Quick Analysis
JAWA 42
15.5 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI GIXXER SF 250/ GIXXER 250
20.5 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Displacement | 294.7 cc | 249cm³ |
| Engine Type | — | 4-Cycle, 1-cylinder, Oil cooled |
| Power | 27.3 PS | 26.13 bhp @ 9300 rpm |
| Torque | 26.8 Nm | 22.2 Nm @ 7,300 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 L | 12 L |
| Mileage | 32 kmpl | 35 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 161 kg |
| Seat Height | 788 mm | 800mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston | Disc 300 mm Front 2 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | Telescopic |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston | Disc 220 mm Real 1 Piston |
| 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 | 110/70R17M/C 54S |
| Rear Tyre | Alloy Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P | 150/60R17M/C 66S |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | Maintenance free, 12V 6Ah |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gixxersf250metmatblackmetmatbordeauxred.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/2025/11/gixxersf250metallicmatteblack.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 | — |
| 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 | Met Triton Blue / Pearl Glacier White Met Mat Black / Met Mat Bordeaux Red Metallic Matte Black |
| 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. | Fuel tank capacity is modest, which limits long-distance range between fill-ups. It’s not built for rough off-road or hardcore touring — more suited for smooth roads and occasional rough patches. As a 250-class bike, performance is modest compared to larger motorcycles — may feel underpowered for those seeking outright speed or heavy touring. Rear suspension setup and seat may feel basic for very long rides or heavy pillion + luggage combos. Fuel efficiency and mileage will depend heavily on riding style — aggressive riding can reduce the “balanced” efficiency benefit. |
| 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. | Riding the Gixxer SF 250 feels like driving a well-tuned middle-shafted balance between everyday usability and sporty flair. Under its sleek fairing lives a 249 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, oil-cooled engine with SOHC and fuel injection. With a bore and stroke of 76 mm by 54.9 mm, this engine generates about 26.5 PS at 9,300 rpm and around 22.2 Nm of torque at 7,300 rpm. What this translates into on the road is a friendly yet spirited ride — you don’t get a sudden, harsh surge of power but a smooth, linear and predictable pull once you twist the throttle. That makes city commutes relaxed and manageable, and when you open it up on highways or open roads, the engine responds eagerly enough to keep pace comfortably. Paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and electric start, the Gixxer SF 250 makes everyday usability straightforward. Shifting through gears is light and intuitive, which helps in stop-and-go traffic as well as during overtakes. The oil-cooling keeps engine temperature under control, which means you can expect stable performance even when traffic snarls or you’re riding under Indian weather conditions. Physically, the bike has a compact yet sporty stance. With an overall length of 2,010 mm, width of 740 mm, height around 1,035 mm, and a wheelbase of 1,345 mm, it’s nimble enough to weave through city lanes yet stable enough for open roads. Seat height at 800 mm offers decent ground reach for many riders, while the kerb weight of about 161 kg strikes a balance — light enough for urban handling, but heavy enough to feel planted at speed. Ground clearance is 165 mm, which helps in dealing with broken patches, speed-breakers or uneven surfaces common on many Indian roads. The suspension setup — telescopic front forks and a rear swing-arm monoshock — brings a comfortable ride over a variety of surfaces. On city potholes or rough patches, it absorbs most of the bumps without transferring harshness to your seat. On smoother roads or while cruising, the suspension doesn’t feel floaty; the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring when you push a little harder. Stopping power comes from disc brakes on both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. That gives a usable level of braking confidence — whether you’re slowing down in traffic or braking suddenly on a slippery surface, the bike stays composed, and ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up, adding a layer of safety many riders appreciate. The tyres — 110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear, on cast alloy wheels — deliver a balanced grip/play between city and open-road riding. They help the bike stay agile at lower speeds yet stable when leaning a bit during spirited riding. The ride feels planted and predictable, not twitchy. Practical touches add to the everyday value of the SF 250. The 12-litre fuel tank may seem modest, but given the engine size and its reasonable fuel demand, it’s adequate for city-to-highway rides without making the bike heavy. The electricals — including LED headlamp and tail-light — give modern looks and better visibility at night. The presence of a digital instrument console adds convenience for riders wanting clear readouts without fuss. In short: the bike doesn’t pretend to be over-equipped, but gives you the essentials done right. What emerges from the combination of all these details is a motorcycle that doesn’t force you to choose between practicality and fun. For daily commuting, traffic weaving, and city errands, it stays light, nimble, and easy. For weekend rides, open roads, or spirited bursts, it has enough in reserve to keep things engaging. It doesn’t carry the bulk of a heavyweight tourer nor the ferocity of a high-end sportsbike — but therein lies its charm: it’s a genuine “do-it-all” middle-class street-sport machine that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance. For a rider in real-life Indian conditions — where you might deal with crowded city streets, potholed roads, occasional long stretches and mixed traffic — the Gixxer SF 250 behaves like a well-rounded companion. It’s not an extreme performer, but a balanced, sensible machine that gives you flexibility, reliability and enough thrill for a variety of riding situations. If you want a bike that feels at home in traffic, yet doesn’t shy away from open roads — the Gixxer SF 250 delivers exactly that. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | 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 is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 35–38 kmpl under normal mixed usage. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 800 mm. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is approximately 161 kg. Q: Does it have disc brakes and ABS? A: Yes — it comes with disc brakes front and rear and dual-channel ABS. Q: What size tyres does it use? A: The front tyre size is 110/70-17 and the rear tyre size is 150/60-17. Q: What is the engine displacement and power? A: The engine is a 249 cc single-cylinder oil-cooled unit producing roughly 26.5 PS and 22.2 Nm torque. Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: It has telescopic front forks and a monoshock rear suspension. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | Fuel Injection |
| Price Variants | | 159000 | | 192051 |
| 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. | Smooth and manageable 249 cc engine — good balance of enough power for city and highway without being intimidating. Light, nimble handling and reasonable kerb weight make it easy to maneuver in traffic and tight spaces. Comfortable seat height and posture for both city rides and longer journeys. Suspension does a decent job of absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces, giving a comfortable ride even on rough roads. Disc brakes front and rear with dual-channel ABS provide dependable stopping power and added safety. A good balance of sporty feel and everyday usability — suitable for daily commutes as well as occasional spirited rides. |
| Starter | — | ELECTRIC |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6- speed |
