Quick Analysis
JAWA 42
30.5 pts
Unweighted: 25 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
OLA ROADSTER
14.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Air Cooled |
| Displacement | 294.7 cc | — |
| Power | 27.3 PS | 13 kW |
| Torque | 26.8 Nm | 58NM |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 L | — |
| Mileage | 32 kmpl | — |
| Top Speed (km/h) | — | 108 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | — |
| Seat Height | 788 mm | — |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Single Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston | Front |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston | Rear |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload | Monoshock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Alloy wheel - 90/90-18, 51P | — |
| Rear Tyre | Alloy Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P | — |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Projector |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | — |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | — | 3.5 |
| Battery Chemistry | — | Li-ion |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp | — |
| Bike Image 10 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42cosmicrockdt.webp | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42asteroidgrey.webp | — |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42odysseyblack.webp | — |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42nebulablue.webp | — |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermatte.webp | — |
| Bike Image 6 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42allstarblackmatte.webp | — |
| Bike Image 7 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42celestialcoppermattedt.webp | — |
| Bike Image 8 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42starshipbluedt.webp | — |
| Bike Image 9 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42infinityblackmattedt.webp | — |
| Charging Port Type | — | Type C |
| Charging Time (Standard) | — | 0-80% in 4.6h |
| Color Options | Vega White Voyager Red Asteroid Grey Odyssey Black Nebula Blue Celestial Copper Matte Orion Red Matte Sirius White Matte All Star Black Matte Cosmic Rock Dual Tone Celestial Copper Matte Dual Tone Starship Blue Dual Tone Infinity Black Matte Dual Tone | Stellar Blue | #18507a Pine Green | #293734 Industrial Silver | #999da3 Ceramic White | #c2c2c2 Metallic Black | #414446 |
| Cons | It’s not a performance-focused bike: top-end acceleration and high-speed punch are modest compared to sportier or more powerful motorcycles. If you crave quick bursts or aggressive overtakes, the 42 might feel a bit reserved. At around 180+ kg kerb-weight, it’s not the lightest — manoeuvring at very low speeds or parking sometimes feels a bit heavyish for inexperienced riders. While suspension is comfortable and balanced, it doesn’t offer sporty handling or sharp cornering agility. On twisty roads or aggressive riding, the bike doesn’t inspire a sport-bike vibe. For fully-loaded touring (pillions, luggage, rough terrain), the comfort and power are only average: it’s more of a commuter-plus or mild-tourer than a long-distance tourer. Because it aims for balance, it doesn’t shine in any single category. It may leave riders who want either pure vintage simplicity or modern performance wanting more. Tubeless/Alloy wheel + disc-brake setup is good, but tyre size and ground clearance (typical of this class) might limit comfort on severely broken or off-road conditions. Maintenance and running costs, while reasonable for a 300 cc class bike, will still be higher than basic commuter bikes — fuel, maintenance, and insurance will be more than a small-capacity commuter. | Unlike petrol bikes that you can top up in minutes, the Roadster’s battery takes several hours to fully charge on a regular home charger. This means you need to plan ahead, usually overnight or during long parking, which isn’t as convenient for spontaneous long rides. The claimed range of up to ~248 km is good for most city commutes, but it still requires careful planning on longer trips. Real-world range can be lower depending on speed, riding mode, traffic conditions, and use of accessories (lights, indicators, etc.). If you don’t have easy access to a reliable charger at home or work, finding public chargers can be difficult or time-consuming, especially in smaller towns and less electrified areas. Electric bikes carry heavy batteries, and the Roadster is no exception. This extra weight can make manoeuvring at low speeds or pushing the bike manually a bit more tiring compared to lighter petrol motorcycles. EVs, including the Roadster, often have a higher upfront cost compared to similarly specced petrol bikes. While running costs are lower, the initial investment may feel significant for budget-conscious buyers. Like all EV batteries, the Roadster’s battery may lose capacity gradually with long-term use. This means you may see a reduction in range over several years, which can affect usability later in ownership. |
| Detailed Overview | The Jawa 42 has always been one of those bikes that immediately catches your attention, not because it shouts for it, but because it blends a classic silhouette with a cleaner, more modern execution. What lies beneath that timeless shape is a 294.7 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that feels calmer and more refined than what its retro looks suggest. On the road, this engine produces power in a gentle, progressive manner, offering a shade over 27 horses and nearly 27 Nm of torque. Numbers aside, the way it behaves is what matters. It has enough poke to glide through daily traffic without effort and enough mid-range strength to let you make relaxed overtakes on open stretches. Liquid cooling helps the engine stay composed even in slow-moving traffic, which is something riders in Indian cities instinctively appreciate after a few weeks of ownership. Pairing this motor with a 6-speed gearbox adds to the usability. The lower gears keep the bike agile in congested areas, while the higher gears let the engine settle into a smooth rhythm once you get past city limits. It doesn’t buzz excessively at cruising speeds, which means longer rides feel easier on the hands and the head. You don’t really need to work the gearbox too hard; the bike has that effortless vibe where it moves without demanding constant attention. The chassis plays an equally important role in shaping the character of the Jawa 42. Built around a double-cradle frame, the motorcycle feels planted and meaningful, especially on predictable tarmac. The telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers are tuned more toward comfort than aggression. On broken city roads, they absorb most imperfections without sending harshness to the rider. When the road smoothens out, the bike feels composed and reassuring, never twitchy or nervous. The rear shocks come with preload adjustment, which helps you tweak the stiffness based on your weight or whether you’re carrying a pillion. With a wheelbase that sits in a comfortable middle ground and a seat height that most riders can manage without a second thought, the 42 feels friendly the moment you swing a leg over it. The weight, hovering around the 180-kilo mark, is noticeable when you first lift it off the stand, but once the wheels start rolling, it becomes surprisingly easy to guide through tight city gaps. At slow speeds, it doesn’t feel top-heavy or intimidating, making it a bike that even new riders can ease into confidently. Braking performance further boosts that confidence. Disc brakes at both ends, supported by ABS, ensure the bike maintains composure even during harder braking scenarios. Whether you’re slowing down suddenly for an unexpected pothole or coming down from a quick highway burst, the bite feels progressive and predictable. The road grip from the tyres complements the braking setup, giving the rider a reassuring sense of control in both dry and wet conditions. The 13-litre fuel tank offers a practical range for mixed usage. In real riding, the bike tends to return mileage figures that make sense for a 300 cc machine—good enough for daily routes and long enough to avoid unnecessary halts during weekend rides. The riding position supports this versatility. The handlebar sits at a comfortable reach, the footpegs aren’t placed too far back or forward, and the seat shape suits both short commutes and longer journeys. Modern touches such as the digital or semi-digital instrument cluster add convenience without taking away from the classic charm. The display keeps essential information easy to absorb while riding, and the switches and controls feel straightforward and durable. The alloy wheels, apart from enhancing the bike’s stance, also bring the practicality of tubeless tyres, which every rider appreciates the moment a puncture threatens to ruin the day. What ties everything together is the way the Jawa 42 feels when you ride it. It’s not a machine built to chase top speeds or sharp cornering records. Instead, it’s designed to make everyday riding enjoyable. It’s smooth where it needs to be, steady when the road gets unpredictable, and stylish enough to turn heads without trying too hard. For someone who wants a motorcycle that merges classic aesthetics with modern engineering, and who values comfort and composure over outright aggression, the Jawa 42 fits naturally into that sweet spot. It becomes a companion more than a tool—a bike you look forward to riding every single day. | The first thing you notice when you get on the Roadster is what’s missing. There’s no engine rumble, no vibrations creeping up through the handlebars, and no clutch or gearbox demanding attention. Instead, there’s a calm silence and the moment you twist the throttle, a smooth, immediate push forward. That’s the nature of electric power. No waiting, no revving, no drama just clean acceleration when you ask for it. At the heart of the Roadster is an electric motor rated at 13 kW, and while that number may sound technical, what it really means is this the bike feels quick right from the start. From traffic lights or slow moving city roads, it pulls ahead effortlessly, hitting 0 to 40 km per hour in about 2.6 seconds. In everyday riding, this translates to easy overtakes, stress free merging, and a sense that the bike is always ready. There’s no engine lag or power band to hunt for. With a top speed of around 126 km per hour, it does not feel limited to city duties alone and can comfortably handle short highway stretches. Since there’s no petrol tank, the idea of mileage changes completely. What matters instead is battery capacity and range. The Roadster’s top variant comes with a 6 kWh battery, offering a claimed range of up to 248 km on a single charge. For many riders, this means you will not need to plug in every day. A few days of commuting or a mix of city and weekend riding can easily be covered before charging again. Charging, however, is not like a quick fuel stop. A full charge takes several hours, so the bike fits best into a routine where it is charged overnight or while parked for long periods. On the road, the Roadster feels well suited for Indian conditions. The telescopic front fork and rear monoshock strike a good balance. The setup feels stable at higher speeds while remaining comfortable enough to handle potholes, speed breakers, and uneven roads. Alloy wheels with tubeless tyres add everyday practicality, making punctures easier to manage and improving overall handling. Braking performance is equally reassuring. With disc brakes on both the front and rear and single channel ABS, the bike delivers confident stopping power. In sudden braking situations or on wet and uneven surfaces, ABS helps maintain control, which is especially important in city traffic. The riding experience is enhanced by modern features. Higher variants come with a TFT touchscreen display that shows speed, battery status, range, and riding information clearly. Multiple riding modes Eco, Normal, Sport, and Hyper allow riders to choose between efficiency and performance depending on their needs. Features like push button start and reverse assist for tight parking add convenience, while the simplicity of an electric drivetrain means no gears, no clutch, and no engine noise. Living with the Roadster feels like adapting to a new rhythm rather than learning something complicated. For daily commuters, it makes stop and go traffic far less tiring. For riders who combine city use with occasional longer rides, the range and performance feel more than sufficient. Maintenance is simpler too, with no oil changes, no engine tuning, and fewer moving parts to worry about. That said, electric ownership does require a shift in mindset. You trade the freedom of instant refuelling for planned charging. If you have access to charging at home or work, this rarely feels like a compromise. However, spontaneous long rides depend on how much battery charge is available. In everyday terms, the Ola Roadster is not just a replacement for a petrol bike. It represents a different approach to motorcycling, one that is quieter, smoother, and more convenient for modern city life. For riders whose usage is focused on urban roads with the occasional highway stretch, it offers a balanced mix of performance, comfort, range, and ease of ownership without the noise, heat, and frequent maintenance of a traditional engine. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | The Ola Roadster is an electric motorcycle that delivers instant, smooth acceleration and a quiet, hassle-free riding experience ideal for city commuting. With a claimed range of up to about 248 km on a full charge and modern features like a TFT display and multiple ride modes, it blends practicality with tech. Its simple, gear-free operation and lower running costs make daily use easy, while disc brakes and ABS ensure confident stopping power. However, long charging times and dependence on charging access are important considerations compared to petrol bikes. Overall, it’s a compelling choice for urban riders looking for a cleaner, low-maintenance alternative., MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q1. Is the Jawa 42 good for daily commuting? Yes, the Jawa 42 works very well as a daily ride. Its engine is smooth in the low and mid-range, the riding posture is comfortable, and the bike feels easy to handle in traffic once it’s moving. The 6-speed gearbox also helps during mixed city and highway use. Q2. What is the real-world mileage of the Jawa 42? In normal riding conditions, most owners get somewhere around 30–35 km/l. Mileage can vary based on traffic, riding style, and how often you ride in lower gears. Q3. Can the Jawa 42 handle long highway rides? Absolutely. The bike maintains a relaxed rhythm at cruising speeds, and the liquid-cooled engine stays stable on longer stretches. The seat and riding triangle are designed to reduce fatigue, making weekend trips and short tours comfortable. Q4. Is the engine reliable for long-term use? The 294.7 cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine is built to be durable and refined. With regular maintenance and quality engine oil, the bike holds up well over the years and remains smooth even with daily use. Q5. How is the suspension comfort on bad roads? The suspension tuning leans toward comfort. The front forks and adjustable rear shocks absorb bumps reasonably well, making the bike suitable for broken city roads and uneven surfaces. Q6. Does the Jawa 42 vibrate at high speeds? The bike handles vibrations better than many retro-styled motorcycles. Mild buzz may appear at very high speeds, but cruising at moderate highway speeds remains smooth and manageable. Q7. Is the seat height suitable for shorter riders? Yes, the seat height is around 788 mm, which most riders can comfortably manage. Even shorter riders usually find it easy to place their feet on the ground. Q8. How are the brakes on the Jawa 42? With disc brakes at both ends and ABS, braking performance is confident and predictable. It offers good stopping power and remains stable even during sudden braking. Q9. Is the Jawa 42 heavy to manage? The weight feels slightly noticeable when pushing it while parked, but once moving, the bike becomes easy to maneuver. Its balance and geometry help it feel lighter than it actually is. Q10. What is the service cost like? Service costs are generally moderate for a 300 cc bike. Routine maintenance, oil changes, and consumables stay within a reasonable range, though prices can vary slightly between dealerships. Q11. Is the Jawa 42 suitable for beginners? Yes, it can be a good choice for new riders. The power delivery is smooth, the handling is friendly, and it doesn’t intimidate you with sudden acceleration. It’s a comfortable, approachable motorcycle for learning and improving skills. Q12. Does the Jawa 42 have tubeless tyres? Yes, the alloy wheel variants come with tubeless tyres, which is a major advantage for daily riders as they make puncture handling much easier. Q13. What is the fuel tank capacity? The bike carries a 13.2-litre tank, giving a comfortable riding range for both city commutes and weekend rides. Q14. What makes the Jawa 42 different from other retro bikes? It stands out for blending classic looks with a smoother, more modern engine feel. The liquid-cooled DOHC engine, 6-speed gearbox, and better high-speed refinement give it a more contemporary riding character while still keeping the vintage charm. | Q: How much mileage does the Ola Roadster offer? A: Since the Ola Roadster is an electric motorcycle, its efficiency is measured in range rather than mileage. The 6 kWh variant delivers up to ~248 km on a single charge, making it ideal for both daily commutes and long rides. Q: What is the top speed of the Ola Roadster? A: The Ola Roadster can reach a top speed of approximately 126 km/h, offering a sporty and confident riding experience. Q: What is the battery capacity? A: The Roadster is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of up to 6 kWh in the top variant. Q: How long does it take to fully charge? A: Using a standard home charger, the bike takes around 7–8 hours for a full charge, perfect for overnight charging. Q: How powerful is the motor? A: The electric motor produces a peak power output of 13 kW, delivering instant torque and quick acceleration. Q: Does the Ola Roadster have ABS? A: Yes, safety is well taken care of with single-channel ABS for controlled and confident braking. Q: What braking system does it use? A: The bike comes equipped with disc brakes at both the front and rear, ensuring strong stopping power. Q: Is there a touchscreen display? A: Yes, higher variants feature a 7-inch TFT touchscreen display, offering smart connectivity and real-time riding information. Q: What suspension setup does it have? A: The Ola Roadster uses a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock, providing a comfortable and stable ride on city roads and highways. Q: Is the Ola Roadster suitable for highway riding? A: Absolutely. With its fast acceleration and 126 km/h top speed, the Roadster is suitable for short to moderate highway rides. Q: What colour options are available? A: The Ola Roadster is offered in multiple colour themes, which vary based on the selected variant. Q: Does it offer different riding modes? A: Yes, the bike comes with four riding modes — Eco, Normal, Sport, and Hyper, allowing riders to balance performance and efficiency as needed. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | Electric |
| Price Variants | | 159000 | 3.5kWh | 104999 4.5kWh | 119999 6kWh | 139999 |
| Pros | The 294.7 cc liquid-cooled, DOHC engine delivers smooth, usable power. It’s strong enough for city traffic and highway cruising without being overly aggressive — ideal for a daily ride or a relaxed weekend cruise. The 6-speed gearbox is a big plus: it helps keep the engine relaxed at higher speeds and offers flexibility for tight city riding, which makes the bike versatile whether you’re commuting or touring. Suspension and chassis setup balance comfort and stability nicely. The telescopic front forks and adjustable twin rear shocks soak up urban bumps and rough roads reasonably well, yet the bike remains composed on smoother roads. Handling and ergonomics suit a wide range of riders. Seat height and geometry keep the bike manageable in traffic or tight spots; once moving, the weight feels stable but not cumbersome. Disc brakes (front and rear) with ABS give reliable stopping power and good braking confidence — good for unpredictable traffic or sudden stops. The 13-litre fuel tank and respectable real-world mileage make it practical for daily use without frequent fuel stops. Blend of retro styling and modern engineering: it gives the classic-bike look and relaxed feel but with contemporary performance, maintenance comfort, and features like alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. Comfortable riding posture makes it suitable for both short commutes and longer rides; it's not tiring or too aggressive, which broadens the use-case beyond just city or weekend use. | The electric motor delivers instant torque, so the Roadster pulls smoothly and quickly from a standstill. This makes navigating city traffic, overtaking slow vehicles, and moving through congested roads feel effortless. No clutch, no gears, no engine noise , just twist and go. This simplicity makes the Roadster especially easy for new riders or commuters who don’t want to deal with gear shifts during busy traffic. Electric charging is generally cheaper than petrol. Combined with fewer moving parts and lower maintenance (no oil changes, no fuel system), the Roadster can be cheaper to own and operate in the long run. With a claimed range of up to about 248 km on a full charge (6 kWh battery), most users can cover several days of regular city commuting without needing to charge frequently. The suspension setup (telescopic front fork + rear monoshock) strikes a practical balance between comfort and control. It handles common road irregularities such as bumps and patches reasonably well , so useful for urban and semi-urban conditions. With disc brakes front and rear, plus single-channel ABS, braking feels predictable and stable. This matters in real-world scenarios like sudden stops or wet patches on the road. Reverse assist helps in parking tight spaces, and the riding posture is comfortable for city use. The bike’s responsiveness and control make it suitable for daily trips, errands, and short rides without the usual engine fuss. |
| Starter | — | Electric Start |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | Automatic |
