Anupam Thareja, founder of Classic Legends, has hinted that Jawa motorcycles could re-launch in India with three new bikes by the end of 2018
Several decades ago, Jawa Motorcycles, which later went on to be known as ‘Yezdi’, were among the most desirable two-wheelers in the market. The iconic Czech brand was launched in India in 1950 under Ideal Jawa India Limited, which was based out of Mysore and started manufacturing motorcycles in the 60s. By mid 1990s, the advent of lighter, more modern, and more frugal motorcycles pushed the company to cease operations.
While Jawa motorcycles have been out of production since over two decades, there is a dedicated set of followers who are very enthusiastic about these motorcycles. Luckily, Jawa is about to make a comeback! Mahindra recently brought controlling stakes in Classic Legends and now plans to re-introduce the iconic motorcycle brand in India.
Recently, Anupam Thareja, founder of Classic Legends, has commented that the launch of the Jawa brand in India will happen “before the end of the year.” It has also come to be known that the company would start its operations with three motorcycles. Sadly, the details of these motorcycles aren’t known at the moment.
The only small hint we have on these motorcycles is that they would have a classic look. Commenting on these upcoming motorcycles, Anupam has said, “We had two options: you start from the point where it ended. Or start where it would have gone had it not ended at the time. From a design POV, it’s got that golden ratio that transcends through time. With the lines you can recognize it’s a Jawa.”
It’s pretty much for sure that the new Jawa motorcycles will target Royal Enfield models. Internationally, the Jawa range of motorcycles has models with engine size up to 650cc. The India-spec models will be manufactured at Mahindra’s Pithampur facility in Madhya Pradesh. Local manufacturing should help the company keep the prices under a check and match or even undercut comparable Royal Enfield models.
The upcoming Jawa motorcycles in India are likely to share their engine and platform with the Mahindra Mojo. In all probability, the liquid cooling and the fuel injection system will be retained. The usage of Mojo’s platform will reduce the development costs of the new Jawa models for India.