Mahindra-backed Jawa Motorcycles has launched the new Jawa 42 FJ in India, a new model in the Jawa 42 lineup, named after the brand’s founder, František Janeček.Jawa 42 FJ is priced between Rs 1.99 lakh and Rs 2.20 lakh (ex-showroom). This model aims to disrupt the neo-classic market, competing against the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and Honda H’ness CB350, with a notable power output of 30 bhp, which is significantly higher than its competitors.
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Jawa 42 FJ VS Jawa 42
This model is a sportier and more powerful iteration of the regular Jawa 42 FJ, featuring a 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 21.45 bhp and 29.62 Nm of torque. The Jawa 42 FJ is positioned alongside the existing standard Jawa 42 and the 42 Bobber, sharing a similar visual design but differing significantly in specifications.
The launch is part of Classic Legends’ strategy to enhance its market presence, having already invested Rs 350 crore of the Rs 1,000 crore raised for expansion and production improvements. The company plans to add 100 new service stations and dealers to boost customer service before the festival season.
The Jawa 42 FJ features liquid cooling, a dual-channel anti-lock braking system, and is available in six variants. Classic Legends is optimistic about capturing a significant market share in the neo-classic segment, although it has not disclosed specific sales projections or market share figures. Additionally, the company is expanding its international presence, with BSA motorcycles now in 33 countries and plans for Jawa to enter Eastern European markets
Before we proceed, we would draw your attention to the overall seating triangle. It is a very laid-back motorcycle, and it’s easy to access. The pegs are centrally set, the handlebar is quite wide, and it gets a single-piece seat.
The first thing is the frame – it has been changed to the Jawa 42 series, which includes Jawa 42, Bower, and now this is the Jawa 42 FJ. The frame is a dual cradle frame, but the wheelbase has been increased to 71mm. The ground clearance is also a little bigger, at 178mm, compared to 165mm in the Jawa 42.
The exhaust has been up-swept a little, and the engine is the big change. It’s the same 342cc engine that we have seen in the ESD. This engine has a higher cubic capacity, so the power has also been increased by around 2.5bhp, and the torque has also increased by 2.5bhp. They have tried to tune the gearbox in a better way, and the gear ratios have also been changed.
Jawa 42 FJ Design & Colours
The overall design of the motorcycle is neo-modern retro with some modern elements. It gets LED lights, including the headlight, turn indicators, and the tail light, which is neatly integrated into the mudguard. The offset instrument cluster also looks really good.Design-wise, the motorcycle looks fantastic. It’s available in multiple colors, including a matte finish black and red color. Aluminum has been used in many places, like the footpegs and grab handles, which increases the quality levels.
Jawa 42 FJ Key Features
| Transmission | 6-speed gearbox with slip-and-assist clutch |
| Suspension | 41mm telescopic fork at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear |
| Front Suspension | The 42 FJ uses 41mm telescopic forks, while the standard has 35mm forks |
| Braking System | The Jawa 42 FJ is fitted with a larger 320 mm front disc and dual-channel ABS, compared to the standard’s 280 mm front disc and ABS available only on higher variants |
| Design | Modern-retro aesthetics, sharing its platform with the Jawa 350 and design elements with the Jawa 42 |
| Features | All-LED lighting, a fully digital instrument cluster, upswept exhaust, and USB charging port |
| Powertrain | The 42 FJ is powered by a 334cc engine producing 29 bhp and 29 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. In contrast, the standard 42 has a 294.72 cc engine with 26.9 bhp and 26.84 Nm of torque |
| Dimensions | The Jawa 42 FJ has a slightly higher seat height of 790 mm vs 788 mm on the standard 42- The Jawa 42 FJ has a 12-litre fuel tank compared to 13.2 litres on the standard 42- The 42 FJ is longer with a 1,440 mm wheelbase vs 1,369 mm on the standard 42 |
The motorcycle features uniquely designed alloy wheels with a machined finish, upswept exhausts, and an offset fuel tank cap, adding to its sporty appeal. It comes equipped with an LED headlight, a semi-digital instrument cluster, dual-channel ABS, and an assist and slipper clutch, ensuring a modern riding experience
Jawa 42 FJ Review
In terms of competition, this motorcycle will go up against the new Royal Enfield Classic 350. The engine is the famous 334 cc motor that we see on the Jawa 350 as well. Bike enthusiasts have ridden this motorcycle, and everyone is quite impressed by it’s low and mid-range performance, but the top-end was just okay. This motorcycle is all about easy riding in the city and maintaining speeds of around 100-110 km/h on the highway.
The suspension has also been improved – it’s still a telescopic suspension, but the diameter has been increased from 35mm to 41mm. The braking capabilities have also been improved, with a 320mm disc upfront, compared to 280mm earlier.
The seat comfort is better than the earlier Jawa 42 FJ. The cushioning is good, and the overall seat seems different from the Jawa 42 and Bobber. However, the grab handles are on the side, which might be a problem at high speeds, and a backrest would be a useful accessory.
The digital instrument cluster is the same as the Jawa 42, but the overall quality and fit and finish have improved a lot compared to the earlier generations of Jawa and ESD. The pricing for this motorcycle is between 1.98 to 2.20 lakh rupees.
The single-piece seat is a brand-new feature that we haven’t seen on other Jawa motorcycles. The switch gear has been borrowed from the other Jawa motorcycles and seems decent to use. In terms of cycle parts, it gets telescopic forks at the front and dual shocks at the back.
One interesting aspect of this motorcycle is the slightly upswept exhaust, which enhances the overall aspirational value in terms of aesthetics.
The bookings for this bike have already been opened at all Jawa showrooms, and the deliveries are expected to start within a few days. Overall, this seems like a promising product from Classic Legends, and it could give a tough competition to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, which has been dominating the classic motorcycle segment. We’ll be reviewing and riding it more extensively in the next few days and will provide a detailed review, including the fuel efficiency figures.
