Laverda Motodd 1000

The History

In 1977 the first Laverda Jota 1000 with 180-degree crankshaft went on sale it was very fast but very expensive in the UK, it also tended to vibrate a lot due the balance of the crankshaft.  late 1979/80 the first of the 120-degree crankshafts Jota appeared and was an immediate success and were soon on the race track either in production class or in open race class.

At about this Phil Todd of Motodd exhausts systems based in Croydon became one of Slaters Brothers UK Laverda Agents, Phil wanted to go racing but wanted a lighter and stiffer frame, he commissioned Saxon who where famous for their Ducati frames to make a special frame for racing and road use, the Laverda Motodd Mk1 was born tipping the  scales at just 420Lbs.

The first bike generated so much interest that full kits were soon being sold for racers and sports road riders. The Saxon frame is typically tall in order to accommodate the long stroke Laverda engines and provide easy access for maintenance. This philosophy was borne out at Brands Hatch in 1982 when Phil Todd and Martin Routley changed a head gasket in 57 minutes. The rolling chassis increases ground clearance by about 2” whilst at the same time keeping the same seat height.  The frame manufactured by Nigel Hill uses Reynolds T45 tubing which contains Manganese, the tubing is light and strong and are bronze welded.

The Mk2 Frame and onwards has the engine rubber mounted and some other changes to allow easier maintenance etc. 5 of the Mk2 were made and at the time retailed for about £,1000.00

This Bike

The bike is a Mark 2 Motodd and uses the second-generation Jota engine renamed as the RGS with the same 120-degres crankshaft and 1000 cc engine, the bike was bought as a basket case and that of course presented lots of issues and parts to source and make.

The engine was in fair condition but had suffered water damage while standing for several years in a garage and needed a lot of work on the head, the 3 Dell Orto carburetors were fully reconditioned.

The frame was in good condition but we needed to do some modification to seat fixings and foot rest positions to make it ridable for my older knees, this meant making lots of special brackets and linkages.

The 17” Astralite Wheels were fully refurbished and new sticky compound tires fitted, new sprockets and chain also fitted, the Ceriani 38mm were stripped and cleaned and new seals etc fitted. All new Brembo calipers were fitted with Goodridge hoses along with Bremo disc.

The petrol tank tap locations were moved slightly to improve fitment, taps and also quick release couplings fitted, the exhaust system run was also moved slightly and to comply with racing rules a 3rd fixing was added.

Krober Rev Counter is connected to the Bosch Ignition and sits inside the Laverda faring, the seat is custom made and slightly longer than the standard unit, because the bike has a Day Time MOT it also has horn and removable side stand.  

The Bike will be used at the CRMC and other classic events and at the Belgium classic GP at Spa etc