Mahindra Mojo: One Engine, Different Personalities & Brands

From a naked to retro roadsters, and an ADV… this engine has powered as many as seven bikes. We take a trip down memory lane

Jawa and Yezdi share a rich history with the Indian motorcycling community, and hold a great sentimental value. The announcement of Mahindra-owned Classic Legends reviving these brands caused quite a stir in the market. Now, four years after the first appearance of Jawa’s (and later Yezdi’s) new engine, Classic Legends has as many as seven motorcycles ranging from cruisers to an ADV. Here’s a lowdown on this versatile engine:

Mahindra Mojo
Before the new-age Jawas and Yezdis, there was the Mahindra Mojo, a bike that made its first public appearance in 2010. The 292cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine producing 26.24PS and 24Nm was originally derived from Malaguti, a company acquired by Mahindra. By the time the Mojo made it to the streets, the engine was upgraded to a 294.7cc unit making 27.19PS and 30Nm.

 

Jawa Classic
The Mojo’s 295cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled motor was heavily reworked to suit the character of the Jawa. It was also given a visual makeover for it to look similar to the older Jawa engine and Classic Legends did a brilliant job in that regard. So, the resultant 293cc mill belting out 26.5PS and 28Nm not just looked like one from the original Jawa, but also tuned for a generous mid-range with a flat torque curve. Even the twin exhausts were designed to mimic the note of the original Jawa.

Jawa Forty-Two
The very same engine was plonked in a (relatively) modern take on the Jawa Classic. It features shorter fenders, low-set handlebar, off-set instrument console and bar-end mirrors. Of course, the rev-happy nature of the engine made it a perfect fit for the Forty-Two.

Jawa 42 2.1
In 2021, Jawa made the Forty-Two sportier by introducing a few cosmetic changes, and more importantly mechanical updates to the engine. Now, the same unit made 27.33PS and 27.02Nm. This update also brought more character to the engine, thanks to a deeper exhaust note, and more refinement. Eventually, this engine was introduced in the Classic and Forty Two as well.

Jawa Perak
But before the 42 2.1 made its debut, Classic Legends had already bored out the engine to 334cc to produce 30.4PS and 31Nm, making it the most powerful bike from their stable. After a retro roadster and a cafe racer (ish) motorcycle, Classic Legends introduced a bobber in the form of the Perak. But that was only the start.

Yezdi Roadster
The Roadster borrowed the same engine from the Perak, and if you thought it would be a “sedated” alternative to the bratty bobber, you are mistaken. Interestingly, this is also the only engine from Yezdi that still looks like the Jawa. Though Classic Legends has retuned the engine, it is still a peaky engine putting out 29.7Ps and 29Nm that urges you to ride it hard.

Yezdi Scrambler
And that very peaky nature of the engine makes it an apt choice for a scrambler, doesn’t it? And Yezdi did exactly that. Of course, for this bike Classic Legends claims to have changed the state of tune and the engine makes 29.1PS and 28.2Nm. Heck, they even made the engine casing similar to the Yezdis of the past. So, the Yezdi Scrambler not only looks bratty, but can also be hustled off the beaten path.

Yezdi Adventure
And if you are someone who intends to stray away from the tarmac, the Yezdi Adventure is the way to go. Again, the state of tune has been altered to suit the ADV’s character and produces 30.2PS and 29.9Nm. This is also the only bike from Classic Legend’s stable to sport a single-sided exhaust.