Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Kawasaki Z1 or Laverda Jota? It was the ultimate schoolyard debate of the 1970s. On one side, the 'New York Steak' project - Kawasaki’s high-tech, four-cylinder 900cc masterclass. On the other, the raw, triple-cylinder howl of the Italian-British Laverda Jota.
But which one was actually better?
In this video, I’m using my trademark (and admittedly questionable) statistical method to crown a winner. We’re scoring them across:
Years Produced
Top Speed
Horsepower
Dry Weight
Original Price
The ‘Wobbly Factor’ (My completely subjective assessment of soul, looks, and ownership quirks).
To find a final victor, we’ll then factor in modern-day survival rates on UK roads and the eye-watering prices these classics are currently fetching on eBay. Can the exotic triple overcome the Japanese giant? There’s only one way to find out!
Channel members benefit from early access to all 3Phils videos. It costs just 99p per month to become a '4th Phil', just follow this link: youtube.com/@3Phils/join
Please like, comment, and share to help the algorithm find us. If I've dropped a numerical bollock, let me know (politely!) in the comments.
Don't forget to join us on Facebook too!
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550349542826
Chapter headings:
0:00 - Introduction: The Z1 vs. The Jota
0:59 - Origin Stories: New York Steak & The Slater Brothers
1:44 - The Scoring Method Explained
2:42 - Round 1: Years in Production
2:58 - Round 2: Top Speed
3:28 - Round 3: Horsepower
3:44 - Round 4: Weight (Dry)
4:03 - Round 5: Original Price
4:30 - Round 6: The Wobbly Factor (Looks & Usability)
5:46 - Round 7: Reliability & Longevity (UK Road Stats)
6:29 - Final Round: Current Market Value
7:57 - The Final Verdict & Summary
8:27 - Closing Thoughts & How to Support 3Phils
Credits and links:
1976 Laverda Jota 180 1000cc - WeSellClassicBikes
youtube.com/watch?v=F5IxeyjJQgc&t=28s
1980 Laverda Jota 180 for Sale WeSellClassicBikes
youtube.com/watch?v=wkH_oa09ods
Spa Francorchamps 2018 Bikers Classics - laverdel
youtube.com/watch?v=D8yem2Ivcek&t=302s
#KawasakiZ1 #LaverdaJota #ClassicMotorcycles #3Phils #VintageSuperbikes #MotorcycleRestoration
Kawasaki Z1 or Laverda Jota? It was the ultimate schoolyard debate of the 1970s. On one side, the 'New York Steak' project - Kawasaki’s high-tech, four-cylinder 900cc masterclass. On the other, the raw, triple-cylinder howl of the Italian-British Laverda Jota.
But which one was actually better?
In this video, I’m using my trademark (and admittedly questionable) statistical method to crown a winner. We’re scoring them across:
Years Produced
Top Speed
Horsepower
Dry Weight
Original Price
The ‘Wobbly Factor’ (My completely subjective assessment of soul, looks, and ownership quirks).
To find a final victor, we’ll then factor in modern-day survival rates on UK roads and the eye-watering prices these classics are currently fetching on eBay. Can the exotic triple overcome the Japanese giant? There’s only one way to find out!
Channel members benefit from early access to all 3Phils videos. It costs just 99p per month to become a '4th Phil', just follow this link: youtube.com/@3Phils/join
Please like, comment, and share to help the algorithm find us. If I've dropped a numerical bollock, let me know (politely!) in the comments.
Don't forget to join us on Facebook too!
facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550349542826
Chapter headings:
0:00 - Introduction: The Z1 vs. The Jota
0:59 - Origin Stories: New York Steak & The Slater Brothers
1:44 - The Scoring Method Explained
2:42 - Round 1: Years in Production
2:58 - Round 2: Top Speed
3:28 - Round 3: Horsepower
3:44 - Round 4: Weight (Dry)
4:03 - Round 5: Original Price
4:30 - Round 6: The Wobbly Factor (Looks & Usability)
5:46 - Round 7: Reliability & Longevity (UK Road Stats)
6:29 - Final Round: Current Market Value
7:57 - The Final Verdict & Summary
8:27 - Closing Thoughts & How to Support 3Phils
Credits and links:
1976 Laverda Jota 180 1000cc - WeSellClassicBikes
youtube.com/watch?v=F5IxeyjJQgc&t=28s
1980 Laverda Jota 180 for Sale WeSellClassicBikes
youtube.com/watch?v=wkH_oa09ods
Spa Francorchamps 2018 Bikers Classics - laverdel
youtube.com/watch?v=D8yem2Ivcek&t=302s
#KawasakiZ1 #LaverdaJota #ClassicMotorcycles #3Phils #VintageSuperbikes #MotorcycleRestoration
