Laverda 3CL

[Mr Pig]

Hi everyone,
Ridden bikes for years, mostly Jap plastic rockets. I would now like to try something a bit classic. I have had a look at 1980 Laverda 3CL locally which is 99% original and seems in very good order. Can anyone advise me what to look for in one of these rare beasts? It is the 180 engine but has not been Jota-ised. I have done a lot of research on the web, but would value any input from yourselves. It is up for £4k, does that sound about right?
Cheers
Mr Pig

[trumpet600]

I'm not really up to scratch on the Breganze models, but the later bikes (Zane) require maintenance after every ride.

I own a 750formula, and on the rare occasions i take it out i make sure i don't travel without a screwdriver, spanner and gaffer tape. Wouldn't swap it for the world though.

I get some of my maintenance info from "[e-mail]" Helpful bunch of users. I'm sure they would be able to offer you advice.

Tony

[Mr Pig]

Thanks Tony, I will have a look on that site. In the meantime can anyone else help with info?
Pat

[davidgt4]

Hi
Bought myself a '77 Jota and once I finally got it sorted (that's another story) I haven't stopped grinning inanely everytime I fire her up. Mine was in a bit of a state and after some half hearted fiddling I finally bit the bullet and had her properly restored - not cheap but so far faultlessly reliable and the most fun I've had on two wheels. Do it! £4K sounds high for a 3CL but I guess it all depends on condition and whether or not it's immediately usable without any further outlay. There certainly can be significant engine issues on some of the triples of that vintage.

www.iloc.co.uk - owners club with lots of links
www.laverdamania.com - amazing amount of info.
http://groups.msn.com/laverda - anyone who knows anything about Breganze Laverdas seems to be on here
"My" engine guru is John McGrath - rebuilt my Jota's engine and I visit him annually in the Lake district for a service! Highly recommended.

You won't regret it...

[Busamav]

ah Jota ,

I remember always wanting one of them , but an older and "wiser " friend in the trade told me it wouldntn suit me and i wouldnt like it.

It was only about 10 years later that i thought about it and relaised he just wouldnt have been able to live with me having one .

If i had some spare cash , thats where it would go for sure .

Good luck in finding a good un

[colslate]

similar experience many years ago when bought a laverda rgs 1000 and the shop wouldnt let a test ride, soon found out that I was too short to ride comfortably (5'10'') and bike literally weighed a ton ,however loved every minute, kept for three years and still am tempted, probably would rather have 750 sf1/2/3 sfc replica if a good un came along

[gareth h]

I was given an accident damaged 1200 mirage, which was 'Jotarised' had to do a bit of work on it and was impressed, every nut and bolt came undone without rounding/shearing which hasn't been my experiance of Jap bikes from that era. Just be prepared if you are used to riding modern bikes, it's a big heavy beast.

[Mr Pig]

Hi
Thanks to all who replied. Your comments have been a great help. I will try to upload a picture of the bike later so you can all have a look. I have yet to buy it but I am quite keen. It is being sold by a reputable dealer of Italian bikes, it has 36k on the clock and runs well. The only things that need sorting are: the grab rail needs re-chroming, bottom of the forks require re-painting, headlamp reflector is tarnished and the front mudguard and front brake master cylinder are not original. The exhaust is a new stainless Jota system. It looks nice in red and it has a new seat. Anymore input would be appreciated.
Cheers
Pat

Edited by Mr Pig on Tuesday 6th February 08:56

[Mr Pig]

Here it is. What do you think?
Pat

[yoda954]

Luvverly

[catso]

That's a beauty........

[Busamav]

That is art .

Thanks for posting and making me green with envy

[Busamav]

anyone see a very vague similarity to an early Commando fastback ?

[davidgt4]

Certainly looks good in the photo - have you ridden it?

If you get it we'll see you at the Laverda meet at Mallory in July...

[Mr Pig]

Hi
Thanks for all the positive feedback everyone. If I do buy it, I will be at Mallory in July. By the looks of that Jota, I will see you there as well David. Not ridden it yet, but intend to as soon as the weather improves. I will keep you posted.
Pat

Edited by Mr Pig on Tuesday 6th February 14:56

[Mr Pig]

Would you believe it? The dealer has sold it! That is the second time in the past few weeks I have looked at a bike that has stuck in a showroom for months only for it to be sold within days of me showing an interest.
To be honest I wasn't looking to buy before Easter but I should have left a deposit.
Bo**ocks.
Pat.

[davidgt4]

Bummer...
If you're ready to buy it would be worth putting a post on the Laverda board I mentioned above as there's a lot of useful contacts there. Good luck!