Jawa Motorcycles are back with a retro vengeance with the unveiling of three new Classic Legends models in India.
Unfortunately, owners Mahindra Motorcycles are only licensed by the original Czech Jawa company to make and sell the bikes in India.
However, we believe that could change in the next few years if these are successful.
Mahindra is releasing the bike under a new brand called Classic Legends Private Ltd which will also produce Yezdi (made Jawa-Yedi bikes in the ‘60s-‘70s) and BSA motorcycles.
Yes, that’s right, the company also has the outright ownership of the British brand and expects to make retro-styled BSA models soon for sale around the world.
New Classic Legends
The new Indian-made Jawa motorcycles are currently only available for domestic sale.
They are the Jawa, Jawa Forty Two and Perak bobber which feature the traditional “egg-shaped” headlamp with integrated instruments. The Forty Two has a separate offset instrument pod.
Other iconic features include a tool box, dual shocks, twin peashooter exhausts and flat bars.
Indian prices are Rs 1.64 lakh, Rs 1.55 lakh and Rs 1.89 lakh, respectively. That’s about $A3130-3600 ($US2280-2600, £1780-2050).
The bikes will be available in India early next year with the bobber following later in 2019.
All are powered by a new 293cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which has been styled to resemble the original air-cooled motor.
It has a very modest output of 20kW (27bhp) of power and 28Nm of torque.
The bikes come with a disc brake on the front with single-channel ABS and a rear drum brake. To be considered for global exported, Mahindra will first have to update to all discs and two-channel ABS.
Mahindra group chairman Anand Mahindra says it is “rare to get an opportunity to resurrect a legend”.
“Jawa is an authentic and iconic brand that represents the desire and yearning in all of us for freedom and adventure,” he says.
Jawa Classic Legends tech specs
- ENGINE: 293cc Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC
- BORE STROKE: 76 x 65
- COMPRESSION: 11:1
- POWER: 20kW (27bhp)
- TORQUE: 28Nm
- TRANSMISSION: Constant Mesh 6 Speed
- FRAME: Double cradle
- TYRES: 90/90 – 18; 120/80 – 17
- SUSPENSION: Telescopic Hydraulic Fork; gas canister dual hydraulic shocks
- BRAKES: 280mm disc with floating caliper and ABS; rear 153mm drum
- SEAT: 765mm
- WHEELBASE: 1369mm
- WET WEIGHT: 170kg
- TANK: 14 litres
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com