If you probably ask your dad or uncle a list of their crushes during their college days, one out of that list would be a now forgotten motorcycle brand based out of Czech Republic, “Jawa”. The Jawa brand of motorcycles was manufactured in India by a Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd under direct license from Jawa Czech during the 1960’s and 70’s. It used to attract many youth of its time for its raw looks and no non sense performance. But with the Japanese motorcycles soon catching up in the Indian motorcycling scene and a brand Jawa failing to innovate itself, it had to shut shop during the 90’s.
Back to 2017, the Czech motorcycle maker has launched a brand new 4 stroke 2017 Jawa 350 which is compliant with the Euro 4 norms. As of now, the company plans to sell the bike in central America, Russia and UK.
The 2017 Jawa 350 OHC is powered by an air cooled engine displacing 397 cc. Peak power of 27.73 PS is produced at 6500 rpm while a peak torque of 30.6 Nm is produced at 5000 rpm. Power delivery to the wheels is taken care by a 5 speed manual gearbox while a rated top speed of 130 km/h ensures it is no slouch.
The 12 litre fuel tank though not big should be adequate if complimented by a decent fuel economy. The bike, though, is not very portly, weighing at 160 kg (dry weight).Braking duties are carried out by a 280 mm disc at the front while the rear is taken care by a 160 mm drum unit. This is the first bike from the Jawa stable to carry the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) feature and is a welcome addition.
Looks wise, the bike maintains the traditional Jawa design with round circular headlamps constituting the face. The suspension is a regular strut with no fancy USD forks and should get the job done with minimum fuss. True to its reputation as a “raw” bike, the wheels do not get any stlyish alloys but makes do with a regular spokes design. Huge chrome embellishment on the sleek fuel tank, couple of spring loaded rear suspension, dual exhausts and a twin pod analog instrument cluster complete the retro looks. Generous usage of chrome easily lets know the bike’s intent. The design is simple and minimal with no unnecessary weird shapes and the bike clearly gives importance to function over form.
Jawa moto has planned to price the bike at around 99,930 Czech Korunas which roughly translated to 2.6 lakhs Indian rupees. Why Indian rupees you ask? Well, Mahindra two-wheelers is in talks with Jawa Moto to get the bike to Indian shores ! If that happens, be sure to find your missing dad or uncle at the nearest Jawa showroom !
