Jawa 42 is priced Rs. 9,000 cheaper than the namesake model and has more aggressive riding position in comparison with visual changes
Making a scintillating statement on its comeback, Jawa Motorcycles India has brought along three brand new motorcycles. Each having different persona, although the namesake classic roadster and the 42 look almost identical except for some key detailing. The Forty Two or 42 is not as retro as its slightly premium Jawa sibling and in our opinion it does make a sensible bargain.
The Jawa 42 is the most affordable BSVI compliant motorcycle you can currently buy and it has modern design theme with appealing black finishes as opposed to the gleaming chrome touches in the ‘Jawa’ roadster. Priced at Rs. 1.55 lakh (ex-showroom), it is Rs. 9,000 cheaper than the ‘Jawa’ and has several commonalities in the mechanical and features department.
Just as the Jawa, the 42 will compete against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and it has been priced neck-on-neck. With Classic 350 being the biggest sales gatherer for RE, the new Jawa duo will push hard to undo its supremacy but the Czech brand’s after sales and support will carry more accountability in this aspect. Jawa has confirmed about 105 dealers and 65 of them will be operational from early December.
The Forty Two can now be booked online and it has aggressive rider’s triangle compared to the regular Jawa. The handlebar positioning is more upright and tall in the ‘Jawa’ which will aid in relaxed long distance touring. However, the 42 has been tuned to deliver a more committed riding that youngsters would largely prefer for daily commuting.
The Jawa 42 is powered by a 293 cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine which produces a maximum power output of 27 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed constant mesh gearbox. Jawa says the powertrain will ensure distinct exhaust note resemblance the iconic models from the past.
The powertrain shares basic architecture as well as bore and stroke with Mahindra’s refined 300 cc unit found in the Mojo and is claimed to provide ample mid range and a flat torque curve for consistent power delivery. Based on a double cradle chassis, the Jaws 42 is suspended on telescopic hydraulic front fork and twin shock gas canister at the rear.
As for braking, the single-channel ABS system is complemented by 280 mm front disc with floating caliper and 153 mm rear drum brake. Tipping the weighing scale at around 170 kg, the 42 has seat height of around 765 mm with 14-litre fuel tank capacity. It runs on 90/90-18 front and 120/80-17 rear tyres with wired rims.
The analogue instrument panel is not in a conventional position as the vintage ‘Jawa’ and we quite liked while graphical changes do make it more appealing. It is offered in three metallic and as many matte shades. Will the Jawa 42 shake up the entry-level cruiser segment with its aggressive pricing and more modern powertrain? Comment below!
Jawa 42 Images
