In 1969 Laverda showed a first prototype of a triple: in effect the 750 twin with an extra cylinder. Luciano Zen was the chief designer. The final engine got twin overhead camshafts; the design was ready in 1971 and production started at the end of 1972. The early engines have a 180° crankshaft: the outer pistons rise together while the middle one goes down. That gives a rough, characteristic sound.

The Jota is an English idea. In 1975 the British importers Slater Brothers offered a 3C with racing camshafts, higher compression and a freer exhaust. The factory adopted it and built the Jota from 1976. The name comes from a Spanish dance in three-four time. Slaters won the British production motorcycle championship with the Jota in 1976 and 1978.

According to the English Wikipedia about 7,100 triples of all kinds were built, about 2,300 of them 3Cs. In 1981 the engine was revised by Giuseppe Bocchi; from 1982 came a 120° crankshaft, which runs much more smoothly.

1000 3C (from approx. 1973/1974): the basic triple.

3CL (1975): with cast wheels (‘lega’) and rear disc brake; sold in the USA as the Jarama. The 3CE was an English Slater version.

Jota (from 1976): more power, sportier. From 1981 the ignition is on the left; the 1982 Series 2 got a stronger 260 W Nippon Denso alternator.

Jota 120 (1982): with 120° crankshaft, smoother but less raw.

On the 180° engines the original Bosch ignition is the biggest problem according to Laverdamania. The usual first improvement is a modern ignition. Other weak points: low charging output, high fuel consumption and cracked aluminium inlet stubs (air leaks).

Laverdamania calls 1979 the worst year (crankshaft bearings, valve springs). Some 1976 heads crack at the spark plugs. Also check the bearings of the sprocket carrier and the frame around the steering head.

The 120° models run more smoothly, but the Bosch BTZ ignition causes starting problems and poor running around 3000 rpm. On high-mileage bikes check the steering head for small cracks.

Hagerty describes the Jota as vibrating heavily, with very stiff suspension, weaving at high speed and engine covers that touch the ground in corners. That is part of its character, but a test ride is important.

Engine parts are reasonably easy to find; panels and tanks are more expensive and scarcer. Specialists: Orange Cycle Team in Germany and Laverda Scozia in Scotland. Slater Laverda (successor to Slater Brothers) closed in 2021 and Three Cross Motorcycles went bankrupt in 2020; you can no longer use them. The international club iLOC and the Laverda forum are good sources of advice.

Price indication: in December 2022 Hagerty UK gave about 10,000 pounds (project), 14,000 pounds (good rider) and 18,000 pounds (show condition) for a 1980 Jota. An original 1982 Jota 180 Series 2 sold at Iconic Auctioneers in November 2024 for 8,280 pounds. Roughly €10,000 to €21,000 for a Jota (2022–2024); a 3C is usually somewhat lower.