Quick Analysis
JAWA 42 J
8.5 pts
Unweighted: 9 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TRIUMPH TIGER 1200 GT EXPLORER
30.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 334 cc | 1160 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder |
| Power | 29.17 PS | 150PS / 148bhp (110.4kW) @ 9,000rpm |
| Torque | 29.62 Nm | 130 Nm @ 7,000 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 19.6 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 246kg (90% fuel - mass in running order) kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | Adjustable 850/870 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Dual-Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 320 mm | Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers, OC-ABS, twin 320mm floating discs. Magura HC1 span adjustable radial master cylinder with separate reservoir. |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 41 mm | Showa 49mm, semi-active damping USD forks. 200mm travel. |
| Rear Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 240 mm | Brembo single piston caliper, OC-ABS, single 282mm disc. Rear master cylinder with remote reservoir. |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber With 5-step Adjustable Pre-load | 200mm wheel travel Showa semi-active damping monoshock, with automatic electronic preload adjustment and New Active Preload Reduction feature. Depending on the combined weight of rider, pillion and luggage, this feature could lower the riding height by up to 20mm when the motorcycle comes to a standstill, offering greater ease and confidence. |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/90-18, 56H | Metzeler Tourance, 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL) |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17, 66H | Metzeler Tourance, 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL) |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | 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/2025/11/42fjdeepblackmatteblackclad.webp | — |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/42fjmystiquecopper.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 | snowdonia white |
| 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. | Height & weight make it demanding: The Explorer variant has a tall seat (≈850-870 mm or more) and substantial wet weight (~250 kg+), which can be challenging for shorter riders or in slow-speed manoeuvres. Not a true off-road machine: While capable, the road-biased wheel/tyre setup and size make it less agile on rough trails compared to more off-road dedicated bikes. Premium cost & ownership: Purchase price and running costs are high in the premium adventure bike segment; some owners note small quality/control issues. Some interface/usage quirks: Certain riders report mild issues with features such as navigation display responsiveness, clutch feel in low revs, and switchgear ergonomics. |
| 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 **Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer** is the ultimate expression of Triumph’s grand touring adventure motorcycle lineup, engineered for riders who crave long-distance comfort, advanced technology, and refined performance on tarmac and light trails. Designed as a flagship road-focused adventure bike, the GT Explorer combines luxury and durability with impressive engineering precision. It is powered by a 1,160 cc inline-three-cylinder engine derived from the Speed Triple 1200, producing an exhilarating 150 PS of power at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The unique T-plane crankshaft design delivers a distinctive sound and a linear power delivery that enhances both low-end torque and highway acceleration, making it perfectly suited for long-distance touring and high-speed cruising. The GT Explorer stands out for its comfort-oriented and feature-packed design. It comes equipped with a massive 30-litre fuel tank, offering exceptional range for cross-country travel—ideal for riders who prefer to go the extra mile without frequent fuel stops. The ergonomics are well thought out, featuring an adjustable seat height (850 mm to 870 mm), wide handlebars, and a well-padded seat that ensures a fatigue-free experience on long journeys. Wind protection is exceptional thanks to the tall, electronically adjustable windscreen and aerodynamically designed fairing. Heated grips, heated seats, cruise control, and a keyless ignition system add to the comfort and convenience, ensuring the GT Explorer feels more like a luxury tourer than a rugged adventure bike. In terms of technology and performance, Triumph has equipped the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer with the latest innovations. The motorcycle features a 7-inch full-color TFT display integrated with the My Triumph connectivity system, allowing smartphone pairing, navigation, music, and call control. It comes with six riding modes—Rain, Road, Sport, Off-Road, Rider-Configurable, and Off-Road Pro—allowing the rider to tailor the performance and traction to different road conditions. The semi-active Showa suspension system automatically adjusts damping for varying loads and surfaces, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. The braking setup features top-spec Brembo Stylema calipers with cornering ABS, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power. Advanced rider aids such as traction control, hill-hold assist, adaptive cornering lights, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) further elevate safety and riding precision. The GT Explorer’s chassis is built using a lightweight aluminum frame and a shaft-driven setup for smoother and low-maintenance performance. Unlike its Rally siblings, the GT Explorer features 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast alloy wheels with road-biased tires, making it perfect for long highway rides and mild off-road trails. Despite its size and 255 kg wet weight, the bike feels balanced and stable at all speeds, with Triumph’s engineering ensuring superb maneuverability for such a large adventure motorcycle. Visually, the GT Explorer embodies a rugged yet elegant design, highlighted by its bold tank shrouds, premium finishes, and distinctive LED lighting setup. Every detail reflects Triumph’s attention to quality and craftsmanship. Competing directly with heavyweights like the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and Ducati Multistrada V4, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer stands as a benchmark for comfort, technology, and performance in the full-size adventure segment. Overall, it’s a motorcycle built for explorers who value refinement, endurance, and luxury as much as adventure—making it one of the most capable and feature-rich touring motorcycles available today. |
| 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 Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses a 1,160 cc liquid-cooled, 12-valve DOHC inline three-cylinder engine producing approximately 150 PS at 9,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity and what is the mileage? A: The GT Explorer features a large 30-litre fuel tank, giving it an extended touring range. Some sources list its claimed consumption at about 5.5 L/100 km (~18 km/l) under ideal conditions. Q: What is the seat height and weight of the GT Explorer? A: The seat height is adjustable at about 850 / 870 mm depending on configuration. Its wet (running) weight is about 255 kg for the GT Explorer. Q: What electronics and features come with the GT Explorer? A: It includes a full-colour 7″ TFT display with My Triumph connectivity, multiple riding modes, semi-active suspension (Showa), adaptive lighting, cruise control, heated seats & grips, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and other advanced rider aids. Q: What kind of wheels and tyres does the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer use? A: It uses cast alloy wheels sized 19″ front and 18″ rear (for the GT version) with road-biased tyres, in contrast to the off-road oriented rally versions. Q: What is the starting price of the GT Explorer in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is listed at around ₹ 20,89,000 for the GT Explorer variant. Q: Is the GT Explorer suitable for long-distance touring? A: Yes. With its large fuel tank, comfortable ergonomics, high-spec suspension and advanced technology package, the GT Explorer is tailored for road-focused adventure and long-distance touring. Q: What is the service interval for the Tiger 1200 range? A: Service interval is approximately every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 193000 | GT EXPLORER | 2089000 RALLY EXPLORER | 2229000 RALLY PRO | 2079000 GT PRO | 1939000 |
| 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. | Incredible touring capability: With a large fuel tank (30 litres in the Explorer variant) and premium components, the Tiger 1200 GT Explorer is built for long-distance comfort and endurance. Top-level technology and features: Semi-active suspension, multiple riding modes, cruise control, tooth-some TFT display, and premium electronics elevate the experience. Strong engine and refined performance: The 1,160cc inline-three delivers excellent power (≈150 PS) and torque, providing both highway punch and touring usability. Comfort and ergonomics: Reviewers highlight the bike’s comfortable riding posture, wind protection, and stability even on lengthy road trips. |
| Transmission | 6–Speed | 6 speed |
