Jawa, Jawa 42 and Perak: What Sets Them Apart?

While Jawa Motorcycles teased us with their first product, named literally Jawa, for months, they had two additional models lined up for India, namely the Jawa 42 and Perak. This smart move enables them to target different market segments by giving the customer more options to choose from.

The very first Jawa that was launched back in the 70’s in India was called, wait for it… the Jawa! Similarly, the rejuvenated brand decided to take the very same approach and named the first bike from the trio as Jawa. But there’s a reason for that: the 2018 Jawa looks strikingly similar to the original bike from the 70’s. Attention to detail is impressive, right from the horn which sits in between the front fork and the fuel filler cap. It also features a similar dome-shaped headlamp that extends to cover the front forks, easy to reach handlebars, vintage-style fenders and an old-school instrument console. Even the nostalgic maroon paint scheme with chrome elements has been carried over, of course with a better finish. It doesn’t end there -- small details like the gold pinstripes on the fenders, headlight and tank, engraved lettering on the fuel filler cap and horn really bring the bike to life.

The folks are Jawa Motorcycles have even nailed the engine design which looks eerily similar to the earlier one. Underneath the skin is a Mahindra Mojo-derived 293cc, BSVI-compliant, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder mill that makes 27PS of power and 28Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed transmission.

Much like the original bike, the Jawa uses telescopic forks up front that’s neatly hidden away by the forks covers. However, the bike gets a gas-charged twin shock absorber setup at the rear with 5-step preload adjustability. The brakes have also been updated with a disc brake anchoring the front while the rear gets a drum unit. Its 18” front and 17” rear wheels come shod in MRF Nylogrip tyres. Jawa Motorcycles has managed to offer the same nostalgic look paired with modern components at a smashing price of Rs 1.65 lakh.

The Jawa 42, on the other hand, features a more modern front-end design with a lowered handlebar paired with black bar-end mirrors. Not only this, the bike also gets an offset instrument console with the same readouts, front fork covers and grab rails painted in black and a short front fender. Thanks to the low-set handlebars, the riders triangle on the 42 is more aggressive compared to the Jawa which offers a relaxed riding posture. Aside from these changes the Jawa 42 is offered in six shades: teal, green, blue which come in a matte finish and lime, nebula blue and red in metallic. The bike is priced at Rs 1.55 lakh, making it a whole Rs 10,000 cheaper than the Jawa.

Jawa Perak

We’ve kept the best for the last, the one that really managed to grab eyeballs with its wicked blacked out paint scheme. Its a factory custom bike called the Perak! Although its front end looks similar to the Jawa, the Perak’s rear receives a complete overhaul, and that’s where the magic lies. The Perak features a single tan seat under which lies a monoshock linked to a 'swing cage' swingarm (like the Triumph Bonneville Bobber). It also uses stickier Pirelli tyres instead of the stock MRF ones seen its siblings. The bikes also receive extra braking power thanks to the rear disc brake and the safety net of dual-channel ABS.

Furthermore, the Perak also employs a slightly bigger, 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC motor that produces 30PS and 31Nm of torque. According to the company, the bike gets a bigger bore but retains the stroke which translates to the power bump. While the bike isn’t for sale just yet, Jawa motorcycles have revealed its price tag as 1.89 lakh (all ex-showroom Delhi).