My new 1200 Jota America....

R

roaddoggie

New member
Just started working on a nice clean 1978 1200 Jota America (35,000 miles) that has set up for 15 years. First thing I do is pull the carbs, and visually check the intake valves. One is clean, the middle has some deposits, and other loaded with black deposits. Hmm...so do a compression and leak down next. Readings are 130/8%, 120/40%, and 80/60%. Leakage on the last two are past the rings and intake valves. Not good, but interesting in that there is one good cylinder while two are worn. Decide to check the valves next, but I can't get the valve cover off, it seems to be binding at the tach drive. Wiggle the drive gear, turn the crank, pull the clip so the gear can stay in place while trying to pull the cover. Nothing works....what the %#\% am I missing? Also, being new to Laverda's what's the parts situation for rings, pistons and gaskets. And what books and manuals should I have? Thanks in advance for the help.
 
G'day roaddoggie. Welcome to the forum.

The tach drive gear can sometimes be a bit of a pain in the arse. It's a helical (worm) type, so it will generally release if you rotate it. I can't remember which direction to turn it but it'll be obvious when you try.

As for pistons, rings, valves, gaskets, etc: there's no problem with parts supply and heaps of options - high compression, flat top, big bore (although you can't get much bigger than 1200) ... contact Wolfgang Haerter in Canada for parts laverda@lightspeed.ca

Since you bought a Jota America I guess you're in USA. Laverda specialists are a bit thin on the ground in the States, but Scott Potter may be able to point you in the right direction if you need help with the engine. He posts here as "jotacorsa" http://laverdaforum.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=44

Cheers,
Cam
 
The tach drive on the 180's is a bit of a pain.  I find a short touch on the starter button while you lift the cover will free it right away.  As you say you've already turned the crank, then I'm not quite sure.  Were you turning it forwards?  Trying to think of how I do it, think you have to lift the front up first so it's then hung on the tach drive at the back, then hit the button and it pops up.  Shouldn't be much else that can jam it on there.
Cheers
Steve B
 
Laverda parts in North America are readily available, call Wolfgang. Great guy, knowledgeable, reasonable prices, quick shipping. He can provide everything you are going to need, plus some...... also can provide copies of the factory manuals, etc.

http://www.laverda.ca

he has several websites, this one I have given the link for contains the parts diagrams on line.

Paul LeClair
 
Welcome
The book you mention is the Green book by Tim Parker, they are usually available on ebay, they were reprinted 2 or 3 years ago which helps the availability.

Laverda Paradies  website is full of exploded drawings for every part !

regards Rob
 
Thanks for the posts, and will fiddle with the tach drive some more, then get a little deeper in the engine. And yes, I'm in America.
 
Getting the cam cover off on a 180 is fiddly to say the least, but it will eventually come off if you are persistent. I don't know about hitting the starter button, sounds a bit overkill! It is a powerful starter motor and you could do some damage. If you try that method at least make sure the engine isn't going to fire up! I place a wrench on a crankshaft nut and gently crank the engine a couple of degrees one way and then the other until the tach drive slips out. Don't force anything.
Dennis
 
Welcome Roadoggie, You've found the basis for a very nice bike.  The 1200s are very easy to love (once you get it set up to suit you).  As many will attest, Wolfgang's your man for parts and technical advice, and Scott is a very good man to know as well.
It sounds as if you're going to want to pull the head off the engine.  Do your research carefully.  You don't want to trust that valuable bit to a machinist who "may" know what he is doing. 
 
Roadoggie, approximately where in the US are you? From your time setting you're an hour behind me, Central somewhere. I'm in Florida and there's at least 2 other Jotas here, both owned by expat Brits (and I'm Australian), it would be nice to think about getting together one day. We've discussed southern Appalachians and Ozarks in autumn when it's not so hot and the colours are spectacular. Just an idle thought so far.

Ken
 
Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. I'm in Texas where there has to be quite a few Laverda's left as there were some strong dealers back in the day. I also have a 1982 Jota 1000, bought in the same deal a few years ago, and waiting to be returned to running order. I can't wait to actually ride these bad boys......I still remember my ride on a SFC when they were newish.
 
With Texas being as large as it is maybe it's better to ask where in Texas you're located. Mr. Potter in Fredericksburg should be able to get you squared away and have an answer for any questions you might have.

Tom 
 
Hitting the starter for a split second or 2 allows the tach drive to dislodge itself while gently lifting the cover.  Quick'n easy!  Just be sure the spark plug leads are out of the way, easier/safer to disconnect the ignition for the moment. :D

The inconsistant comp. readings might stem from rust developing on the cylinder walls and valve seats, which is quite common on bikes laid up for any length of time.  Try running the engine for a few minutes to clear out surface rust and repeat the tests.  If still not better, don't worry, you didn't break it, it was fucked before!! :D

piet
 
Hi Roaddoggie:

As Tom said, talk to Scott Potter:  http://www.motolaverda.us
I am in Houston, have some Laverdas myself as well...

welcome,
Mario
 
Will definitely call Scott Potter when I get a little deeper in the engine. Traveling now, so will pull the valve cover when I get back, check the valves, then put the cleaned up carbs on and see how it runs, then do another compression and leakdown with the hope some of the problems, as mentioned, may be rust or debris. With the mileage and deposits on two of the intake valves I don't expect much though.
 
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