JAWA 42 FJ OVERVIEW & PRICE
PERFORMANCE & ENGINE
The Jawa 42 FJ features a 334cc BS6 Phase 2 engine, offering 29.2 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 29.6 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine ensures strong acceleration and responsiveness, making it well-suited for city traffic and highway overtaking.The motorcycle delivers smooth power, making city riding enjoyable and allowing for comfortable, longer journeys. Its suspension system enhances ride quality and stability across various terrains.Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the Jawa 42 FJ provides smooth gear shifts and includes an assist and slip clutch to reduce effort. The transmission optimizes engine performance to balance acceleration and fuel efficiency, which is especially beneficial for highway cruising at lower RPMs.
MILEAGE & FUEL EFFICIENCY
Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for buyers, and the Jawa 42 FJ does not disappoint:
- ARAI Mileage: The ARAI-certified mileage stands at approximately 30-35 km/l, reflecting decent efficiency for a motorcycle in its class.
- User Mileage: Real-world mileage reported by users often varies, with many riders experiencing figures in the range of 28-32 km/l under normal riding conditions. Riding style, traffic conditions, and can affect these figures.
FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY
The Jawa 42 FJ is equipped with several features that enhance its appeal:
- Classic Instrument Cluster:: It showcases a retro-style speedometer and tachometer, providing essential information while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
- LED Lighting: The motorcycle features modern LED headlamps and taillights, improving visibility and safety during night rides.
- Ergonomic Design: The seating position is designed for comfort, making it suitable for long rides without causing fatigue.
- Customoizable Options: Jawa offers a range of accessories and customization options, allowing riders to personalize their bikes according to their preferences.
- Suspension Setup:The bike features telescopic front forks and dual shock absorbers at the rear, providing a smooth ride over varied road conditions.
- Classic Styling:The motorcycle features retro-inspired design elements, including a round headlamp and minimalist bodywork, appealing to nostalgia while maintaining a fresh look.
- Anti-lock Braking System(ABS):: ABS enhances braking performance, providing better control and safety during emergency stops.
- Led Lighting:The bike has LED headlights and taillights, improving visibility and safety during nighttime rides.
BUILD QUALLITY & MATERIALS
The Jawa 42 FJ features a double cradle frame that enhances strength, stability, and handling. This design balances rigidity and comfort for daily riding on varied roads. Constructed from premium-grade steel, the frame adds durability and a solid feel. The paint quality is high, providing both aesthetic appeal and protection against environmental factors. Precise fitment of components minimizes rattling and contributes to a cohesive look. Corrosion-resistant materials safeguard the motorcycle against rust, particularly in India’s diverse climates. The spoke wheels enhance the vintage look and are built to handle different road conditions.
Durable tyre materials ensure good grip and stability.The braking system includes disc brakes on both ends, designed for performance and longevity, providing effective stopping power with reduced wear. The suspension comprises telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear, offering effective shock absorption and performance on various terrains. The Jawa 42 FJ is also designed for easy maintenance, with accessible components that simplify regular checks and servicing for long-term reliability.
HANDLING
The Jawa 42 FJ features a sturdy double cradle frame that ensures stability and agility for confident handling in various conditions. It has 41mm telescopic front forks that effectively absorb shocks, enhancing ride comfort over bumps and uneven roads. The rear twin shock absorbers are adjustable for preload, allowing riders to customize the suspension based on their weight and riding style.Balanced weight distribution makes the motorcycle feel stable and reduces unwanted movement during cornering or sudden manoeuvres. The 18-inch front and rear wheels have high-grip tyres for excellent traction on different surfaces, promoting stability while cornering.
The braking system includes disc brakes at both ends for strong stopping power, further enhanced by an anti-lock brake system (ABS) that prevents wheel lock-up during emergencies.The Jawa 42 FJ provides good feedback to the rider, allowing for a clear sense of the motorcycle’s behaviour and more straightforward navigation in various riding scenarios. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for urban commuting, enabling easy manoeuvring through traffic. It maintains stability at high speeds on highways, offering a comfortable ride even in windy or uneven conditions. The low centre of gravity and responsive handling make it enjoyable on twisty roads, allowing riders to lean confidently into corners while maintaining control.
COMFORT
The Jawa 42 FJ features a well-padded, ergonomically designed seat that supports both the rider and passenger, minimizing long-ride pressure points. Its dual-tone upholstery adds aesthetic appeal while enhancing comfort. The motorcycle offers a neutral riding position, with handlebars and footpegs positioned to reduce strain on the wrists, back, and legs, allowing for a relaxed posture. This upright seating improves visibility and control, boosting rider confidence during daily commutes and longer journeys.With telescopic front forks and adjustable twin shock absorbers at the rear, the suspension system effectively absorbs bumps, ensuring a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces.
Riders can adjust the rear suspension preload for optimal comfort based on weight or riding conditions. Engine and chassis designs minimize vibrations, enhancing long-ride comfort and reducing rider fatigue. Controls are easily accessible, allowing for a comfortable grip and reducing hand fatigue.The engine operates quietly, letting riders enjoy their surroundings without excessive noise, which improves the overall experience on short and long trips. The footpegs are positioned for varied rider heights, allowing for comfortable leg positioning and the ability to stretch legs during long rides. The comfortable seat, effective suspension, and neutral riding position make the Jawa 42 FJ ideal for long-distance travel, providing confidence for extended journeys.
STYLING
The Jawa 42 FJ features a retro design honouring the brand’s heritage while appealing to traditional and modern riders. Its sleek, streamlined body improves aerodynamics and visual appeal, showcasing well-defined lines that create an aggressive yet elegant look.The round LED headlamp is a standout element which fuses classic design with modern functionality, ensuring excellent nighttime visibility. The LED turn signals and tail light enhance safety and maintain a cohesive aesthetic.
The instrument cluster combines analogue and digital displays for easy readability and stylish appearance.The dual-tone seat enhances the motorcycle’s vintage character, offering comfort and visual appeal. The stylish exhaust system complements the retro theme with a nostalgic sound, adding to the riding experience. Equipped with 18-inch spoke wheels, the Jawa 42 FJ looks classic and contributes to stability and handling. Overall, the motorcycle balances classic and modern elements, attracting a diverse audience of bike enthusiasts.
COLOR OPTIONS & VARIANTS
The motorcycle is available in five distinctive colour schemes:
- Cosmo Blue Matte
- Asteroid Grey
- Mystique Copper
- Deep Black Matte Black Clad
- Deep Black Matte Red Clad
- Aurora Green Matte
The Aurora Green Matte colour option has a spoke wheel option with alloy wheels as a standard.
VALUE FOR MONEY & PRICING
With the Ex-showroom price starting from ₹ 1,99,142 onwards, the Jawa 42 FJ’s value proposition in the Indian market is compelling, particularly considering its positioning in the mid-range segment.The Jawa 42 FJ’s primary competitors in the Indian market include the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Royal Enfield Bullet 350, Hero Mavrick 440, Honda H’ness CB350, Yezdi Roadster, and Royal Enfield Hunter 350. These models generally have a price range similar to the Jawa 42 FJ.The motorcycle combines classic styling elements with modern engineering, offering a unique blend that appeals to traditional and contemporary motorcycle enthusiasts. Jawa’s competitive pricing strategy makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking a premium riding experience without breaking the bank.
VERDICT
The Jawa 42 FJ is a standout motorcycle in India, ideal for riders wanting classic styling and modern performance. Its retro design honours the brand’s heritage and appeals to enthusiasts and casual riders. Powered by a 334cc BS6 Phase 2 engine, it provides an outstanding balance of power and torque, making it enjoyable for city rides and highway cruising. The 6-speed manual transmission ensures smooth gear shifts. Comfort is a highlight, with a well-padded seat, neutral riding position, and efficient suspension, making it suitable for short and long trips. The bike’s quality design reflects Jawa’s dedication to premium products. It fits nicely in the mid-range market with competitive pricing, strong features, and appealing heritage. While the motorcycle offers substantial value for money through its performance, styling, and feature set, potential buyers should carefully consider factors such as service network coverage and long-term maintenance costs. The diverse colour options and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice for riders seeking a unique motorcycling experience that stands out from conventional offerings.
PROS
- Strong engine performance with competitive power output
- Smooth 6-speed transmission system
- Neo-retro styling that appeals to both classic and modern motorcycle enthusiasts
- Multiple colour options for personalization
- Competitive pricing in the segment
- Unique brand proposition in the marke
- Good value for money, considering the features offered
CONS
- Limited service network compared to established competitors
- Need for expansion of service centres across India
- Potential challenges in spare parts availability
- Higher maintenance costs due to specialized parts
- Need for skilled technicians for servicing.
- Limited availability of multi-brand service centers
- Competition from more established manufacturers
- Building trust in the market is still in progress
OTHER RELATED LINKS FROM BIKELEAGUE INDIA
LIST OF ALL JAWA BIKES IN INDIA
Origins and Early History
Jawa motorcycles were founded in 1929 in Prague, Czechoslovakia, by František Janeček. The name “Jawa” was cleverly derived by combining the first two letters of Janeček’s surname and Wanderer, the German company from which he acquired the motorcycle division. The company’s first motorcycle was based on a 500cc Wanderer engine. However, the more affordable Jawa 175 introduced in 1932 genuinely established the brand’s success.
Entry into the Indian Market (1960s)
The story of Jawa in India began in 1960 when two enterprising Parsi businessmen, Rustom and Farrokh Irani, recognized the potential of the Indian motorcycle market. They established Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd. in Mysore and secured a licensing agreement with the Czech manufacturer. The company quickly set up manufacturing facilities in Mysore in 1961, marking the beginning of Jawa’s significant presence in India.
Golden Era (1960s-1980s)
During this period, Jawa motorcycles became deeply embedded in Indian motorcycle culture. The brand was known for producing robust, reliable products and resonating well with Indian consumers. Some of the most popular models during this era included:
- Jawa 250 Type 353/04: One of the first models manufactured in India, featuring a powerful 250cc engine that made it popular among urban youth and racers.
- Jawa 350 SV: Known for its durability and advanced four-stroke technology.
- Yezdi Models:Introduced in 1971, these were modified versions of Jawa motorcycles specifically adapted for the Indian market.
Decline and closure (1980s-1996)
The decline of Jawa in India was attributed to several factors:
- Market Competition: Japanese manufacturers entered the market with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced motorcycles.
- Technological Gap: Jawa’s two-stroke engines became less favourable than newer four-stroke engines.
- Management Issues: Following Farrokh Irani’s death in 1985, the company struggled with leadership challenges.
- Financial Problems: By the late 1980s, the company faced severe economic constraints and high manufacturing costs.
The market share dropped dramatically from 28.8% in 1981 to just 5.04% by 1987, ultimately leading to the closure of Ideal Jawa operations in 1996.
Revival Under Mahindra (2018-Present)
In 2018, the Jawa brand was revived by Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra. The revival included:
- Initial Launch: Three new models were introduced on November 15, 2018:
- Jawa Classic
- Jawa Forty-Two
- Jawa Perak
- Current Portfolio: The modern lineup includes:
- Jawa Classic
- Jawa 42
- Jawa 42 Bobber
- Jawa Perak
- Jawa 42 FJ 350
Current Status and Future Prospects
Today, Jawa continues to operate under Classic Legends, focusing on expanding its presence in India. The company plans to increase its dealership network from 423 to 750 locations. While facing competition from established players like Royal Enfield, Jawa Motorcycles maintains its position in the market by combining classic design elements with modern technology, appealing to both nostalgic enthusiasts and new-generation riders.
