Jawa Forty Two 2.1: Pros, Cons And Should You Buy It?

Is the sporty version of the funky Jawa roadster any good?

For 2021, Classic Legends is looking to spruce up its 293cc twins. The first of them came around with the Forty Two 2.1, the funky Jawa roadster now gaining alloys and small engine updates. After our short stint with the bike, we were quite pleased with the step up in terms of quality, usable performance and convenience. But there’s still room for improvement. So, here’s what we liked and disliked about the new funky Jawa along with our opinion on whether or not you should get one.

PROS

Extra convenience offered

Alloy rims are a welcome addition on the new Jawa. The addition of tubeless tyres makes it a great boon for our road conditions. They look stylish and bear a “Jawa Original” moniker on one of the spokes. 

Fit and finish levels have improved 

Classic Legends has been working on improving the quality levels of its motorcycles. There were hardly any loose wires in sight on our test bikes. The matte black finish on the engine fins, casing and exhaust were consistent. The fuel tank lip was finished properly with no jagged edges in sight. There are still areas where Jawa has to step up its game, like the finishing of the welds and detailing, but it’s a marked improvement overall.

Motor feels a lot more tractable and usable

Through the magic of cross-porting, Jawa has managed to improve throttle response and fueling of the 293cc mill. It doesn’t feel as lively as it did in BS4 times but what it has lost in feel, it makes up for it in versatility. The torque is spread more evenly across the rev range now, allowing you to ride at moderate speeds in slightly higher gears now, something that wasn’t possible earlier.

CONS

Slightly unnatural riding posture

Everything on the Forty Two feels accessible to riders of all heights. The seat is low, the footpegs are neutrallt set, and there’s not too big a reach to get to the wide flat drag-style handlebars. It does feel a bit awkward though. The bars are set a bit too low and the footpegs are on the higher side. It is not uncomfortable but rather unnatural.

Clunky gear shifts

In the sub-350cc retro roadster space, the Jawa is the only one to offer a six-speed gearbox. While the clutch action is light, gear shifts aren’t slick and require a bit of effort. Shifts are positive but it doesn’t feel as smooth as the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 or the Honda H’ness CB350.

Lacks modern features

The Jawa is a spartan machine. There are no LED elements. The console is analogue with just a small digital inset, which now displays two tripmeters in addition to the odometer. It goes without saying that there’s no USB charging slot or even smartphone connectivity.

SHOULD YOU BUY IT?

Maybe. If you want a youthful retro roadster, the Jawa Forty Two 2.1 makes a compelling case. It isn’t as well rounded as the Honda H’ness CB350 but it surely is one for the spirited rider. But paying nearly Rs 7,000 more than the standard dual-channel ABS version of the bike is a bit too much to ask.