Jawa 42 – Retro Motorcycle With a Modern Rebel Soul
The Jawa 42 is not just a motorcycle — it’s a revival of a legend with a fresh, youthful twist. Known for its retro design fused with sporty performance, the 42 is one of the most popular offerings in the modern classic segment in India.
Launched by Classic Legends (a Mahindra subsidiary), the Jawa 42 aims to capture the nostalgia of the old-school Jawa bikes while offering refinement, power, and road presence for the new generation of riders.
🛠️ Engine & Performance
Powering the Jawa 42 is a 293cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, developed with technology support from Mahindra’s Mojo platform. This engine is tuned for crisp throttle response, high revving capability, and a throaty exhaust note that turns heads.
- Engine Type: 293cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
- Maximum Power: 27.3 PS @ 6,800 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 26.8 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
- Top Speed: ~130–135 km/h
- 0–60 km/h Acceleration: ~4 seconds
The engine delivers a punchy mid-range and smooth top-end, making the Jawa 42 ideal for both spirited city rides and highway cruising.
⛽ Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Despite its sporty engine and performance credentials, the Jawa 42 is reasonably fuel-efficient for a 300cc class motorcycle.
- Claimed Mileage: 33–35 km/l
- Real-World Mileage: 30–33 km/l
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 liters
- Riding Range: Around 400–450 km per tank
Its large tank and decent mileage make it suitable for weekend touring as well as everyday commuting.
🎨 Design & Styling
The Jawa 42 features a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern minimalism. Unlike the more classic-looking Jawa Standard, the 42 gets a sportier, edgier look, targeted at younger riders.
- Retro Round Headlamp & Bar-End Mirrors
- Low-Slung Profile with Curved Fuel Tank
- Twin Exhaust Pipes (Signature Jawa Styling)
- Offset Instrument Cluster
- Black-out Treatment on Engine and Frame
- Color Options: Orion Red, Sirius White, Cosmic Carbon, AllStar Black, and more
With its matte paint finishes, darkened mechanical parts, and aggressive stance, the 42 gives off a vintage café-racer vibe with street-smart attitude.
⚙️ Features & Technology
While the Jawa 42 maintains a retro design, it’s equipped with essential modern-day features for comfort and safety:
- ✅ Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster (Speedometer + Odo + Trip Meter)
- ✅ Liquid Cooling with Radiator Protection
- ✅ Electric Start
- ✅ Dual Exhaust System for a Deeper Thump
- ✅ Optional Dual-Channel ABS
- ✅ Updated BS6.2 Engine with Improved NVH
The bike does not include ride modes or smartphone connectivity, but makes up with mechanical refinement and premium feel.
🪑 Ride Comfort & Handling
The Jawa 42 offers a neutral and sporty riding position, perfect for both city commutes and twisty road rides.
- Seat Height: 765 mm – accessible for most Indian riders
- Kerb Weight: ~172 kg
- Suspension:
- Front: Telescopic Hydraulic Forks
- Rear: Gas Canister Twin Shock Absorbers
- Wheelbase: 1,369 mm
- Tyres:
- Front: 100/90-18
- Rear: 130/70-17 (Both tubeless on alloy variants)
With its low center of gravity and compact design, the Jawa 42 feels nimble in traffic and planted on highways, offering great flickability without compromising on stability.
🛑 Braking & Safety
Braking duties are handled confidently by the bike’s disc setup and optional ABS system.
- Front Brake: 280 mm Disc
- Rear Brake: 240 mm Disc (only in Dual ABS variant)
- ABS: Single-channel or Dual-channel options
- Frame: Double-cradle frame for improved balance
The dual-channel ABS variant is highly recommended, especially for touring and wet conditions.
💰 Price & Variants
The Jawa 42 is available in multiple versions:
| Variant | Features | Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi) |
|---|---|---|
| 42 Single ABS | Basic variant, spoke wheels | ₹1.97 lakh |
| 42 Dual ABS | Alloy wheels, tubeless tyres | ₹2.08 lakh |
| 42 2.1 (New) | Blacked-out engine, bar-end mirrors, tubeless tyres, alloy wheels | ₹2.17 lakh |
On-road prices range from ₹2.15 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh, depending on the variant and location.
✅ Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful, high-revving 293cc engine | Offset speedometer may feel awkward |
| Retro-modern styling that stands out | Less pillion comfort on long rides |
| Dual exhaust note with signature thump | Slight heating in city traffic |
| Dual-channel ABS available | No ride modes or digital features |
| Great mix of city and highway usability | Limited service network in remote areas |
🔄 Competitors
The Jawa 42 competes with:
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 – More retro, less sporty
- Royal Enfield Hunter 350 – More affordable and city-oriented
- Honda CB350RS – More refined but costlier
- Yezdi Roadster – More powerful but heavier
- TVS Ronin 225 – Packed with modern features, less classic feel
While others may offer more features, the Jawa 42 stands out with its design, performance, and brand legacy.
🏁 Final Verdict
The Jawa 42 is a motorcycle for those who love the look and sound of classic bikes but demand modern-day performance and reliability. With its strong engine, sleek café-racer looks, and nimble handling, it appeals to young riders, urban explorers, and retro enthusiasts alike.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle that delivers head-turning style, spirited performance, and timeless nostalgia, the Jawa 42 should be at the top of your list.
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