Quick Analysis
JAWA 42
12.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Royal Enfield Himalayan
25.0 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 294.7 cc | 452 cc |
| Engine Type | — | Single Cylinder, 4-Valve, DOHC, FI |
| Power | 27.3 PS | 40.02 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 26.8 Nm | 40 Nm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 L | 17.0 L |
| Mileage | 32 kmpl | 30 Kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 196 kg |
| Seat Height | 788 mm | Standard -825 mm Adjustable to 845 mm, Low-805 mm adjustable to 825 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS (Switchable) |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston | 320 mm ventilated Disc with Double piston Caliper |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | Upside-down Fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston | 240 mm ventilated Disc with Single piston Caliper |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload | Mono Shock |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Alloy wheel - 90/90-18, 51P | 90/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | Alloy Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P | 140/80 R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | — |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Spoke Rims |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | 12 V, 8 AH |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Himalayan-Black.jpg |
| 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/2025/02/Himalyan1.jpg |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42odysseyblack.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/himalyan2.jpg |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42nebulablue.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HImalayan3.jpg |
| 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 | — |
| Cluster | — | 4 Inch round TFT display, Supports Map Navigation |
| 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 | Hanle Black | #333438,#d1ae75 Kamet White | #f1f5f0,#a7b0ac Slate Poppy Blue | #6d7278,#526887 Slate Himalayan Salt | #616569,#ff7a75 Kaza Brown | #d9d5ca |
| 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. | Heavy Weight: Difficult to handle in city traffic. High Price: Costly compared to rivals in the same segment. Limited Tech: Lacks advanced features found in newer bikes. Moderate Performance: Not meant for aggressive riding. Maintenance Cost: Slightly higher upkeep and service costs. |
| 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 new Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is more than just an updated version of the old Himalayan 411 — it’s a complete transformation of what an adventure motorcycle from Royal Enfield can be. Designed for riders who love exploring beyond paved roads, this bike represents a perfect balance between power, comfort, and endurance. It’s built to handle everything from daily commutes to high-altitude expeditions and challenging off-road trails. The Himalayan 450 has been engineered to take riders farther and deeper into unexplored terrain while offering the kind of reliability and comfort that long-distance touring demands. At the heart of the Himalayan 450 is the new 452 cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder Sherpa engine. This motor produces around 40 PS of power and 40 Nm of torque, giving the bike a strong mid-range punch that’s ideal for adventure riding. Whether you’re climbing steep mountain roads or cruising on highways, the engine feels smooth, refined, and responsive. The addition of liquid cooling ensures consistent performance in tough conditions like high altitudes or hot plains. A six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch and ride-by-wire throttle adds to its modern character, allowing riders to switch seamlessly between relaxed touring and spirited riding. The bike also offers multiple ride modes and switchable ABS, giving more control across different terrains. Where the Himalayan 450 truly shines is in its ability to adapt to any environment. Built on a brand-new steel twin-spar frame, the bike offers impressive stability and balance. The long-travel suspension — with 43 mm upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear — ensures that the motorcycle glides over potholes, gravel, and rocky trails without losing composure. The 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, combined with dual-purpose tyres, provide excellent traction on both roads and dirt tracks. With a remarkable 230 mm of ground clearance, the Himalayan confidently clears obstacles that would stop most street bikes in their tracks. Despite its 196 kg kerb weight, the bike feels surprisingly manageable once in motion, giving riders the confidence to take on demanding routes. Comfort and practicality are also at the heart of its design. The ergonomics are upright and relaxed, with a seat that can be adjusted between 825 mm and 845 mm to suit different rider heights. The bike feels comfortable for long hours in the saddle, and the 17-litre fuel tank provides a range suitable for extended journeys without frequent refuelling stops. Whether you’re riding solo or with luggage, the Himalayan 450 feels composed and ready to take on thousands of kilometres of adventure. Royal Enfield has also equipped this bike with modern technology to make every journey easier. The 4-inch round TFT display supports Google Maps navigation, smartphone connectivity, and media controls — features that make long-distance touring more convenient. Full-LED lighting improves visibility during night rides, and the USB Type-C charging port ensures your devices stay powered throughout your trip. Priced from around ₹3.05 lakh (ex-showroom), the Himalayan 450 offers remarkable value for its capability. It’s not just meant for highways or city use — it’s designed for real adventure. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the snowy passes of Ladakh, this motorcycle is capable of handling it all. The new Himalayan 450 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a versatile, tough, and modern adventure companion built to conquer every landscape that India — and the world — can offer. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | This motorcycle delivers a compelling blend of adventure-capability, modern tech and strong value. With its 452 cc liquid-cooled engine, genuine off-road hardware (21″ front wheel, long-travel suspension) and a smart feature set, it is very well suited for riders who want to explore highways and rough terrain. On the flip side, it’s heavy for urban commuting, vibrations still creep in, and it lacks some high-end rider aids (like traction control or cornering ABS) found on premium rivals. If your focus is touring, adventure rides and terrain-varied trips—and you’re comfortable with the size and weight—then the Himalayan 450 is a highly worthy buy. If most of your riding is in traffic-heavy city conditions or you favour nimble, ultra-light bikes, you might want to evaluate alternatives. In short: great pick for real adventure use, especially on Indian roads, but less ideal purely as a city commuter., 4, 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. | — |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 159000 | Kaza Brown | 305736 Slate Himalayan Salt | 310028 Slate Poppy Blue | 310028 Kamet White | 314319 Hanle Black | 319682 |
| 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. | Timeless Design: Retro styling with premium chrome and detailing. Refined Engine: Smooth J-series engine with less vibration. Comfortable Ride: Plush seat and balanced suspension for long rides. Strong Build: Feels sturdy and durable with solid metal parts. Good Mileage: Delivers around 35–40 km/l, decent for a 350cc bike. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6 Speed Manuel |
