Quick Analysis
JAWA 42
10.5 pts
Unweighted: 13 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 900 GT
31.0 pts
Unweighted: 18 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 294.7 cc | 888 cc |
| Engine Type | — | DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 27.3 PS | 108 PS / 106.5 bhp (79.5 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 26.8 Nm | 90 Nm @ 6,850 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 32 kmpl | 21 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 219 kg |
| Seat Height | 788 mm | Adjustable 820 - 840 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc Front 280 mm, Caliper - Front 2 Piston | Twin 320mm floating discs, Brembo Stylema 4 piston Monobloc calipers. Radial front master cylinder, Optimised Cornering ABS |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 35 mm | Marzocchi 45mm upside down forks, manual rebound and compression damping adjustment, 180mm travel |
| Rear Brake | Disc Front 240 mm, Caliper - Rear 1Piston | Single 255mm disc. Single piston sliding caliper. Optimised cornering ABS |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber, Gas Filled with Adjustable Preload | Marzocchi rear suspension unit, manual preload and rebound damping adjustment, 170mm wheel travel |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | Alloy wheel - 90/90-18, 51P | Metzeler TouranceTM Next, 100/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | Alloy Wheel - 120/80-17, 61P | Metzeler TouranceTM Next, 150/70R17 |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | DRLs LED |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42voyagerred.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tiger900graphitesapphireblack.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/tiger900snowdoniawhitesapphireblack.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 | Carnival Red / Sapphire Black Graphite / Sapphire Black Snowdonia White / Sapphire 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. | Seat height & weight may challenge some riders: The seat height (820-840 mm) and kerb weight (219 kg as per some reviews) make it less accessible for shorter riders or frequent urban manoeuvres. Noticeable vibration & heat in certain conditions: Some riders report vibration in the handlebar/pegs above ~120 km/h and heat from radiators hitting the left knee in city stop-go traffic. Premium cost & maintenance: The higher acquisition cost (especially CBU import variants in India), service/parts cost and lower accessibility of dealership/spares in some regions are considered trade-offs. Touring-oriented but not hardcore off-road: While competent on less-tamed roads, the GT version uses road-biased tyres and suspension travel limits compared to dedicated off-road versions, so serious trail riding isn’t its strong suit. |
| 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 Triumph Tiger 900 GT stands out as one of the most versatile and capable middleweight adventure-tourers in the premium segment. Designed primarily for on-road touring with occasional off-road capabilities, it combines comfort, power, and advanced technology in a way that caters to both experienced tourers and riders looking to upgrade from smaller ADVs. At the heart of the Tiger 900 GT is an 888cc, liquid-cooled, inline 3-cylinder engine that produces around 108 PS at 9,500 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 6,850 rpm. This engine offers a distinctive character thanks to Triumph’s unique T-plane crank, which delivers a thrilling combination of low-end grunt and smooth high-end power delivery. The triple-cylinder setup provides linear acceleration, making the bike equally confident in city rides, mountain curves, and long-distance highway cruising. In terms of design, the Tiger 900 GT showcases Triumph’s refined styling with a slim yet muscular stance, LED lighting, a large 20-liter fuel tank, and a comfortable touring-oriented seat setup. The ergonomics have been well thought out, offering an upright riding position with wide handlebars and adjustable seat height ranging from 820 mm to 840 mm. The seat cushioning and suspension setup make it ideal for long journeys, reducing fatigue over extended rides. The bike rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast-aluminium wheels fitted with Metzeler Tourance Next tyres, which enhance grip and stability on paved surfaces while offering moderate confidence on gravel or light off-road trails. The chassis and suspension of the Tiger 900 GT are among its strongest highlights. It features a lightweight steel trellis frame combined with Marzocchi 45mm USD forks at the front and a Marzocchi adjustable monoshock at the rear. This suspension setup ensures a plush, controlled ride even when the road surface deteriorates. The bike’s balance and steering precision make it feel lighter than its 219 kg wet weight, which boosts rider confidence in corners or during quick maneuvers. The braking setup is equally premium, featuring Brembo Stylema calipers that provide strong, progressive stopping power with cornering ABS ensuring maximum safety. On the technology front, Triumph has equipped the Tiger 900 GT with a suite of modern features including a 7-inch full-color TFT display, Bluetooth connectivity (via the My Triumph app), and four riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, and Off-road—allowing riders to tailor throttle response, traction control, and ABS settings to suit different terrains. Additionally, the GT includes ride-by-wire throttle, cornering traction control, heated grips, cruise control, and all-LED lighting, making it a tech-laden tourer ready for every condition. In real-world use, the Triumph Tiger 900 GT excels as a long-distance companion thanks to its smooth power delivery, stable handling, and excellent comfort. It feels agile enough for city rides yet truly shines on highways and winding hill roads. However, while it handles occasional off-road trails decently, its focus remains more road-oriented compared to the Tiger 900 Rally variant. Overall, the Tiger 900 GT offers a perfect balance between power, refinement, comfort, and touring practicality—making it one of the best premium middleweight adventure bikes in its class. |
| 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 engine does the Triumph Tiger 900 GT have? A: It’s powered by an 888 cc, liquid-cooled, 12-valve, inline-3-cylinder engine producing around 108 PS at 9,500 rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 6,850 rpm. Q: What is the seat height of the Tiger 900 GT? A: The seat height is adjustable in the range of approximately 820 mm to 840 mm for the GT variant. Q: What kind of wheels and tyres does the Tiger 900 GT use? A: It uses a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cast aluminium wheels (for the GT) paired with Metzeler Tourance Next tyres for road-biased adventure capability. Q: What electronics and features come with the Tiger 900 GT? A: Features include a full-colour 7″ TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity (“My Triumph” system), riding modes (Road, Rain, Sport, Off-road) for the GT, and Optimised Cornering ABS / traction control. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what mileage can be expected? A: The fuel tank capacity is 20 litres. Real-world mileage in India is reported around ~21-22 km/l depending on conditions. Q: What is the starting price of the Tiger 900 GT in India? A: The ex-showroom starting price is around **₹14,40,000** (for the GT variant in India). Q: Is the Tiger 900 GT suitable for both touring and everyday commuting? A: Yes — it’s designed as a road-focused adventure tourer with comfortable ergonomics, road-capable suspension and engine characteristics that make it suitable for long rides as well as city traffic. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 159000 | GT | 1440000 |
| 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 engine performance: The 888 cc triple delivers a solid mix of usable torque and mid-range power, making it versatile for both urban riding and highway touring. Excellent handling and refined chassis: Reviewers mention that despite its size, the Tiger 900 GT feels lighter and more agile than expected, especially on road. High-quality feature set: The bike comes with modern electronics (riding modes, traction control, cornering ABS), adjustable suspension, and other premium components that enhance the riding experience. Comfortable for long rides: With a relaxed yet upright riding posture, good wind-protection and stable ride quality, the Tiger 900 GT is well-suited for touring. |
| Transmission | 6-Speed | 6 speed |
