jawa owner review

Jawa 42 Owner Experience Review: From Mileage To Performance

Want to know all about Jawa 42? From mileage to seat height to performance to Jawa 42 Ground Clearance? Read this detailed owner review.

I understand for a travel blogger whose focus area always remained documenting his travels, writing a few simultaneous stories featuring a motorbike can sound a bit fishy.

So, before you make any assumptions, first things first… I am not being paid to promote Jawa.

I am writing such Jawa 42 owner review because people are asking for it. Not many people own a Jawa motorcycle at the moment.

By sharing my own experiences, I am only bridging the information gap.

 

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To start with, I want to tell you that Jawa motorcycles were brought to India by Classic Legends. There are 6 different Jawa 42 colours, namely, galactic green, Halley’s teal, Lumos lime, starlight blue, comet red and nebula blue.

If you are interested, read about these JAWA AFTERMARKET ACCESSORIES I have personally been using and recommend. You may also be interested in reading BEST RIDING JACKETS YOU CAN BUY IN INDIA.

Now, read the entire article or click on the table of contents below to read the required information:

Also See: Jawa bike Images

leh ladakh motorcycle photo

 

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A Useful Update (February 2020): I have returned from a 2-month Delhi-Bangalore-Kerala-Delhi road trip on my bike. For the first time, I felt that this bike is not meant for long-distance touring.

Until this trip, I was riding my Jawa 42 in the mountains only where you go zig-zag and take regular turns… not feeling much fatigue, because of regular movement of arms and shoulder. But riding it on straight highways is a different thing.

The bad comfort made the entire journey so tough that I’ve even decided to either sell my Jawa or keep it as a substitute for city rides only (waiting for something to come in BS6 at the moment). Having said that, Jawa is not meant for long touring (again, it’s a solely personal experience). Watch the detailed review video here…

Jawa 42 Mileage, Seat Height, Ground Clearance & Other Details

Before we get into details, let’s get into a few technical specifications.

Please note that both Jawa bikes come with exactly identical technical specifications.

Both are powered with a 4 Stroke, Single-Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, Spark Ignition, DOCH; and offer an impressive 28 N.m @5000 rpm of torque, guaranteeing a much quicker acceleration, compared to other competitors in the retro segment. And speaking of Jawa 42 mileage, I am getting nearly 40kmpl at the moment.

Here’s an easy compilation of some other useful Technical Specifications & Dimensions:

  1. Engine Oil Capacity (service fill): 1.25 Litre
  2. Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
  3. 6 Speed Gearbox
  4. Fuel Tank Capacity 13.2 Litre (3.0 Litre reserve)
  5. Battery: 12V, (9Ah)
  6. Weight: 179 Kg (with 90% Fuel, Tools, etc.)
  7. Overall Length: 2071 mm
  8. Width: 833 mm
  9. Overall Height: 1090 and 1065
  10. Jawa Ground Clearance: 165 mm
  11. Jawa 42 Seat Height: 765 mm

With that said the company also claims that the above dimensions are subject to change for further improvements.

jawa 42 technical specifications

jawa 42 mileage

The Pride Behind Owning A Jawa

There is no denying the fact that both Jawas are impressive. Where Jawa is more retro and classic in its appearance, Jawa 42 is trendy and new-age. And since it’s not the first time for Jawa to sell its motorbikes in India, the company already has a powerful fan base and a legacy associated with it. Having said that, there is a certain degree of pride associated with owning a Jawa.

It happens to me that every time I ride my Jawa 42 in the city, people notice. And their reactions, if nothing else, are assuring me that this motorbike is at least not letting me down because of its appearance.

From its price to specifications to the waiting time, people inquire about all kinds of questions.

camping and biking

ground clearance on side stand

Jawa 42 Mileage Per Liter

Though the company is claiming to have a mileage of 37.5 kmpl when I tested the mileage of Jawa 42, I got nearly 34 kmpl. The second mileage test, however, gave an improved result of 36 kmpl. Having said that, my Jawa 42 mileage is improving, as it happens before the first service.

Update (July 2019): After my first service, the mileage was about 42 kmpl. I even did a mileage test in the mountains and got an average of over 40kmpl which is pretty impressive. Here’s a quick video test of my Jawa 42 mileage in mountains:

Jawa Classic will have the exact same mileage since both bikes are identical in all specifications.

Update (November 2019): After my second service and with my kilometer reading at 7,800 my mileage seemed to have decreased to nearly 34 kmpl. I removed the Db Killer from my motorbike, which may be another reason for a sudden fall in the mileage. So, I am planning to put back the Db killer now. But yea, at this moment, my Jawa 42 mileage is about 34 kmpl.

jawa ground clearance

Update (February 2020): During my North to South India 2-month motorcycle trip, I calculated the mileage a few times and every time I got the result of over 40kmpl which is quite impressive. So yea, speaking of the mileage, I am certainly impressed with the Jawa 42 performance.

jawa 42 seat height

Jawa 42 Heating Issues

For some reason, people have been noticing the heating issue during a few minutes of the demo ride. But the Jawa bike comes with a liquid cool engine, with a powerful radiator and coolant doing their work at the backend.

So rest assured, the heating mechanism has been well placed by the company and there should be no reason to be worried about it. Speaking of the heating mechanism, as soon as the engine temperature hits the mark of 98 degrees Fahrenheit, the radiator starts functioning in its effort to cool it down to 92 degrees. There is moreover an overheating indication given in the odometer that signals RED ALERT as soon as the temperature hits a certain level.

Update (July 2019): After the first service, and riding it for almost 3000km in the previous 3 months, I am pretty satisfied with the heating issue. The radiator works when it has to, the engine does not feel as if it’s about to blast. The heating of the engine, after the first service, has certainly improved.

Update (February 2020): I sum up the experience in 5 words: STOP WORRYING ABOUT HEATING ISSUES!

comet red

Jawa 42 Handling

Thanks to a great riding posture, a light-weighted body, and overall design, both bikes offer great handling/manoeuvring – especially if we compare them with their most common competitor Royal Enfield Classic 350.

A low seating (of 765mm) makes the riding posture more confident for me, as unlike with higher seating motorbikes (even if I compare it with my previous Bajaj Pulsar 200) it’s not just my toes that touch the ground now but my entire feet do. This moreover makes taking U-turns exceptionally easy. Speaking of my height, I am 5’7”. For people over 6 feet, Jawa 42 may feel a little tiny, but that is a minority in India.

jawa ground clearance

Jawa Ground Clearance

To be honest, it does feel a little disappointing when it comes to Jawa ground clearance, especially if we position it as an off-roader. As a street-tourer, however, Jawa ground clearance is okay.

It happened to me a few times that I scratched its exhausts on bumps (exceptionally bigger ones though) and regretted not slowing down a bit more.

ladakh photos

However, if you compare Jawa with Royal Enfield Classic 350, you will be happy to know that Jawa 42 ground clearance is better than Royal Enfield Classic 350 (as per their user manuals).

jawa 42 performance in mountains

Jawa 42 Service/Maintenance Cost

I am really happy that Jawa offers a good service interval of every 6000 km, allowing people like me to stay on the road and not worry about servicing every few thousand kilometers.

Speaking of the numbers, the first service will be due at 1000 km, followed by a service interval of every 6000 km thereafter.

Also Read: Jawa 42 Delivery Waiting Time

Update February 2020: I have clocked over 18000 km on my Jawa 42. Here’s the breakdown of the first four services done by Jawa:

  • Jawa 42 first service cost: INR 1440
  • Second service cost: INR 1269
  • Third free service cost: INR 1670
  • Fourth service cost: INR 1590

Company Fitted Jawa 42 Accessories

This is where Jawa disappoints a little as they’ve really kept everything as an add-on accessory – a trick to take every little buck out of its customers. Even essentials like crash guards and backrests are paid add-on accessories.

If you’re looking for more advice on the best Jawa aftermarket accessories, made a list of the 13 Best Jawa aftermarket Accessories and Riding Gear you can buy online. This includes things that either I use, or someone I know is using. Read here: Jawa Aftermarket Accessories

Jawa ladakh photo

jawa accessories

Jawa: An Urban Scrambler

Jawa 42 has quick acceleration, impressive power, and a lightweight body, which makes it a perfect street motorbike with great off-roading abilities. Unlike its most obvious competitor (Royal Enfield Classic 350) Jawa offers impressive in-traffic-handling and manoeuvring. And this remained a fairly significant reason why I chose Jawa over Royal Enfield.

It can be a perfect urban scrambler, provided we install dual-purpose tires and exhaust with better ground clearance.

jawa 42 ground clearance

Is Jawa Worth Investing: Conclusion & Owner Review

To cut things short: I am super happy with my Jawa 42 performance and I will certainly recommend it (if you’re considering buying a Jawa at all). Until now, I have done nearly 500 km in Delhi and there seems no problem with my motorbike. Given its aesthetics and design, the bike offers good handling, making it easy to filter through traffic.

It offers all the new-age technology: a BS6 engine, Fuel Injection, liquid-cooled, 6-speed gearbox and torque to challenge other competitors in the class. As said above, Jawa 42 attracts those who are looking for a retro motorbike with the perks of a scrambler. It is light-weight, easy to manoeuvre, quick, powerful, with looks to die for.

And speaking of other nitty-gritty details like how good the shock absorbers, the rear drum, single-cylinder engine power, and the single-channel abs reaction, be assured that I found everything great. Yes, I am satisfied with the overall riding experience of my Jawa 42 comet red.

jawa 42 seat height

So knowing how my bike performs, coupled with all the things I like or dislike about Jawa, would I buy it again? Hell yes. A hundred times!

Check the latest video of my Jawa 42 Ladakh tour published on my Youtube channel:

Did you find this Jawa 42 mileage and other details review helpful? Are you happy or disappointed with the mileage ground clearance of Jawas? How has been your overall experience so far? Let’s share in the comments below!

For more about Jawa ownership and performance reviews, find me on Youtube (as ‘Footloose Dev’) for almost daily videos. Here’s the link to my Channel.

Categories Jawa Motorcycles

About

I am Dev, and I've been travelling full-time since 2016. I was a journalism student & started my corporate career as a documentary film-maker in England, before moving to India & becoming a full-time nomad. 25+countries. 50+ Brand Partnerships. And the adventure continues...

  1. sameer tirkey

    dev sir
    I’m really looking forward to buy jawa 42.
    I have watched all your vedios.

    Only issue I have is I don’t have jawa showroom in my city, the nearest showroom is 120km away in Agra. I want know that theservice interval of jawa 42 is really of every 6000km.

    Because it sounds too long for any bike.
    If the service interval is this long then I would love to buy this bike as I have not to rush for service every 2-3 months like in other bikes
    plz do reply me dev sir.

    • cant really promise anything bro. I have been lucky that I did not have to visit the showroom every now and then. I have travelled almost across India and no problem on my bike. But I cannot promise how your bike going to turn out. It’s a reliable bike, that’s all I can say.

  2. Aman Kumar

    I just want to know what is eye to eye length of Java 42 and Java classic’s rear shock absorber???

  3. Saurabh K Sarve

    Hi,
    Me planning to buy jawa Classic, but confused with issues which I here of oil leakage from 1st month itself, fuel meter as I have not ride bikes earlier and it will be my first bike I need to be sure before buying this bike cause if I am putting my hard earned money in it. Will you recommend me this bike my height is approx 5.4 approx and mainly concern about weight which can be handled by. Me or not at bad times of ride
    And mainly I travel in cities and rarerly go for long ride is it ok for city to buy this bike???
    Waiting for reply

  4. Srishu Indrakanti

    Hi Dev, great info here and on youtube. but I have a question and could not find an answer online. Do you know of a custom handlebar for the 42? I am a short guy and am looking for a handlebar that can bring the handle more towards me and give me a more relaxed riding position. right now I have to lean forward to ride the 42 and it is not comfortable for me. appreciate your help here.

    • YOu can fit many handlebars on it. IF you will go to any shop that deos bike customs you will find one as per your taste. In delhi, for example, all you need to do is go to karol bagh. Your problem will be solved. Where are you based out of? Some jawa dealerships may be doing it too. I am sure my faridabad jawa dealership can help but I am not sure how far that is from your place.

  5. Abhimanyu katoch

    Great content I ride Rs 200 and Ktm but now reading about the bike .. I can rethink thank you

  6. Hello dev i have seen ur each and every vlogs and about jawa 42 from when i decided to buy jawa 42 and now finally i got my jawa 42 but still i watch ur videos. I have an major issue in my jawa 42 i have an oil leakage issue… I want to know that did u faced this problem if yes give me a solution or otherwise suggest me something what i want to do.

  7. The Crazy Rider

    Your blog has made me think to buy Jawa again.

  8. @jawamotorcycles Hii jawa team.. I’m proud owning jawa 42 past 6 months… I have a big issue hope u can help me out.. I have a battery issue (Not starting due to battery down) from day 3 of my purchase.. till date the service centre couldn’t repair it.. still I’m facing issue. Almost I have recharges my battery 5 times during lockdown.Also after replacing lambda sensor ECU MIL problem now exists. I’m getting ECU issue. Kindly help me as I’m cutting sorry figure infront of my family everytime.

  9. Jawa_Lover

    Got my jawa on new year, was super excited! did only 450 kms city,
    Yesterday parked in the morning & when was returning from work it just doesn’t start checked petrol battery everything is okay but it just doesn’t start, starter is cranking the engine but its not firing…
    Will be towing tomorrow will see what the service center says, super annoyed!!!
    I will update more

  10. Got my jawa on new year, was super excited! did only 450 kms city,
    Yesterday parked in the morning & when was returning from work it just doesn’t start checked petrol battery everything is okay but it just doesn’t start, starter is cranking the engine but its not firing…
    Will be towing tomorrow will see what the service center says, super annoyed!!!
    I will update more

  11. Niashinlulu

    Hey footloose Dev, been following you since the time I booked my Jawa 42 and now I have received it took around 8months.
    Do you have any idea if there are ways to increase the ground clearance of the bike? It’s becoming too much of an issue especially when there is a pillion.
    My Jawa service guy said there are these clips you can install on the suspension which can increase the clearance by about 10 to 12 mm.. but either ways.. bikes great! But kills me when I scratch the bottom of the bike even sometimes on shallow bumps on moderate speeds.

    Or we should just create a public thread and see what all solutions we can come up with different people.

  12. Does Jawa 42 has a BS6 engine?
    Because everywhere it is showing bs4

    • Ashish Sharma

      No brother.. its bs4 but having bs6 components like abs, fuel injection. After April jawa will come with bs6 norms

  13. virender singh

    dev bhai ek jawa riders group banoo mujhe bhi add kar lena

  14. Utkarsh Tyagi

    I was willing to buy a retro bike for past one year.It was u who helped me to reach at right destination(jawa 42 combet red).
    It sounds great u have found exciting opportunities in this world #Remain Footloose always nd plz share to me the trick

  15. Bro do you have rusting issue with the bike…

  16. Hi Bro, Thanks for sharing your experiences.

    I have booked the bike and waiting to get delivery.

    Done a test ride but not completely satisfied, would like to know will it suits for the daily commute?
    The turning radius seems to be high and stiffness of handlebar (in TD bike) seems to be not good.

    what is your opinion

  17. Hey Dev,

    Hope you are continuing to have a good time with the 42. I also have booked the red 42. Delivery has not commenced yet. But hearing small issues like rusting and water entering into to Odometer console, whats your take on that? I know the seating is a bit on the uncomfortable side, but willing to let it go, but rusting and water entering into the meter is bit worrying for me.

    Kindly advise

  18. Hi,
    Thank you for such informative post. I also bought a Jawa 42 three days back and I love it except one issue(i cant say it’s really issue),that during morning i observed bike start issue. Its take time to spark the engine and start immediately. In multiple attempts of self start, engine runs. Did you also observed the same?

  19. Hi Footloose Dev,
    Can you please upload the pdf copy of the user manual, if you do have one..
    If you remember, I had earlier asked you in your video comment section about the compatibility for taller people.

    • Sorry bro, cannot share the screenshot in comments as sharing images in comments isn’t technically possible. Please visit your nearest dealership and you can find one there I am sure. Else, write to me on my instagram (instagram.com/footloosedev) and I shall share a screenshot there 🙂

  20. Ather Adil

    Hi,
    I got my Halley’s Teal Jawa 42 couple of weeks back. I loved the pickup and glide. I did not like the very low ground clearance. With pillion and a speed of 10-20 kmph on turns, side stand touches the ground. With 5-10 kmph and pillion, stand touches the ground on speed bumps.

    • Yea bro, the center stand will scrape the ground (especially if you’re riding with a pillion). Jawa does disappoint here. For a solo ride, it is still okay!

  21. How much is the service cost?

    • First service can cost anywhere between 1200-1800, depends from dealership to dealership and what were the consumables!

  22. Harikrishan Sharma

    Hello friend
    I am first owner in Agra reason Jawa 42mera jo Jawa hai 42 uska head ka paint hi utar Gaya hit ki vajah se

  23. Recently I got jawa 42 … in my bike I facing engine heat issue.. I never expect this much of heat even 5 to 10 min riding … radiator and cooling fan is not Support this much of heat … I never seen this much of heat in any motorcycle …. guys please check the engine issue before buying a jawa ..

    • if the fan is working and the heat FEELS a bit too much, it’s not heating issue. If the motorbike stops working because of overheating, or you get heating indication in the digital console, then you can call it HEATING ISSUE!

      Personal thought. What do you think?

      • Vishnu

        Hi Dev,

        I have got a Green color – Jawa 42 a year back. Off late, I saw an oil leak in the engine head. Looking around, figured its a coolant oil leak. Wondering? whether you have faced similar issues…..

        I agree with your heating issue comments. The Engine is opening up, gears are getting smoother day by day. My motorcycle has crossed 4000Kms.

  24. Thank you for you wonderful post. I am also planning to buy a Jawa motorcycle. But I am hating them for a long waiting period.

  25. Lalit Nagrath

    Bike looks awesume and retro looks being maintained by Jawa has been a very good step .

    as you have a NS , how do you compare the acceleration.Kindly update here when you can revv the bike after 5-7k kms when engine is braken in.

    i have 2 enfields and one NS, planning to swap NS with jawa but i need stable speeds over 120 to do so 🙂

    nice blog and videos too 🙂

    • Hey man, I did a road trip with a friend (to Ladakh) who owned a NS.
      I was on my JAwa and he was on his NS, and both did pretty similar when it came to acceleration.

  26. Jayesh Kumar

    Is there any possibility to share the Jawa Manual book (Sorry I have a habit of reading the manual before I buy, I have booked my jawa I have to wait long to see my bike

    • Hi,
      Thank you for such informative post. I also bought a Jawa 42 three days back and I love it except one issue(i cant say it’s really issue),that during morning i observed bike start issue. Its take time to spark the engine and start immediately. In multiple attempts of self start, engine runs. Did you also observed the same?

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