For those who have owned and ridden the Jawa two-stroke bikes made by Ideal Jawa of Mysuru, the new 2018 Jawa will open the floodgate of old memories. Marking a faithful recreation of the classic Type 353 model, the new bike is instantly recognisable. The recognition value is so strong in fact that it should not come as a surprise if a person simply walks over and asks if the much cherished Jawa bike has made a comeback. Well, comeback it is, albeit in a retro form that keeps close to the original as much as possible.
The way the 2018 Jawa connects with the Type 353, it is the details that matter most. The teardrop headlamp nacelle that wraps around the handlebar. Second is the fuel tank with chrome sides. The third is the side panels, and the fourth is the dual exhausts that look like they have come off the Type 353. But unlike the original, the side panels, though of similar shape, are bigger and made of plastic. And while the Type 353 boasted of 16-inch dia wheels, this one flaunts an 18-inch dia wheel at the front and a 17-inch dia wheel at the rear. One look at the engine and the difference will be evident at once. It is not the same shape as on Type 353, but less rounded and unique enough to draw attention. The modern touches include the headlamp, the instrument cluster, a slightly flatter and wider handlebar, a shorter front fender, front disc brake, and the sprinkling of chrome that differs from that of Type 353.
GOOD LOOKS AND PERFORMANCE
Displaying good fit and finish levels, the Forty Two is quite appealing in its appearance. It creates a unique visual pull that is hard to desist and is enough to overlook some inconveniences— some of the numbers of the horizontally-set speedometer can be difficult to read when riding.
The 27bhp 295cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine, starting life as a Mojo unit, has two pipes emerging from the engine. They merge into a collector box underneath and once again split into two exhausts. A far cry from the two-stroke 250cc engine of Type 353, the unit on the 2018 Jawa is decisively modern with a double overhead cam setup.
Producing 28Nm peak torque at 5500rpm, the bike offers a strong low and mid-range pull. Exhibiting good refinement levels at low and mid-revs (with only a few vibes felt at the footpegs), the bike responds well to throttle inputs. Putting out a brisk performance, the bike picks up speed quite well. Capable of a top speed of 135kmph, it is quite ride-able at city speeds as well as on the highway. The exhaust note is deep and nice. Structured around a double-cradle frame and a suspension that consists of telescopic forks at the front (the rake angle is 28-degree) and dual shock absorbers at the rear, the Jawa feels easy to ride. The ride may have a slightly firm edge to it, but it in no way reflects in discomfort or harshness. Over most surfaces, the ride is pliant. Good ground clearance helps.
UNCLUTTERED, FUN RIDING
The seat cushion padding feels thin and can lead to discomfort on bumpy roads. Capable of being aimed at tight corners as the steering feels light and accurate, the bike displays good stability. The tyres grip well. Staying planted in most riding situations, the bike is good fun to ride. If the easy and precise handling is in line with the way the Type 353 rode or handled, the new Jawa marks a significant improvement on the brakes front.
The 280mm dia disc at front and a 153mm dia drum at the rear provide good stopping power. With a single-channel ABS assist, the brakes have a progressive feel about them and exert a strong bite, especially the front disc. Priced at Rs 1.64 lakh ex-showroom approximately, the 2018 Jawa will hit the showrooms in early 2019.