Find out whether the Jawa 42 has what it takes to compete against Honda’s latest sub 500cc offering the CB300R
Jawa launched their new range of motorcycles in November 2018 and we have recently informed you all that the deliveries of these motorcycles will begin from mid-March 2019 onward. The Jawa 42 will rival directly against the likes of the Royal Enfield Cruisers but it will also face some tough competition from the Honda CB300R as well which was recently launched in India. The CB300R is a Neo sports café motorcycle which also happens to be Honda’s cheapest motorcycle sold via the CKD (completely knocked down) route.
Both the motorcycles are totally different from each other in terms of their character. The Jawa 42 is a retro styled inspired cruiser the CB300R, on the other hand, is a naked streetfighter. That said, we will be comparing both the motorcycles on the basis of their styling, engine and performance and pricing and find out whether the Jawa 42 is capable enough to stand against its closest rival the Honda CB300R.
Jawa 42 Vs Honda CB300R Styling Comparison
The 42 is a little more aggressive motorcycle than the Jawa which is priced almost Rs 10-12 thousand more. The rider will have to lean slightly forward in order to reach the handlebar. The smaller headlamp of the 42 is a separate unit and not identical to the one found in the Jawa which does make the front profile look bulky. The 42 also gets a flat and wide handlebar finished in a matte black color which definitely will help in easy manoeuvring of the motorcycle.
The rest of the motorcycle gets a teardrop shaped fuel tank with the Jawa logo. There is a bit of chrome thrown here and there to maintain the retro theme. The Jawa gets a single piece well-padded seat which definitely will provide sufficient comfort to the rider. The Jawa 42 does not get a rear grab handlebar which is but disappointing, however, it does get a belt on the seat itself for the pillion to grab. Lastly, the switchgear and the offset single pod instrument cluster are of decent quality that helps in adding a premium feel to the motorcycle.
The Honda CB300R, on the other hand, is a much more modern looking naked streetfighter which takes its styling inspiration from the bigger CB1000R. The front profile gets a retro-styled round all-LED headlamp with a brushed metal rim. It also gets a flat wide handlebar which definitely will help the rider to manoeuvre the motorcycle easily in city traffic.
Unlike the analogue plus digital instrument cluster of the Jawa 42, the CB300R gets a full LED instrument cluster which provides plenty of information to the rider. The CB300R gets a chiseled fuel tank and sharp lines as well towards the side profile. The rear profile, on the other hand, looks neat all the credit goes to the stylish exhaust and sharp looking rear fender.
Jawa 42 Vs Honda CB300R Engine and Performance Comparison
The Jawa 42 is powered by a 293cc, single cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC unit which is capable of producing about 27bhp of peak power and 28 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The motorcycle promises to offer an impressive low and mid-range torque. The motorcycle also has a refined exhaust note which makes the long rides even more enjoyable.
The CB300R, on the other hand, is powered by a liquid cooled 286 cc, DOHC, single-cylinder engine. This unit produces about 30.9 bhp of peak power at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 27.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox. Although the power and torque output might not impress a lot of buyers at first the CB300R weighs just 143 kilograms. The motorcycle has a fuel tank capacity of just 10 Litres and Honda claims that it will provide an impressive range of 300 Kilometers in a tankful of fuel.
| Specs | Jawa 42 | Honda CB300R |
| Engine | Single cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC unit | Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC unit |
| Displacement | 293 cc | 286 cc |
| Power | 27 Bhp | 30.9 Bhp |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 27.5 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6 speed | 6 speed |
Jawa 42 Vs Honda CB300R Ride and handling Comparison
The Jawa 42 uses a 280 mm disc towards the front (available with a single channel ABS )and a 130 mm drum brakes at the rear. However, there is also an optional disc brake as well along with a dual channel ABS for the safety of the rider. The suspension duties of the motorcycle are handled by a Telescopic Hydraulic Fork towards the front and a Gas Canister twin shock hydraulic suspension towards the rear.
The Honda CB300R, on the other hand, relies on a 296 mm petal-type disc up front with 4-piston calipers up front and a 220 mm disc with 2-piston caliper at the rear. It also gets a dual channel ABS as standard. The motorcycles use a 41 mm USDs up front which have 5-step adjustability for preload while a 7 step adjustable mono shock has been fitted at the rear.
Jawa 42 Vs Honda CB300R Price Comparison
The Jawa 42 is priced at Rs 1.55 Lakhs (ex-showroom). it is available in 2 variants and with 5 color options. The Honda CB300R, on the other hand, is priced at Rs 2.41 Lakhs (ex-showroom). The CB300R will be available only via the 22 Honda Wing World outlets across the Country as of now.
Jawa 42 Vs Honda CB300R Verdict Comparison
If we compare both the motorcycles based on their appearance, then the Jawa 42 takes its styling cues from the bygone era. The motorcycle has a simple yet elegant design which will mostly attract the retro motorcycle lovers of our country. The 42 does not get any modern tech besides ABS which is actually a good thing because it brings back the joy of pure motorcycling.
The Honda CB300R, on the other hand, is a modern naked streetbike which takes its styling inspiration from a Neo sports café concept. If you love modern technology then the CB300R is the motorcycle for you. It offers full LED lighting setup, digital instrument cluster that feeds plenty of information to thew rider and many other modern tech.
If we talk about performance, then the CB300R definitely stays ahead because it is not only a lighter motorcycle but also generates more power and torque compared to its rival here. However, both the motorcycle offers a 6-speed gearbox and impressive brakes with dual channel ABS for the safety of their rider which is actually a good thing.
If you love the simplicity and retro design then you can always go for the Jawa but if you love a modern lightweight motorcycle which will turn heads with its styling and appearance then the Honda CB300R is the one for you.