Jawa 42 FJ vs Royal Enfield Classic 350: Image Comparison

Does the new Jawa 42 FJ have what it takes to go up against the Royal Enfield Classic 350?

The recently launched Jawa 42 FJ is an interesting addition to the retro-style roadster segment. It goes up against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and in this image comparison, we will be going over the differences between the two bikes. We will also try to answer the question which one you should go for.

Design

Both the bikes represent different design philosophies, with the Jawa 42 FJ being a bit more modern. The round headlight and overall profile is roadster-like, but the matte finish and the upswept exhausts make it look rugged and sporty.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 on the other hand stays true to the authentic retro styling that we have come to associate it with. With the 2024 update and the addition of new colours such as Emerald Green, Jodhpur Blue and Madras Red, Royal Enfield has taken it a step further.

The chrome detailing, simple colouring and the iconic RE badging on the tank makes the bike really look old school;like one  from the golden era of British motorcycles.

Overall, choosing between the two designs comes down to what you are looking for. If something modern, rugged and sporty is what you want, then the Jawa 42 FJ will be the bike for you. But if you want something classy and offers that authentic retro feel, then the Royal Enfield Classic 350 makes more sense. 

Performance

The Jawa 42 FJ is powered by a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, same as the one used on the Jawa 350. The engine outputs 29.2PS and 29.6Nm. 

The Royal Enfield Classic 350, on the other hand, is powered by a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which outputs 20.21PS and 27Nm. So in terms of outright performance, the Jawa 42 FJ has the lead. 

But the riding experience on both the bikes will vary. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 being a long stroke engine, will offer a riding experience which will be a bit more torquey and also with that iconic ‘thump’.

If you’re someone who wants to go for more power and torque, then the Jawa 42 FJ is the way to go. But if you don’t mind lower power and torque, but want to experience that authentic retro riding experience, then the Classic 350 is for you.

Underpinnings

Both the Roadsters offer similar underpinnings, with the dual cradle frame and similar suspension setups with telescopic fork and twin rear shock absorbers. But when it comes to the wheel and brakes both differ considerably.

The Jawa 42 FJ rolls on a 100-section front and 140-section rear tyres, whereas the Classic 350 gets a 100-section front and 120-section rear tyre.

Jawa 42 FJ has a slight advantage of a higher ground clearance and a lower weight – 178mm vs Classic’s 170, and 184kg vs Classic’s 195kg. 

Overall, in terms of underpinnings, both the bikes have their advantages and disadvantages. But the Jawa 42 FJ stands out thanks to its larger front disc brake, fatter rear tyre, higher ground clearance and lower weight. 

Features

The Jawa 42 FJ gets full-LED lighting and a digital instrument console. The console offers usual readouts like speed, fuel level, trip and odometer readouts but misses out on smartphone connectivity. 

The Classic 350, on the other hand, has full-LED lighting and gets an analogue instrument console with a digital inset for readouts like fuel level and trip/odometer readouts. Customers can also go for the optional Royal Enfield tripper navigation module for turn-by-turn navigation as well.

In terms of features, both are quite closely matched, but the Classic 350 does have a slight edge thanks to the optional tripper navigation module.

Verdict

The Jawa 42 FJ is priced from Rs 1,99,142 while the Royal Enfield Classic 350 from Rs 1,99,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Which bike you should go for depends on what you are looking for. The Jawa 42 FJ is a modern roadster that offers good performance, better underpinnings and but could have had more features. The Royal Enfield Classic 350, on the other hand, is something which offers that proper retro experience, from the looks to the riding experience.

If you want a modern looking and practical roadster, then the Jawa 42 is for you, but if you prefer something more retro, then the Classic 350 makes more sense.