New Owner/Laverda Rider

V

Vulcan7

New member
Location
U.K.
Afternoon all,

After inheriting a Jota 180 (An orange and silver example - that seems to be a too common colour combination from the posts I've spent all day reading) that has been stood idle for a little over 10 years which I was too young (and license-less at the time!) to ride, the time has come in which to change that and experience the famous Jota myself. I grew up riding motocross and had a couple of years on the road before a nasty accident, so I would say I'm pretty sensible and respectful of these machines.

The bike is currently with a well-known (in these forums), experienced Laverda chap in the north of the U.K. being returned to life ready fairly soon, I hope. I am mechanically minded and able to do generic tasks on cars and bikes so I would like to pick the brains of you experienced chaps on here and ask for help when required when I come up against a problem!

How many miles do you guys recommend before oil changes, filter changes, plug changes, brake system flushes and any other routine maintenance you feel is necessary? I plan to use the old girl rather than have her sitting in a garage doing nothing - something no machine likes.
I see the "which oil?" threads have been done to death so I won't be asking for you to recite your past comments.

Are there any basic tools and equipment you carry with you on your rides just in case and ones that you would advise a Laverda-novice to carry also?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to your replies.

Joe
 
Hey Joe

Welcome to the forum.  Nice to hear that you plan to ride the bike - like any ancient machinery they need attention from time to time, but they're pretty easy to live with generally speaking.

The most important tning to carry is a mobile phone so you can call the breakdown service, but I also carry a tool roll and a selection of tie wraps in my tank bag.

I think you're suposed to change the oil every 3000km or so, can't remember really, probably less than in the past as modern oils are so good.  There's no filter.  Flush the brakes every two years.

 
I change engine oil annually or at 1500 miles, whichever comes sooner.
Oil is cheaper than a rebuild.
Only filter on it is an air filter and you can spit peas through it at the best of times. As long as it is in good condition I would just leave it. Possible to find filter material used in air conditioning units, just cut to size and fit into the existing plastic filter holder.

Original brake pistons were chromed steel, and they rust. Original rubber brake hoses will be past their best by now. If repair/servicing/modification history of the brakes is unknown, or a long time ago, then I would fit new (teflon-coated) alloy pistons, new pistons/seals in the master cylinders, new Hel or similar braided steel hoses, new pads and use fresh brake fluid.
That work will transform dead, wooden feel brakes into good performers again.

Once you get the bike back, and get a feel for it then feel free to ask any more questions that arise.
 
Hello Joe,
A spare throttle  and clutch cable ( if your Jota has a cable operated clutch) give you peace of mind when out on the road.

Regards Gerald
 
hi and welcome, i would recommend you get the green book and do the routine and yearly checks and hopefully you will enjoy the bike and the maintenance.
warm garage, good music and a glass of cool cider and all will become clear
safe riding andy
 
Make sure you keep an 11mm open elder in your tool roll for exhaust clamp nuts and I usually carry a couple of spare nuts.  Went for a long highway ride the other week after a year of just local riding and had two nuts come loose after about 1500kms.  ALWAYS turn fuel taps off just before stopping engine - just get into the habit, enough experiences here on forum to tell you why..

Enjoy the bike, they are a beautiful machine to ride.

Yogi
 
G'day Joe and welcome,
I change my oil every 2000kms  (1200miles?) or if I have forgotten when I did it last. Clean the filter every second oil change.
As Yogi said, make sure it becomes second nature to turn the taps off.
 
I think the chain adjusters have M7 threads, so the 11 mm spanner will be useful there too.

I carry a tool roll in the duck-tail with spanners for all nut/bolt sizes that are on the bike. Some of the spanners are cut down to fit in the roll. There's also a selection of screwdrivers (just one handle with interchangeable blades to save space) some allen keys, tyre pressure gauge, spare fuses, tie wire, electrical wire, electrical tape, cable ties, etc. There's a little tray under the seat that will hold a few bits and pieces too, and if you put a modern AGM battery in the bike you'll end up with space beside the battery where you can stash more stuff. I carry a small cheap multimeter and a gas soldering iron rolled up in a rag and stuffed down beside the battery.

Don't bother with tyre levers and tube patches because Laverda wheels are a real bitch to get the tyre off. They need a tyre fitting machine.

These days, a mobile phone is a good back-up if you can't sort the problem on the side of the road.
 
Hi welcome..maybe join iloc? If you are quick you can attend the agm this sunday...you will see more laverdas and owners together than most places...who is your bike with? If he is indeed an experienced guy then i guess you can ask him too? If you are intending to check valve clearances you will need a range of shims and a micrometer...i change the oil about every 1k miles and in spring every year.I check the strainer now and then! I carry a spare throttle cable but no clutch cable as had keith nairn convert to hydraulic type..confess not changed fluid for about 4 years  hey ho! Works a treat though. Recommend changing the primary drive chain to a mercedes duplex..andy chainman supplies...quieter and lighter than triplex original.keep us posted?
Cheers
 
Thanks to all that have replied so far, your advice will come in very handy I'm sure.

Nick, she is with Keith who you mention in your post. I have no doubts that he will give her a thorough going-over before letting me have her back. He knows the history and what she's been doing for the last 11 years so I'm sure he would recommend anything he feels necessary for some worry-free riding for a while.
No doubt I'll be asking for advice when something does crop up and I will definitely keep you all posted with how I'm getting on with a bike older than me by a whole 10 years. To say I'm looking forward to having a ride is an understatement.

Joe
 
Joe...bike in good hands there..hope nearing top of to do list as Keith is popular! Join iloc and get along by any means ..car or bike doesnt have to be a laverda..good intro to Lav world ...nice sarnies and tea too! If you have a few quid, speak to keith about ignition and hydraulic clutch conversion....mine has both upgrades ...and while the bike is there...
 
I quickly learnt that, Nick, after initially speaking to him in November and it went up to him in March  :LOL: . I believe, unless he's had something else come up short-notice, that he's on it this week. He's already done a carb strip, ultrasonic bath, rebuild and balance. I'll have a look in to the ILOC at some point. The bike has a hydraulic clutch and electronic ignition (IIS) already, she just needs the seals in the clutch replacing and the thing actually freeing off!

Joe
 
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