Quick Analysis
JAWA 42 J
4.5 pts
Unweighted: 5 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
KTM 390 DUKE
23.0 pts
Unweighted: 14 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid cooling with radiator |
| Displacement | 334 cc | 398.63 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | Single Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, DOHC, FI Engine |
| Power | 29.17 PS | 46 PS @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 29.62 Nm | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 15 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 30 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 168.3 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 800 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS with SUPERMOTO mode |
| Front Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 320 mm | 320 mm Disc with Radially mounted calliper |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 41 mm | 5-click Compression & Rebound adjustable, Open Cartridge, WP APEX USD forks, 43mm diameter |
| Rear Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 240 mm | 240 mm Disc with Floating calliper |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber With 5-step Adjustable Pre-load | Adjustable WP APEX Monoshock, 5-step Rebound damping, 10-step preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/90-18, 56H | 110/70 - ZR17 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17, 66H | 150/60 - ZR17 |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | Full Split LED Headlamp |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | 12 V, 8 AH MF battery |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjdeepblackmatteblackclad.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM-390-Duke-Electric-orange.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjmystiquecopper.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KTM390DukeBlack_Booking.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjcosmobluematte.webp | — |
| Cluster | — | 5" TFT dash display |
| Color Options | Mystique Copper Deep Black Matte Black Clad Aurora Green Matte Deep Black Matte Red Clad Cosmo Blue Matte | GUN METAL GREY ELECTRONIC ORANGE ATLANTIC BLUE |
| Cons | Limited modern features – Lacks advanced electronics, ride modes, or connectivity options. Reliability concerns – Some owners report minor mechanical or electrical issues. After-sales and parts availability – Service centers may be limited in some areas, and spare parts can be hard to get. Comfort limitations for long rides – Pillion seat and luggage capacity are limited; not ideal for long-distance touring. Moderate fuel efficiency – Real-world mileage may be lower than expected in heavy traffic or aggressive riding. | Firm (harsh) ride: The suspension can feel stiff over potholes or uneven surfaces, which may be tiring for long rides. Limited wind protection: Being a naked bike, you feel a lot of wind at highway speeds, making long-distance touring less comfortable. Engine heat: In slow or stop-go traffic, the radiator fan can dump hot air toward the rider’s legs, which many find uncomfortable. Seat comfort: The stock seat can feel firm and less comfortable for long rides; also, pillion comfort is limited. Vibration: Some riders report noticeable vibrations in certain RPM ranges, especially between ~4,500–6,000 rpm. Reliability concerns: There are occasional reports of reliability issues or quality control, especially in older models. |
| Detailed Overview | Riding the Jawa 42 FJ feels like you’re commanding a machine that strikes a rare balance — it’s rugged without being raw, modern without giving up its classic soul. Under its skin lives a 334 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that’s tuned to generate about 29.17 PS of power and 29.62 Nm of torque. That power figure isn’t about wild acceleration; it’s about usable, confident torque right in the midrange — the kind that lets you surge past slow-moving traffic or carry speed comfortably once you’re out on open roads. Because the engine is liquid-cooled, it resists overheating even in stop-go traffic or during longer rides, which is a big plus for both city commuters and weekend travellers. Paired with that engine is a 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox, which gives the 42 FJ a flexibility that many retro-inspired bikes lack. In the city, lower gears help you navigate tight turns and slow zones; crank into the higher gears on the highway, and the bike relaxes into a smooth, sustained rhythm — it doesn’t feel stressed or out of breath. The assist-and-slipper clutch makes downshifts lighter and safer, especially when you’re slowing down hard or tackling steep terrain. This kind of setup means you don’t have to wrestle with clutch levers constantly — the bike does a lot of the work for you. On the road, the frame’s double-cradle design gives the bike a stable backbone. The front suspension is handled by telescopic forks (41 mm), while the rear uses twin shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustment. In real-world terms, that means potholes and rough patches don’t slam into your spine — there’s just enough give to absorb most imperfections without turning the ride into a mushy mess. Once the road smooths out, the brakes — dual disc with floating calipers and dual-channel ABS — give strong, predictable bite. You feel secure braking hard, even when you’re leaning into a turn or coming down from highway speed. The motorcycle’s dimensions also contribute to its confidence-in-motion: a wheelbase of 1,440 mm gives it stability, while a seat height of 790 mm makes it accessible for many riders without feeling too compact. Ground clearance sits at 178 mm, which helps when you’re navigating over uneven terrain or clearing speed breakers — something very relevant in real-world road conditions. At a kerb weight of around 184 kg, it’s not feather-light, but once moving, it feels planted rather than ponderous. In city traffic, the weight is manageable; on highways, it adds to the sense that the bike is confident and steady. Fueling comes from injection, and though the claimed tank capacity is 12 litres, the real-world balance likely leans toward practicality over long-range touring. For regular commuting and moderate weekend rides, that tank paired with the efficient engine should work well, though it may not give you motorway-range without a stop. Riders who expect to do long-haul touring might need to plan fuel stops more carefully. The wheels are wrapped in road-friendly tyres (100/90-18 up front, 140/70-17 at the rear), which, along with the disc-brake setup, reinforce good grip and handling. The brakes feel responsive — not grabby, but confident. That’s exactly what you want when your speed is building or when traffic messes up your smooth ride. Electronics on the 42 FJ are minimal but practical: there’s a fully digital instrument cluster that shows speed, gear position, fuel, and trip details — all clearly visible so you don’t have to squint or guess. No flashy connectivity gimmicks, but the essentials are covered well. The exhaust comes in a twin layout, which gives the FJ a good exhaust note — neither too loud to be annoying in residential areas, nor too soft to sound uninspiring. In terms of design, the 42 FJ stands out. The brushed aluminium cladding on the tank gives it a distinctive, premium look. It’s not just retro for retro’s sake — the styling feels purposeful, with a bold, modern twist. Colours range from deep matte shades to dual-tone finishes, giving riders a variety of looks to express themselves. Price-wise, the ex-showroom figure starts at around ₹1.93 lakhs and can go to about ₹2.2 lakhs depending on variant and location. Riding one means committing to a machine that’s not just about show: you’re getting a bike with real substance — capable of daily commuting, capable of enjoyable weekend rides, and capable of delivering a retro-modern experience without too many compromises. Overall, the Jawa 42 FJ feels like a well-rounded partner on two wheels. It doesn’t demand constant attention or aggressive riding, but it rewards smooth, thoughtful throttle control and confident road use. For someone looking for a neo-classic bike that’s equally at home in city traffic and on open highways, it’s a choice that marries character with practicality. | The **KTM 390 Duke** has long been celebrated as a high-performance yet lightweight streetfighter, offering a compelling mix of power, agility, and modern technology that makes it a favorite for both urban commuting and spirited weekend rides. The latest (Gen-3) 390 Duke takes this formula further, built on a newly designed trellis frame with a die-cast aluminium sub-frame that improves rigidity and handling. Under the hood, the 2024 model is powered by a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder “LC4c” engine now displacing **399 cc**, which bumps up the performance to roughly **46 PS of power and 39 Nm of torque** in the Indian spec. One of the most striking traits of the 390 Duke is its lightness: the new model continues to boast sporty handling thanks to its steel trellis frame and a compact, aggressive footprint. The WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front fork and a preload-adjustable WP APEX mono-shock at the rear provide a finely tuned suspension setup that balances comfort on city roads with precision in the corners. Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc with a radial calliper and a 230 mm rear disc, supported by Bosch cornering ABS, giving reliable and controllable stopping performance. On the feature front, the 2024 Duke 390 is truly packed. It includes ride modes (Street, Rain, Track), launch control, SuperMoto ABS, a quickshifter+, and a slipper clutch. The ride-by-wire throttle ensures smooth power delivery and precise control, especially when transitioning between modes. Its 5-inch TFT display supports smartphone connectivity (via Bluetooth) for turn-by-turn navigation, calls, and media, making it a very usable bike for daily commuting. Ergonomically, the 390 Duke offers a sporty but accessible riding position. The seat height is around **800 mm** in the Indian variant, with an optional 820 mm seat available, making it relatively manageable for a variety of rider heights. The fuel tank is reasonably sized (KTM lists about 13.4 litres), which balances enough capacity for daily use without compromising on agility. In terms of usability, the 390 Duke shines in city traffic thanks to its light weight, responsive throttle, and nimble chassis. At the same time, its torque and power allow for satisfying highway stretches and sporty ride-outs. However, as some users note, the high-revving single cylinder can vibrate noticeably at lower RPMs, and the engine tends to heat up in slow, stop-go traffic — a common character point for small high-performance singles. On long highway rides, wind protection is minimal due to the naked nature, and though the electronics are rich, some may feel the bike’s seat and fuel range are not optimized for extended touring. Reliability-wise, many long-term owners report good durability when properly maintained. One rider, after 29,000 km, said he never faced major breakdowns and appreciated the bike’s consistent performance. That said, some others have expressed concern about vibration and the need for regular maintenance given the sporty nature of the engine. Overall, the **KTM 390 Duke** is a brilliant all-rounder in the 300–400 cc naked category. It offers serious performance, modern electronics, and a lightweight chassis, but it doesn’t compromise on practicality. For someone looking for a fun, aggressive bike that can do daily duties and weekend thrills, the 390 Duke remains one of the most compelling choices in its class. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the Jawa 42 FJ? A: It is a modern-styled version of the Jawa 42 with a brushed-metal tank, sporty detailing, and a more premium, neo-retro look. Q: What engine does the Jawa 42 FJ use? A: It uses a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder DOHC engine. Q: How much power and torque does it produce? A: It delivers around 29.17 PS of power and 29.62 Nm of torque. Q: What is the mileage of the Jawa 42 FJ? A: Real-world mileage is around 28–32 kmpl depending on riding style. Q: Does the Jawa 42 FJ have a 6-speed gearbox? A: Yes, it comes with a 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox and a slipper clutch. Q: Does the Jawa 42 FJ come with ABS? A: Yes, it features dual-channel ABS for safer braking. Q: What is the seat height of the Jawa 42 FJ? A: The seat height is approximately 790 mm, making it comfortable for most riders. Q: What is the kerb weight of the bike? A: The Jawa 42 FJ weighs around 184 kg. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: It has a 12-litre fuel tank. Q: Is the Jawa 42 FJ good for daily commuting? A: Yes, its smooth engine and comfortable ergonomics make it great for daily use. Q: Is the Jawa 42 FJ suitable for long rides? A: Yes, the stable frame, 6-speed gearbox, and comfortable seating make it capable of touring. Q: What type of brakes does it use? A: It comes with front and rear disc brakes paired with dual-channel ABS. Q: What are the tyre sizes of the Jawa 42 FJ? A: 100/90-18 at the front and 140/70-17 at the rear. Q: What makes the FJ edition different from the regular Jawa 42? A: The FJ gets a brushed-aluminium tank finish, sportier styling, and a more modern premium look. Q: What is the approximate price of the Jawa 42 FJ? A: The ex-showroom price starts around ₹1.93 lakh and varies by location. | Q: What engine does the KTM 390 Duke have? A: It uses a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine. Q: What is the displacement, power & torque of the 390 Duke? A: The displacement is about 398.6 cc. In the newer versions, it produces around 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the 390 Duke? A: The seat height is 800 mm (or optionally 820 mm) depending on the version. The kerb weight is about 168.3 kg per KTM’s specification. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage like? A: The fuel tank capacity is 15 litres in many versions. According to some sources, real-world fuel efficiency is around 25–30 km/l, depending on riding style. Q: What brakes and suspension does it use? A: It comes with WP APEX 43 mm upside-down front forks and a WP APEX monoshock at the rear. For brakes, there is a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, with a radially mounted caliper up front. Q: What is the ground clearance of the 390 Duke? A: The ground clearance is around 183 mm according to KTM India specifications. Q: What is the seat configuration and ergonomics like? A: It has a two-part seat design, with a slightly aggressive but comfortable rider position thanks to its upright handlebars. There’s also a “Supermoto mode” which lets you limit ABS intervention to the front brake — great for sliding control. Q: Does the 390 Duke come with smartphone connectivity? A: Yes — some variants support KTM MY RIDE via the 5-inch TFT dash, allowing for calls, music, and navigation integration. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 193000 | Standard | 297443 |
| Pros | Retro-modern styling – Classic look with modern touches makes it stand out. Decent engine performance – The 294 cc engine with 6-speed gearbox provides good acceleration and city/highway usability. Comfortable ergonomics – Low seat height and upright riding stance make it accessible for most riders. Blend of old-school charm + modern basics – Features like disc brakes, ABS, and alloy/spoke wheel options balance nostalgia with practicality. Fun to ride – Lightweight and responsive, ideal for weekend rides or casual city commuting. | Excellent performance for its class: The 390 Duke’s single-cylinder engine delivers punchy acceleration and strong mid-range performance. Lightweight & nimble: With a relatively low kerb/wet weight, its chassis is very agile, making it easy to flick through corners and manoeuvre in traffic. Advanced electronics suite: Comes equipped with ride modes, traction control (MTC), cornering ABS, supermoto ABS, quickshifter, and a modern TFT display. Adjustable suspension: The front and rear suspension are adjustable (WP APEX), allowing riders to tune the setup depending on road conditions or riding style. Sharp styling & design: Features such as an exposed steel trellis frame, LED headlight, and aggressive design make it visually striking. Good build quality: Reviews note improved fit and finish on newer models, giving a premium feel. Decent fuel efficiency: Compared to its performance, it offers reasonable fuel efficiency for sporty riding. |
| Transmission | 6–Speed | 6 Speed Manual |
