well. Very rewarding to own but it pays to be quite tall. I didn't think America got Jotas that early. Check the cams are marked 4C
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I am up in Vermont for the weekend and I stopped into Triumph Vermont outside of Middlebury to get a bike fix and out of the cold. More triples than you can shake a stick at. I really liked the 1200 Speed Triple although I’ll probably never own one.
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When I lived / worked in Aachen, Germany (2004-2005), I rode a 1993 Triumph Trident 900. Great bike!
Toured all over Germany / Belgium / The Netherlands on this bike...Bought for 2500 Euros...sold it two years later for 2500 Euros. Would have brought it back to the the USA when I moved to NORCAL, but as a "German-spec" bike, the cost to make it "California-legal" was prohibitive, so I sold it over there before I moved...
(https://i.ibb.co/xgvbXzP/Screen-Shot-2023-02-05-at-8-10-50-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/xgvbXzP)
(https://i.ibb.co/nzcFbJX/Screen-Shot-2023-02-05-at-8-10-23-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/nzcFbJX)
Here is a nice example I saw on the streets of Williams, AZ a few years ago... :thumb: :cool: :boozing:
(https://i.ibb.co/mt6NtzZ/Screen-Shot-2023-02-05-at-8-27-45-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/mt6NtzZ)