While the heritage of this approachable motorcycle is certainly puzzling, the retro aesthetic is refreshing.
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“A sentient, one-meter-tall furry humanoid creature native to the Outer Rim desert world of Tatooine.”
The first thing most of us think of when we hear the word “Jawa” is probably something similar to a Wookiepedia entry.
The 42 FJ looks great and is affordable, one of two Jawa bikes sold in France. – Image source: Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles
However, nearly half a century ago, those hooded pranksters appeared in Star Warsa motorcycle manufacturer of the same name appears on the other side of the world in Prague.
Although these bikes have now been launched from India (more on that later), several models have made it beyond the borders of the Indian subcontinent, which gives me a good excuse to extol the virtues of a bike whose sleek, old-school style belies its low price. Meet the Jawa 42 FJ.
This one comes out of the Czech Republic
so what yes Java? The brand was born in 1929 in the capital of what is now the Czech Republic, named after founder František Janeček and the motorcycle division of German carmaker Wanderer, which he had just acquired.
Jawa, which combines the first two letters of his surname and brand name, grew into a top motorcycle manufacturer, selling its products in more than 120 countries at its peak in the 1950s.
Although it was phased out in the 1990s, the name was revived in 2018 after Indian carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra licensed it and M&M’s Classic Legends brand began to revive its classic style.
Two prime examples are the 350 CL and 42FJ, which share a platform and some big news, which is that they will be sold in France thanks to a partnership with the Tendance Roadster.
In India, Cosmo Blue Matte and Deep Black Matte Red Clad are two of the five paint schemes available. The others are Mystique Copper, Aurora Green Matte and Deep Black Matte Black Clad. – Image source: Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles
It’s a small foothold, but a promising one, as it bodes well for the brand’s potential to become more widely available in more parts of Europe and even one day in the United States.
This is awesome because I believe the US market is ripe for demand for this type of bike, especially the 42 FJ.
retro modern wonder
What makes me say that? Well, first of all, the styling is striking for a motorcycle that starts at just over $5,000 in France.
While the 350 CL is a classic through and through, the FJ brings a more modern edge to the whole thing, which means a sharper, more streamlined look with a heavier matte finish and less glossy chrome.
Meanwhile, its large round headlights, mirrors and gauges, plus a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, bench seat and twin rear shock absorbers, provide plenty of retro flair.
Round wing mirrors, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank and a bench seat are just a few of the 42 FJ’s charming old-school features. – Image source: Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles
The second biggest selling point, of course, which applies to so many bikes coming out of India and Asia, is that this bike is just that good approachable.
The 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine produces approximately 23 horsepower and approximately 21 foot-pounds of peak torque.
Still, these entirely unintimidating figures are more than qualified to blast through city traffic jams, happily zip along country roads, shift gears through the six-speed gearbox, and enjoy the rumble of the engine as the wind blows.
A few other specs add to the beginner-friendly nature of this bike: Weight is 406 pounds, and seat height is 31.1 inches.
Together with ABS, they should help make every outing safer and more inspiring than the last.
Oh, and for the record, FJ is short for František Janeček, a fitting tribute to the man who hatched the plan nearly a century ago.
Availability and pricing
The Jawa 42 FJ has already been launched in India and will now be launched in France with a starting price of 4,990 Euros (approximately US$5,350).
The brand’s long-awaited return to Europe heralds future arrivals on our shores, fingers crossed.
Java 42 FJ
Steve has been managing editor of GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for publications including Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire, and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics, but primarily those related to bicycles, snowsports, knives, and motorcycles, and dreaming of a utopian world where everyone’s bike seats are at the appropriate height.
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