Laverda RGA 1000 Jota

[Mon Ami Mate]

I'm on the verge of buying an old Laverda RGA 1000 Jota. It's in fairly ropy condition (although apparently mechanically excellent), with the bodywork being particularly tatty, and it's missing a few odds and sods (such as indicators, tail light and silencers). It hasn't run at all for over a year.

On the positive side, it has loads of history and, um, that's it. Other than I've wanted one since childhood. My point is, what would you pay for it? The chap selling is pushing for £2k, which I think is too much, but I'm not sure where to pitch my first approach...

[Mikej]

Have you ridden one ??.

I wanted a Jota - they had been THE THING when I last rode bikes, so I bought one, and rode about fairly happily for a while (about 3 months) - It was just as I remembered bikes but better.

Then I rode a modern bike and had to px the Jota - every corner was a fight, the brakes were (in comparison) crap, and it was dog slow (in comparison) - it was a fine example and in good nick, but bikes have come on a hell of a long way in the intervening 20 years - beware.

Mike.

[Mon Ami Mate]

I have ridden one, I've ridden almost everything you can think of in 20 years of being a two-wheeled obsessive. I also own three other bikes that include a '59 Triump 650, a '46 BSA 350 and ... a tuned ZZR1100. I rode a ZZR1200 recently and realised how chassis technology has come on since the 11 (which is only a 1998 model and which has been given the full Maxton treatment). I don't want the Jota because of its dynamic abilities, I want it because it is a beautiful piece of history, bought with heart not head.

[hobbit]

So did you ever buy the Jota? if still interested I have a friend who has an excellent fully restored example and is considering selling.

[Mon Ami Mate]

I didn't - it turned out to be more trouble than it was worth (no V5, non matching numbers etc, etc). I'm still looking but I want a project bike to work on myself rather than a minter...