Jawa 42 FJ

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

It was for the first time that I had to swing my leg over the newly launched Jaw42 FJ saddle and I was excited to do so. This new launch from Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is one of the major objectives the brand has achieved after its re-birth in the year 2018. The 42 FJ, whose price starts from Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom), is also trying to make its mark in the competitive mid-size motorcycle market in India. My first impression is a good-looking motorcycle which combines the best of the old-world charm and present-day technology.

Design and Aesthetics

When it comes to its design, the stark figure of the Jawa 42 FJ is attributable to the neo-retro design language that it employs. At this point, I move around the Jawa and am fascinated by the swept teardrop-shaped fuel tank, which is a brazen with subtle side arms made of aluminum. This design element serves to uplift the notions of contemporary art while respecting the fundamental structure of Jawas. Immediately, I notice the round-shaped LED headlamp, which sits in an aluminum holder and offers whenever it’s needed but seems to enhance the traditional look of the bike.

The upswept exhaust pipes and blackened details of the engine give the 42 FJ somewhat chic looks, different from its traditionally designed sisters. The details were also quite impressive to me, for example, the fuel tank cap which was off-centered and the complex design of the alloy wheels that are present as standard equipment for most models.

As I sit into the rider's seat, the first thing that draws my attention is the soft wide seat decorated with fine stitching. At the same time, the feeling of leanness is properly complemented with the ergonomics, placing the rider in a slightly hunched forward stance that hints at the sportiness of the bike. The entire digital display is easy to view as well as the aid customary but lifts the display console above centuries past.

Power Performance and Powertrain

It is the motion itself, the thumb touches the starter, and the single-cylinder, 334cc, water-cooled engine roars with a characteristic hum. The new Alpha2 engine, which has its origin from the Jawa 350, is a step up from the previous one owing to the generation of staged engines. Concerning what is the potential of the 42 FJ, it is expected to be the most powerful roadster, boasting 29.1 bhp of maximum power and 29.6 Nm of peak torque among all models under Jawa’s brand of motorcycles.

The very first thing that strikes me as I roll out onto the road is the refinement of the engine without any shout-out. Power delivery is better on the engine, more evenly spaced than that of its predecessors, and low RPM oomph is quite an improvement. The silencer-embedded six-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch gives satisfactory shifts and is effortless to ride in the metropolitan and the interstate tubing.

The parking weights make the performance of the bike even better by its comparatively lower 184 kg weight. This results in quick steering response and light frame weight, which is an advantage in areas with congestion such as cities. On a clear stretch, the 42 FJ feels grounded and at ease at speed, with the power onboard sufficient for snappy overtaking.

What I want to single out is the character of the engine itself. Hate it or love it, Jawa design engineers have retained the essence of the classic Jawa sound while complying with modern emission regulations – a popular measure that will go particularly well with the old school as well as the new.

Features and Technology

It would not be wrong to say that modernizing or upgrading the design of the Jawa 42 FJ feels like adding particularly and nicely to simplicity or ensuring aspects of safety. The entire setup of the lights, starting from the headlamp to the tail lamp and even turn indicators, all use LED technology which improves visibility while complementing the modern look of the bike.

One feature that cannot go unnoticed is the fully digital instrument cluster which not only relays important information in an organized fashion but enhances the legibility of information as well. This is further aided by Bluetooth connectivity that gives an option to the riders to connect their mobile phones and get navigation and call alerts which are very much in demand in the present times.

In terms of safety, dual-channel ABS is offered in every variant as standard which gives good comfort concerning safety issues. And, with this, the 320mm front and 240mm rear disc brakes enhance the safety margins when riding the bike at the limit or in emergency braking situations.

The 41mm diametric telescopic forks at the front and the two shock absorbers at the back (both of which are spring preloaded in 5 steps) offer a decent suspension setup that is able to comfort or handle sporty applications. On the road, it managed to absorb most road undulations, yet offered enough feedback when turning.

Variants

The Jawa 42 FJ comes in a range of variants that target various tastes and prices.

- Aurora Green Matte Spoke, Plain Spoke: Rs 1,99,142 (Stage 1 with wire-spoke wheels)
- Aurora Green Matte Alloy: Rs 2,11,942
- Cosmo Blue Matte and Mystique Copper: Rs 2,15,142
- Deep Black Matte Red Clad and Deep Black Matte Black Clad: Rs 2,20,142

In this regard, I think the mid-variants provide the best value as they are good in terms of features and appearance without taking a toll on one’s wallet. The alloy wheels, in particular, add an acute stylish potential to the bike and would be helpful as they are easily maintained.

Market Position and Pricing

The price range of the Jawa 42 FJ is between Rs 1.99 lakh and Rs 2.2 lakh ex-showroom. Throughout the analysis, it is noted that the motorcycle is positioned squarely within the premium mid-size segment. This pricing approach places it alongside competitors against whom the new entrants such as Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Honda H’ness CB350 meet already present competition for Triumph Speed 400.

The 42 FJ emerges victorious on all fronts due to its unique fusion of classic looks, cutting-edge technology, and decent performance. The pricing is somewhat aggressive, especially in light of the standard of equipment and the brand image. In my view, the company has made efforts to package such an offering that could compete with older players in the market and I believe it is quite successful in that.

Target Audience

The Jawa 42 FJ appears to be designed for riders who are fans of the look of vintage motorcycles but expect new functionality and performance. Young urban professionals and motorcycle passionate individuals would find it useful for internal locomotive devices and would also be able to go on trips by it over the weekends.

There are all chances that the sporty and neo-retro styled motorcycles will also attract the attention of people who would like to be away from Indian Royal Enfield and Japanese competitors. These are also good for riders who are moving up from smaller capacity machines, as there's a huge urgency to the performance without being overly daunting.

Value for Money

In terms of features, performance, and quality, the Jawa 42 FJ does offer a good return on investment. It is worth mentioning that one of the positive aspects is that for all models LED lights, Bluetooth, and dual-channel ABS are present in the standard equipment. The powerful and much-sophisticated engine, its six-speed gearbox too, is an equally competitive aspect or in most cases, outshines many in the competition.

Nonetheless, potential customers should take into account the comparatively young dealer and service network of the Jawa brand alongside other more well-known brands in the market. Although this is getting better, it might be a consideration for those residing in small towns or outlying regions.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Although there are no official figures available for the 42 FJ at the time of this review, considering the user reviews related to the same models of Jawa, they can expect the practical figures to be roughly about 30-35 kmpl. This is on par with other motorcycles with similar displacement in the class and one nibble that what the age is about given this 12-litre fuel tank - its range.

Average mileage on the test ride I found to be quite happy, especially for the engine that the bike has. For ideal or low average primary riders, it should mean optimum performance vs. operating costs ratio.

Competitors and Comparison

The Jaw 42 FJ contends into very close competition with the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda H'ness CB350, and now, the newly launched Triumph Speed 400. This is how it fares:

Out of the 42 FJ, the classic 350 of Royal Enfield now is underpowered (29.1 bhp on 42 FJ and 20.2 bhp on 350), and provides the latest features too. And it weighs lesser, which should help in enhancing agility. But the distribution of dealers and service points of Royal Enfield is much larger, and for someone it may be decisive.

Compared to the Honda H’ness CB350, the CB350Sure looks better than Honda in power and features against the Honda H’ness CB350. The Honda’s refinement might be better, but on this, the Jawa fights back with its unique design and more sport-oriented character.

Triumph Speed 400 is one tough cookie, new in the block with added power (39.5 bhp) for a comparable price. The Jawa might, however, attract that group of customers who prefer the vintage look more and the Indian culture.

In my opinion, the Jawa 42 FJ targets a certain group of users as the motorcycle combines classic beauty of the outboard with the modern interior and achievement of high speeds. It may

not excel in any single area but it offers a good all-around package that many riders will appreciate.

Conclusion

After some time with the Jawa 42 FJ, I now realize all of this newness is quite well integrated into the heritage. It is a motorcycle that does not just offer nostalgia but backs up nostalgia with competent performance and features that the current consumer of the motorcycle desires.

The 42 FJ brings huge progress in the development of the Jawa brand as it manages to stay true to its traditions and embrace change. It will be an attractive one for riders who are looking for a refreshing change from the usual culprits in this segment.

Though it is under a lot of market pressure, the Jawa 42 FJ has enough unique selling propositions to fulfill the marketer's objective. Their future is conditional upon how briskly Jawa grows its dealership and service area, and how the bike behaves in terms of long-term technical reliability – things that only time will tell.

For now, the Jawa 42 FJ is going to be one of those models that a brand is more than willing to create strictly for the purpose of progress and not merely for nostalgia. In my opinion, it’s a motorcycle that will please both the old-school rider and the modern rider looking for some classic touches with a high-performance motorcycle.