Find out where the newly launched Jawa Forty-two stands in front of the fully loaded Dominar 400
After much anticipation, Jawa has re-entered the Indian motorcycle market and launched three new motorcycles. We have covered every detail that you need to know about the recently launched Jawa but today we are here to compare the Jawa Forty-two which also happens to be the most affordable motorcycle in Jawa lineup with its rival the Bajaj Dominar 400.
As you all already know that the Dominar is the flagship offering from Bajaj for India currently. It is a well-equipped motorcycle with almost all the features present in it which you look for in a premium motorcycle. Now it will be interesting to find out where the newly launched Jawa old school Jawa Forty-two stacks up against its closest rival in the comparison review. We have compared the newly launched Jawa Forty-two against its rivals on the basis of its styling, powertrain and performance and pricing.
Jawa Forty Two Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Styling
Comparing the Jawa Forty-two with the Dominar 400 is not exactly a good idea. What made Jawa motorcycles famous back in its days were its old-school styling and the ability to tackle anything which comes in its way. Although it is too early to predict right now we are sure the new generation Jawa motorcycles will also carry some of its predecessor genes in them.
That said the best part of the newly launched Forty-two is that it does not try to be too complicated. The motorcycle looks simple yet Classy while it also gets some modern elements blended perfectly into it. Take the offset instrument cluster or the wide Blacked out handlebars which looks totally different from the other Jawa motorcycles or the premium looking single seat as an example. The rest of the motorcycle still retains the old school theme including that cigar-shaped twin exhaust and round headlamps with a little bit of chrome on it.
Compared to the Jawa Bajaj Dominar is a power cruiser which looks very modern and has been updated with all the modern elements in it. Take the advanced digital instrument cluster or the all-LED headlamps. These will all remind you of any modern-day motorcycles. Both the motorcycles will attract two completely different kinds of buyers. The Jawa will attract those who love retro motorcycles while the Dominar is meant for much younger riders.
Jawa Forty Two Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Powertrain and performance
The Jawa Forty-two is powered by a newly developed 293 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC engine which produces around 27 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque and comes paired to a six-speed transmission. The motorcycle weighs around 170 Kilograms which means it definitely has better power to weight ratio than its other closes rival RE Classic 350.
The Bajaj Dominar, on the other hand, has a bigger displacement and is powered by 373 cc, Triple spark 4-valve DTS-I, liquid cooled fuel injected unit. This engine is capable of producing about 35 ps of peak power and 35 Nm of peak torque which is obviously more than the Jawa rival. The engine too is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. However, the motorcycle weighs almost 182 Kilograms which makes it heavier than its rival.
If we talk about some other specs the Bajaj Dominar also offers better brakes than the Jawa. The Dominar has been fitted with bigger 320 mm disc brakes towards the front and 230 mm disc at its rear. Dual Channel ABS and slipper clutch are also offered as standard with the motorcycle (Bajaj does also offer a non-ABS variant of the Dominar as well). Compared to the Dominar the Jawa Forty-two only offers a single 280 mm disc for its front wheels while the rear wheels get a conventional drum brake. Fortunately, it offers a single channel ABS as standard with the motorcycle.
| Spec | Java Forty Two | Bajaj Dominar 400 |
| Engine | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | Triple spark 4-valve DTS-i engine, closed fuel injection, liquid cooled |
| Displacement (CC) | 293 cc | 373 cc |
| Power Output | 27 bhp | 35 bhp |
| Torque Output | 28 Nm | 35 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed | 6-Speed |
| Brakes Front | 280 mm disc | 320 mm disc |
| Brakes Rear | 153 mm drum | 230 mm disc |
| ABS | Single Channel | Dual Channel |
Jawa Forty Two Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Pricing
If we compare the prices then there is no doubt that the Bajaj Dominar is more expensive than the Jawa Forty-two. However, Bajaj can justify the high sticker price because it offers plenty of features and also a bigger engine with the Dominar. The Bajaj Dominar is priced at Rs. 1.62 Lakhs (ex-showroom) while the entry-level Jawa Forty-two is priced at Rs. 1.55 Lakhs (ex-showroom).
Verdict
If we compare the styling of the Jawa Forty-two with Dominar then it completely depends on the buyer’s preference. While some buyers love retro motorcycle there are few who loves modern cruisers. But there is no doubt that in the fact that the Bajaj Dominar offers plenty more features than the old school Jawa.
When we talk about performance The Bajaj Dominar has a bigger displacement and thus also produces more power and torque than its rival. However, the Jawa weighs slightly less than the Dominar and thus has a better power to weight ratio. However, we will come to know who has a better top speed when we get to ride the Jawa Forty-two.
Pricing wise the Jawa Forty-two obviously is a much more affordable motorcycle than the Dominar however just like we already mentioned above the Dominar is obviously a much more loaded motorcycle which actually justifies the slightly higher price tag.