Which to buy, what to pay…
With a Jota, it all depends whether you prefer the raw, uncompromising edge of the original 180 or the increased sophistication and practicality of the 120 model. And on how deep your pockets are...
If you’re after a 180 Jota, there’s not much to choose between any of the 1976-1980 models. By 1978, the Jota had a higher capacity alternator, but it’s possible to retro-fit a later one and aftermarket electrical upgrades are available. Condition, rather than year, is what drives the price – and a good 1976 model will cost around the same as a 1980 machine.
Many enthusiasts regard the 1981 Series II as being the best of the 180s. The Series II has the Nippon Denso alternator as standard and hydraulic clutch operation (still with a pretty heavy action, it must be said). But any 180 that has been well put together and looked after will provide a stirring ride and prices have stayed roughly the same for all 180 models.
The final-year 120 models are significantly cheaper than 180s at the moment and you’ll probably save around £5000 on a top condition 120 compared to a 180 in similar nick. That’s despite them being rarer than the 180s, with only around 400 being produced in 1982.
And when it comes to looks, not all Jotas are orange. In fact, it was only 1979-1981 bikes that came in that striking orange and silver colour scheme as standard. First-year 1976 models are green, 1977 silver and 1978 gold, while the 1982 120 models are red.
There are two schools of thought on just how important a ‘Jota’s’ identity is when buying. One says that, to be a Jota, the numbers and provenance have to be right. Certainly, that seems to be true in terms of commanding the highest prices (currently around £17,000 for a really nice 180), but there are also those who value the performance, feel and character of a bike over its engine and frame numbers. For them, a Jota is nothing more than a 3CL with 4C cams, high-compression pistons and a larger-bore exhaust – and they can certainly save cash by sticking to their guns. A genuine matching-numbers 180 Jota might cost £40005000 more than a Jota-ised 3CL.
‘FINAL-YEAR 120 MODELS ARE CHEAPER THAN 180s AND YOU’LL SAVE AROUND £5k’