Quick Analysis
JAWA 42
25.0 pts
Unweighted: 21 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
OLA Roadster X+
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 10 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Displacement | 294.7 cc | — |
| Power | 27.3 PS | 11 kw |
| Torque | 26.8 Nm | 58 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 L | — |
| Mileage | 32 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 131.4 |
| Seat Height | 788 mm | 777 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | — |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston | Disc Brake and Brake by Wire |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | Telescopic Fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston | Drum |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload | Twin Shock Absorber |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Alloy wheel - 90/90-18, 51P | 80/100 - 18 |
| Rear Tyre | Alloy Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P | 110/80 - 17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| 0–40 km/h (s) | — | 2.7 |
| Battery | MF Battery | — |
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | — | 9.1 |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roadsterxplusstellarblue.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 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roadsterxpluspinegreen.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42odysseyblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/roadsterxplusceramicwhite.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 | — |
| Charger Output Power (kW) | — | 11 |
| Cluster | — | Digital |
| 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 | Ceramic White|#fafbfc Metallic Black|#4f4f4f Pine Green|#688f86 Industrial Silver|#969696 Stellar Blue|#2a8bbf |
| 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. | Real-world range and performance will likely be lower than claimed — heavy use, frequent stops, speed variations, and load (pillion, luggage) will eat into efficiency. Charging infrastructure & time: if you don’t have easy access to a charger (or fast charger), long-range EVs can become inconvenient — charging from home or available points may not always be smooth. Ride/comfort trade-offs: compared to a petrol bike or premium EV bike, suspension, build or ergonomics may feel basic — this might show on rough roads or during long rides. Limited storage/practical baggage space compared with scooters — less convenient if you often need to carry luggage or do frequent errands. Uncertainty over long-term maintenance/battery life: with any new EV bike, battery degradation over years and real-world wear can be a concern — long-term durability isn’t yet proven. |
| 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 Ola Roadster X+ feels like a serious attempt to marry modern electric-bike practicality with real-world performance — and on paper, it does enough to make you sit up and take notice. Under its sleek bodywork lies an 11 kW mid-drive electric motor that delivers a quick, smooth surge of power the moment you twist the throttle. That punch, combined with the lighter electric driveline and chain drive, gives the bike enough zest to tackle city traffic smartly or even stretch its legs on open roads. On the top-end 9.1 kWh variant, the claimed 0-to-40 km/h time is just 2.7 seconds and top speed around 125 km/h — not sport-bike blistering, but more than adequate for busy Indian roads and the occasional highway run. Where Roadster X+ really tries to shine is in the battery-and-range equation. If you pick the smaller 4.5 kWh pack, you get a claimed range around 252 km — handy for daily commuting and regular errands. But go for the large 9.1 kWh battery, and the claimed “IDC” range jumps to a striking 501 km on a charge. That number (which assumes ideal conditions) suggests the bike could cover long stretches between charges, reducing range anxiety and making it more practical for longer commutes or sporadic weekend rides. Naturally, real-world range will vary based on speed, load, terrain and throttle usage — but the generous battery gives a buffer that many electric two-wheelers don’t. Comfort and rideability appear to have been given thoughtful consideration. The bike rides on a conventional telescopic front fork and twin-shock rear suspension, built on a sturdy double-cradle steel frame. For daily city traffic, mixed-speed roads, potholes and uneven patches — common across Indian towns — this setup should deliver a stable, predictable ride. The kerb weight and geometry are such that maneuvering through congested lanes, filtering traffic or parking in narrow spots won’t feel overly burdensome. Ground clearance and tyre-/wheel specs also help it adapt to typical road conditions without undermining stability. Rider convenience and modern-bike niceties haven’t been ignored. Roadster X+ gets a 4.3-inch full-colour digital display that runs on the manufacturer’s proprietary OS, bringing in features like ride modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), reverse assist (handy in tight parking), cruise-control, tyre-pressure alerts, geo/time-fencing, energy-insights, OTA updates, and more. LED lighting, tubeless alloy wheels, digital instrumentation — they give the bike a contemporary feel, helping it stand out versus legacy petrol bikes and some other EV two-wheelers. The under-seat storage and ergonomics are more utility-focused than sporty, which matches the bike’s practical-commuter intent. Price-wise, Roadster X+ positions itself as a premium-ish but still attainable EV bike. Compared to traditional petrol motorcycles of similar displacement or other EV rivals, the combination of performance, battery capacity, and tech makes it appealing especially for someone looking to switch to electric without compromising too much on usability. The high-end 9.1 kWh variant, with its long-range claim and balanced performance, seems aimed at riders who want an EV that feels closer to a regular bike than a low-speed city scooter. That said, nothing electric or new is completely “issue-free.” Real-world conditions — especially heavy traffic, frequent start-stops, potholes, mixed roads — will likely reduce the ideal range and may strain battery & motor more than a stable test loop. Charging convenience becomes a factor if you lack home charging or nearby chargers; charging time for the big battery on AC still takes hours, which means planning is needed before long rides. And while the suspension/ride setup is practical, it’s unlikely to deliver plush comfort on badly pocked rural roads. In essence, Ola Roadster X+ isn’t about flashy superbike performance or luxury-bike refinement. It aims to be a balanced, thoughtful electric motorcycle for modern Indian commuting: powerful enough to keep traffic flowing, roomy enough in battery to cut charging woes, simple and robust for everyday use, and smart enough with tech features to feel like a 2025-era ride. For someone in a city or well-connected semi-urban area who wants to step into electric mobility without sacrificing too much on real-world ride, the X+ could very well hit a sweet spot. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | Ola Roadster X+ is loved for its sporty design, impressive range, and value for money, but has frequent frustration reported from users due to charging malfunctions, software glitches, and poor after-sales service support, 3, 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: What battery options are available for Roadster X+? A: Roadster X+ is offered with a 4.5 kWh battery pack and a 9.1 kWh battery pack. Q: What is the claimed range on a full charge? A: The 4.5 kWh variant is claimed to give up to 252 km per charge; the 9.1 kWh variant claims up to 501 km per charge. Q: What motor power does Roadster X+ have? A: The Roadster X+ uses an 11 kW mid-drive motor. Q: What is the top speed of Roadster X+? A: The top speed is claimed to be 125 km/h. Q: How quick is the acceleration (0–40 km/h)? A: Roadster X+ can sprint from 0 to 40 km/h in approximately 2.7 seconds. Q: What kind of braking and wheels does it have? A: It has a front disc brake, a rear drum brake, and uses tubeless tyres with alloy wheels. Q: What suspension and frame setup does Roadster X+ use? A: It uses a double-cradle steel frame, telescopic front forks, and twin-shock adjustable rear suspension. Q: What sort of display and electronic features does it come with? A: It has a 4.3-inch colour LCD display and supports multiple ride modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), plus features like regenerative braking, reverse assist, and other smart-bike features. Q: What is the charging time for Roadster X+? A: The 9.1 kWh battery variant takes around 8 hours for full charge (0–80% charging time as per official spec sheet). Q: What is the curb weight and seat height (for 9.1 kWh variant)? A: The kerb weight is listed at ~148.3 kg and the seat height is about 777 mm. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | Electric |
| Price Variants | | 159000 | 9.1 kWh|189999 4.5 kWh|129999 |
| 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. | Strong performance: the 11 kW motor gives brisk acceleration and top-end speed, making the ride feel lively even with a full load. Good range (especially on 9.1 kWh version): the large battery lets you cover long distances between charges — useful for daily commuting and occasional longer rides. Modern features & electronics: digital display, ride modes, smart-bike style features (like regen braking, possibly app connectivity and convenience features, depending on variant) make it feel more up-to-date than a basic commuter bike. Practical for city + occasional highway: with decent speed and torque, it works well in urban traffic, but can also handle open roads when needed, giving flexibility. Good choice for EV-minded buyers: being electric, operating costs (fuel, oil, frequent maintenance) are lower than a petrol bike, which may save money over time. |
| Range (Claimed, km) | — | 501 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | — |
