The new Jawa motorcycles are nothing less than a sensation for the Indian market. The buyers who love retro-modern machines, now have two more options to consider at a price point that not even a single buyer expected from the Mahindra-owned brand. Here is a list of pros and cons for the Jawa Forty-Two and Jawa Classic 300 in India.
Jawa Classic 300/Jawa 42 Pros & Cons
Pros of New Jawa motorcycles
1) Looks and Style: The iconic Jawa design with a flat seat, raised headlight section and a retro-modern appeal, is back in India. The Jawa 300 is available with loads of chrome and complete headlight assembly while Jawa 42 features bright attractive shades and Scrambler-inspired built.
2) Refined BS6-Ready Engine: The 293cc, single-cylinder engine with standard liquid-cooling and fuel injection is ready for the upcoming BS6 emission norms. The engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. This not just means impressive ride quality but also results in lesser than usual emission of harmful gases for a cleaner environment.
3) Dual Exhausts: The new Jawa motorcycles are using two dedicated exhaust exits from the engine section. The duo brings impressive design balance for the motorcycles, making the left section feel equally bulky in comparison to the right side of both the products.
4) Loads of Power and Torque: The 293cc engine is good for 27 HP of maximum power and 28 Nm of maximum torque. The power value is almost 7 HP more in comparison to Classic 350 while torque is exactly identical for both the bikes. The rpm range is not yet official for both Jawa bikes.
5) Retro-Modern Console: The single pod console is highly inspired by retro units seen on vintage bikes. The needle starts from an unconventional point. However, the use of the digital screen for odometer reading adds a modern touch into the perfectly-finished instrument console.
6) Lightweight: The new Jawa motorcycles weigh 170 kg, keeping them 22 kg lighter than nearest rival Royal Enfield Classic 350. The difference is further equated to 7 HP of more power and results are fabulous for the duo. They even look lean in comparison to their arch rival. Click here for a detailed comparison of Jawa 300 with Classic 350.
7) Excellent Value for Money: Jawa 42 is available for INR 1.55 lakh while Jawa 300 costs INR 1.64 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Both the bikes are available in a single variant and thus, no extra charge for shades is applied. The tags offer unbeatable value for money for a 300cc segment bike in India.
8) Attractive Shades: Jawa 300 can be had in Jawa Maroon, Jawa Grey and Jawa Black shade while 42 is available in Galactic Green, Halley’s Teal, Lumos Lime, Starlight Blue, Comet Red and Nebula Blue shade. The first four shades for Jawa 42 are exclusively matte-finished.
9) Optional Rear Disc Brake: The option of a rear disc brake made these bikes even more impressive than ever. As Royal Enfield has a rear disc brake on all models, Jawa 300 and 42 are now better in terms of value for their equipment offered in India.
10) Optional Dual-Channel ABS: The front brakes are available with ABS on both the bikes while the rear uses an optional disc brake setup with ABS for INR 9000. The retro appeal of the motorcycle is still unmatched but safety is highly prioritised by the buyers and thus, bookings for the dual channel variant will rise with time.
Cons of New Jawa motorcycles
1) Limited Dealerships: Jawa dealerships are limited in number when compared to the rival Royal Enfield. The difference in presence will definitely reduce their reach among prospective buyers as people prefer the easy availability of service centre and spare parts in the country.
2) No Kick Start Option: Royal Enfield bikes are available with a kick-starter while Jawa missed this option on both the bikes. The vintage feel associated with these bikes gets lowered with a missing kick. Most modern bikes are available without a kick-starter these days.
Price List (1-Channel ABS)
- Jawa Forty-Two: INR 1.55 Lakh
- Jawa Classic 300: INR 1.64 Lakh
Price List (2-Channel ABS)
- Jawa Forty-Two: INR 1.64 Lakh
- Jawa Classic 300: INR 1.73 Lakh
*The 2-channel ABS models are equipped with a rear disc brake, and the above-mentioned prices are ex-showroom Delhi.
Jawa Specifications
- Engine: Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC
- Displacement: 293cc
- Bore x Stroke: 76 x 65 mm
- Compression Ratio: 11:1
- Maximum Power: 27 BHP
- Maximum Torque: 28 Nm
- Gearbox: Constant Mesh, 6-Speed
- Frame: Double Cradle
- Front Tyre: 90/90-18
- Rear Tyre: 120/80-17
- Front Suspension: Telescopic Forks
- Rear Suspension: Gas Canister, Hydraulic Twin Shock
- Front Brake: 280mm Disc
- Rear Brake: 153mm Drum (Rear Disc Optional)
- 1-Channel/2-Channel ABS
- Seat Height: 765mm
- Wheelbase: 1369mm
- Kerb Weight: 170 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 litres