Jawa motorcycles back in India

Jawa, the iconic Czech motorcycle brand, has been reborn under the ownership of the Mahindra group as the company launched the first range in India.

The Jawa and Jawa Forty Two are the brand’s new torch bearers, bringing back the classic appeal of Jawa with modern fittings. The bikes have an all-new 293cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder, DOHC engine nestled within a double cradle chassis.

The Jawa is priced at Rs 1,64,000 and the Jawa Forty Two at Rs 1,55,000.

The Jawa brand, popular in the sixties along with the British brand Royal Enfield, will vie with its former competitor, which has seen no competition for many decades.

Jawa also unveiled the Jawa Perak, powered by a 334cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder, DOHC engine which develops 30bhp power and 31nm of torque. The Perak is priced at Rs 1,89,000 and the booking dates are yet to be revealed.

The bikes are being built through contract manufacturing by the group to limit the investment required to relaunch the brand. The company will initially focus on sales in India before planning for exports.

Dealerships

Anupam Thareja, founder of Mahindra Groups’s Classic Legends, said the company has already set up 105 dealerships across the country and may look at opening another 70 in the near future, depending on the response towards the bikes.

“Jawa Motorcycles has enjoyed a huge fan following and generations have relished riding these iconic motorcycles. Modern classics are becoming more popular since people today are looking for character, style and fun,” Thareja said.

“It is rare to get an opportunity to resurrect a legend,” said Mahindra group Chairman Anand Mahindra. “Jawa is an authentic and iconic brand that represents the desire and yearning in all of us for freedom and adventure.”