Jawa 42 2.1: Road Test Review In Images

A closer look at Jawa’s updated classic sport

Jawa updated its classic sport, the 42 2.1, and launched it last week. We even rode the bike and you can read our first ride review here. For those interested in taking a closer look at the important aspects of the bike, our picture gallery will come in handy:

For the 42 2.1, Jawa hasn’t opted for a complete design overhaul but it has made quite a few subtle changes to the bike. While the design remains the same, the new model gets new paint options and livery along with bar-end mirrors and alloy wheels shod with tubeless tyres as standard fitment. Jawa has also done away with all the chrome and given the engine and other components a stealthy black treatment.

The 42 2.1 comes with a bunch of dedicated accessories as well. From a smoked flyscreen and a headlight grille to an engine guard and grab rails, the brand is offering functional as well as cosmetic accessories.

The Jawa 42 2.1 manages to eke a little more power from the liquid-cooled 293cc single-cylinder engine. While the older BS6 model made 26.51PS, the new one churns 27.33PS. However, torque has marginally dropped from 27.05Nm on the older model to 27.02Nm on the new one. It may not be blistering quick, but it impresses with its peppy nature.

Another aspect you’d love on the new Jawa 42 2.1 is the exhaust note. The brand has managed to retain the raspy sound from the twin exhaust in the BS6 avatar.

For taller riders, the Jawa 42 2.1 may feel a bit cramped. Though the riding position is quite neutral, the footpegs are set a bit high and the low seat height of 765mm adds to your woes. Thankfully, Jawa has added a denser foam and firmer cushioning to make it easier to spend longer durations on the saddle.

At 172kg, the Jawa 42 2.1 is one of the lightest motorcycles in the segment, making it easy to move around. The wide handlebar will be of great advantage when it comes to making your way through the urban jungle.

The ride quality is, however, set a bit on the firmer side. The suspension setup is carried over from the older model but we think Jawa could have used this opportunity to give the new model a slightly softer setup.

Braking equipment too has been carried over from the older model, but Jawa will now offer only a dual-channel ABS variant on the 42 2.1.

The new alloy wheels add to the sporty nature of the bike, and we personally like the small logo on them. Thanks to the alloy wheels, the new Jawa now gets tubeless tyres, which are easier to fix and won’t leave you stranded in case of a puncture.

Jawa has finally equipped the bike with two trip meters. While the update is welcome, the console still misses out on crucial information such as range to empty, fuel efficiency, and gear position indicator. Also, with the Honda H’Ness CB350 and Royal Enfield Meteor 350 offering navigation-enabled consoles, the 42 2.1 feels underequipped.

Also Read: Upcoming Honda H’Ness CB350-based Variant Could Be A Cafe Racer

The brand has made a huge leap in terms of fit and finish of the bike. Our test bikes had consistent panel gaps, a well-finished paint job, and well-packaged wiring. However, the welds on the chassis could have been finished better.

At Rs 1.84 lakh, the Jawa 42 2.1 demands a premium of Rs 8,000 over the older dual-channel ABS model. While the bike has seen a huge improvement in quality and even makes more power now, it is hard to justify the bump in price. That said, if you have been waiting to get yourself a Jawa, the Jawa 42 2.1 would certainly be our recommendation.