Jawa 42 vs Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Jawa’s journey in India has been a slow one. Mahindra-owned Classic Legends has launched the 2024 Jawa 42, which features a number of changes including mechanical improvements. The Java’s best-selling motorcycle, the Jawa 42, is now compared to another iconic brand, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350.
Engine Specs
Some might compare these to chalk and cheese, but we think the opposite. Despite their different features, both motorcycles evoke a sense of nostalgia with their classic aesthetics and modern mechanics. The 2024 Jawa 42 is powered by a 294.72 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 27 bhp and 26.84 Nm of torque, connected to a 6-speed gearbox with an assist-and-slipper clutch. Jawa claims that the J-Panther engine delivers better response at the low-end power band, improves cooling efficiency and reduces noise, vibration and harshness levels.
Hardware and Features
Both retro bikes are based on double cradle tubular. The Jawa 42 gets 35mm front telescopic forks and twin gas-charged rear shocks with adjustable preload. It gets a 280mm front disc brake and a 240mm rear disc brake. The Jawa 42 has 18-inch front tyre and a 17-inch rear tyre, available with wire-spoke or alloy wheels. The alloy wheel variants come with tubeless tyres.
The Bullet 350 has larger dimensions with a wheelbase of 1390 mm, while the Jawa 42 has a 21 mm shorter wheelbase. The Bullet 350 gets 41 mm telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear. It gets a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, which is equipped with single-channel ABS on the more affordable model and dual-channel ABS on the high-end variant. Additionally, the Bullet 350 comes with a USB charging port, and there is also an option to include the Tripper navigation system.
Price
The updated price of the Jawa 42 starts at Rs 1.73 lakh and goes up to Rs 1.98 lakh, ex-showroom. With six new colours – Vega White, Voyager Red, Asteroid Grey, Odyssey Black, Nebula Blue and Celestial Copper Matte – the Jawa 42 now has a total of 14 paint schemes, including both gloss and matte finishes.