Jawa Perak: Your Questions Answered

We answer all the frequently asked questions about Jawa’s newest launch

[UPDATE: The Jawa Perak BS6 specifications have been updated. It is slightly torquier than before and you can read all about it here.]

Jawa has launched its first BS6-compliant motorcycle, the Perak. It is also India’s most affordable bobber, priced at Rs 1,94,500 (ex-showroom Delhi). We have had quite a lot of readers asking many questions about the motorcycle, so here are the answers for the most frequently asked ones:

Where’s the pillion seat? Can you install one?

Bobbers are supposed to be stripped out and minimalistic to reduce unnecessary weight and extract the maximum performance out of a motorcycle. Because of this, they’re usually single-seaters and the Perak is no different. Moreover, the Perak’s swingarm is shaped in such a way that it highlights a distinct sloping design line from the steering head, extending all the way to the rear wheel axle. Because of the unique construction of the swingarm, fitting a pillion seat isn’t possible. This motorcycle is strictly a single-seater and Jawa does not offer an optional pillion seat either.

That said, the seat is actually pretty roomy and comfortable. But if you’re carrying a backpack, it might strain your back, especially while going over bumpy roads despite the hidden monoshock at the rear. That’s because there’s no space for the bag to rest upon (as they normally do on bikes with conventional seats).

What’s the waiting period / delivery timeline?

Jawa has announced that it will commence bookings from January 1, 2020, while deliveries will start from April 2, 2020, onwards. Jawa says it will accept bookings only for a three-month window at a time. So if you book the bike in the first batch, you should theoretically be getting your motorcycle delivered by around June, no matter what. However, Jawa hasn’t revealed any details about the exact number of bookings it will take for a particular batch. But we hope the brand has figured out the production and logistics after learning from the delivery experience with the Jawa and Jawa Forty Two.

Can you see the speedometer clearly?

Unfortunately, no. It is still positioned horizontally like the standard Jawa and the Jawa Forty Two. Moreover, the needle moves from 1 o’clock, anti-clockwise. So the needle is blocked from your line of sight right from 60kmph to 120kmph. That said, the contrasting colour scheme used in the console looks better than the one in the Jawa twins, which should make it slightly better to view under harsh sunlight.

The ground clearance doesn’t look all that good. Can it take on our potholes?

While Jawa hasn’t revealed the ground clearance, it is definitely on the lower side. That said, this is a bobber, not a do-it-all motorcycle. You may have to be a bit more careful while navigating through bad roads. You do get a long 1485mm wheelbase (116mm longer than the standard Jawa) which should translate into better stability out on the highway. We’ll reserve our comments on the bike’s handling until we get a chance to ride it.