Quick Analysis
JAWA 42 J
10.0 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE
18.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Displacement | 334 cc | 776 cm3 |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 29.17 PS | 83 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 29.62 Nm | 78 Nm @ 6800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 22.7 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 232 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 855 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 320 mm | Disc Front Brake 310 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 41 mm | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 240 mm | Disc Front Brake 260 mm Caliper - Rear1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber With 5-step Adjustable Pre-load | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/90-18, 56H | 90/90-21M/C 54H |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17, 66H | 150/70R17M/C 69H |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjdeepblackmatteblackclad.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstrom800depearltechwhite.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjmystiquecopper.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstrom800deglasssparkleblack.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjcosmobluematte.webp | — |
| Color Options | Mystique Copper Deep Black Matte Black Clad Aurora Green Matte Deep Black Matte Red Clad Cosmo Blue Matte | Glass Sparkle Black Pearl Tech White Champion Yellow |
| 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. | The bike is on the heavier side, which can feel a bit cumbersome in tight spaces or slow-speed city manoeuvres. Its tall seat height may be challenging for shorter riders, especially when stopping on uneven surfaces. The use of tube-type tyres on spoked wheels can be inconvenient during punctures compared to tubeless setups. The handling is tuned more for stability than sharpness, so riders looking for a sporty feel might find it less nimble. Heat from the engine can become noticeable in congested traffic, especially during slow-moving conditions. |
| 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. | Riding the V-Strom 800 DE leaves you with a strong sense that this is a motorcycle built for doing many things well — commuting, weekend rides, long highway runs or even dirt-trail adventures — rather than specialising only in one. Its heart is a 776 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine. That numbers to a mid-displacement motorcycle, but thanks to a 270° crankshaft and a long-stroke configuration (bore and stroke of 84.0 mm × 70.0 mm), the engine delivers a smooth yet torquey character rather than a high-revving, buzzy one. What this means on real roads is confidence: from slow city traffic to winding country roads, the bike responds with a satisfying blend of tractable low- and mid-range pull, making it easier to ride whether you are carrying luggage, a pillion, or simply cruising solo. The compact engine design also helps the bike keep good weight balance — a useful quality when manoeuvring in tighter spots or when riding on uneven terrain. The transmission is a 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox, and paired with the built-in bi-directional quick-shift system. For the rider, this translates to smoother shifts — upshifts or downshifts — often without needing to use the clutch lever when you’re on the move. In real-world riding, that means less fuss in city traffic or during spirited overtakes, and a more seamless connection with the road, especially on long rides. What gives the V-Strom 800 DE its true “adventure-tourer” character is the chassis and suspension setup: a sturdy steel frame with a lightweight aluminum swingarm, 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel on spoke rims, and suspension designed to handle more than just smooth asphalt. The front end uses inverted telescopic forks (coil-spring, oil-damped), while the rear is a link-type mono-shock (coil-spring, oil-damped) with adjustable preload — handy when carrying a passenger or luggage. With a ground clearance of 220 mm, long wheelbase, and geometry tuned for stability, the V-Strom handles gravel, rough village roads or uneven tarmac with unexpected composure. The suspension’s travel and forgiving nature mean that long hours in the saddle — even on imperfect roads — remain reasonably comfortable, while still offering the control you need when the pace picks up or when cornering hard. On the road, the bike’s size and weight give it a stable, planted feel. Measuring about 2,345 mm in length, 975 mm in width and 1,310 mm in height, with a 1,570 mm wheelbase and a seat height of 855 mm, the V-Strom feels substantial — but in a “reassuring-presence” way, rather than “bulky and unwieldy.” Its kerb weight sits at around 232 kg. That might sound hefty, but the way the bike is balanced and the distribution of mass make a noticeable difference: at speed, it rides with composure and stability; while at low speeds or stop-and-go traffic, the low-to-mid torque helps keep it manageable. Yes — parking or tight U-turns will ask a bit of care, but once you’re moving the bike feels surprisingly agile for its size. Braking is handled via disc brakes at both ends — twin discs up front, a disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS (and the option to cancel rear ABS when riding off-road). That means you have confidence whenever you need to scrub speed — on twisty downhill curves, sudden city brakes, or uneven off-road patches. The ABS modes give flexibility: less intrusive on gravel or dirt, firmer when on asphalt. From a rider-aid and convenience perspective, the V-Strom 800 DE stands well above basic bikes. A 5-inch colour TFT instrument cluster sits front and centre, delivering clear and rich info — speed, revs, riding modes, navigation data, alerts — in a modern, intuitive layout. Day/night modes make it readable in varying light conditions. Lighting around the bike is all LED: stacked hexagonal headlamps, LED position/taillight, turn indicators — bright, efficient and giving a modern visage. There’s even a USB (DC) outlet built into the console — useful on long rides for charging phones or powering navigation accessories. The windscreen, adjustable in three positions, does a decent job of deflecting wind and debris, and combined with upright handlebar geometry and a comfortable seat (flat enough for long hours, yet shaped to let the rider reach the ground easily) the bike stays comfortable in touring mode. Pillion comfort and luggage-mount capacity are taken care of too, with sturdy footpegs, grab bars and a rear carrier ready for top-case mount. Fuel tank capacity — 20 litres — adds to its touring credentials. That’s enough to build a healthy riding range between fill-ups, especially on highways or during longer trips. The fuel-injected engine with its tuning tends to give a balanced mix of efficiency and usable power; while aggressive throttle will affect fuel economy, at gentle to moderate riding it remains reasonable, making the bike practical as a daily commuter or long-haul tourer. What all this boils down to is a motorcycle that aims to be a “do-everything” companion — comfortable enough for daily use, robust enough for light off-road or gravel exploration, capable enough for long highway runs, and refined enough for city commuting or touring. The V-Strom 800 DE doesn’t insist you commit fully to one type of riding — instead it offers flexibility: the same bike plays a safe role in rush-hour traffic or scenic getaways, highway cruising or dirt-path diversion, solo ride or two-up with luggage. Of course, this flexibility comes with some trade-offs. The seat height and weight make it a bit demanding for shorter or new riders, especially at slow speeds or when parked. The spoked wheels with tube-style tyres — while offering durability and off-road resilience — may not deliver the same instant handling feedback or lower maintenance ease as tubeless tyres, especially under heavy touring load or when puncture repair is needed. And because it’s built for a variety of roles, it doesn’t feel like a razor-sharp sportbike or a hardcore off-roader — but that is by design. The V-Strom 800 DE is not about extremes; it’s about balance. If you imagine yourself as someone who wants a single motorcycle that does many things — commuter, weekend ride, highway tourer, occasional off-road explorer — the V-Strom 800 DE makes a strong case. It’s less about chasing top-end thrill and more about offering a reliable, enjoyable and well-rounded riding experience, day in and day out. And that is precisely where it shines — the everyday adventure that doesn’t ask for compromises. |
| 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 is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 22–25 kmpl in real-world mixed riding. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It is powered by a 776cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power does it produce? A: It produces roughly 82–84 PS of power. Q: What is the torque output? A: The torque is about 78 Nm, delivered in a smooth, usable mid-range. Q: Does it come with a quickshifter? A: Yes, it has a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. Q: What type of suspension does the bike use? A: It uses long-travel, fully adjustable suspension designed for off-road and rough-road riding. Q: What are the wheel sizes? A: The bike runs a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. Q: Does it have traction control? A: Yes, it has a multi-level traction control system, including a gravel/off-road-friendly mode. Q: Does the bike come with riding modes? A: Yes, it offers multiple power delivery modes to suit different riding conditions. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: It offers tall ground clearance, giving it strong off-road capability (around 220 mm). Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it features dual-channel ABS with selectable modes. Q: Is this bike good for long-distance touring? A: Yes, the comfortable ergonomics, smooth engine, and long-travel suspension make it ideal for long rides and adventure touring. Q: Is the V-Strom 800DE beginner-friendly? A: It is manageable for confident riders, but its weight and power make it better suited for riders with some experience. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 193000 | | 1100763 |
| 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. | The 776cc parallel-twin engine has a very strong mid-range, making the bike effortless to ride both in the city and on long highway stretches. The long-travel, fully adjustable suspension gives it excellent comfort on broken roads and makes rough-patch riding feel natural and controlled. The upright ergonomics, wide handlebars, and supportive seat make it extremely comfortable for touring, even over long distances. The 21-inch front wheel and generous ground clearance give it real off-road confidence compared to typical road-biased adventure bikes. It comes well-equipped with modern features like a bi-directional quickshifter, riding modes, traction control, and a clear digital display. Stability at high speeds is impressive, giving riders a sense of confidence on open roads. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | 6–Speed | 6-speed |
