Quick Analysis
JAWA 42 J
20.0 pts
Unweighted: 19 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
TVS Apache RTR 160
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 8 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | — | Air-cooled (2V) |
| Displacement | 334 cc | 159.7 cc |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, Liquid Cooled, DOHC | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SI |
| Power | 29.17 PS | 14.14 PS @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 29.62 Nm | 13.2 Nm @ 6750 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12 L | 12 litres |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | — |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 184 kg | 145 kg (drum), 147 kg (disc) |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 800 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Dual Channel ABS | Single-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 320 mm | Disc |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic Forks, Ø 41 mm | Telescopic fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc With Floating Caliper 240 mm | Drum (2V) |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Shock Absorber With 5-step Adjustable Pre-load | Monotube Inverted Gas-filled shock (MIG) |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 100/90-18, 56H | 90/90 – 17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17, 66H | 110/80 – 17 (Tubeless) |
| Tyre Type | Tube | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy wheels |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | Halogen HS1 35/35W with LED DRL |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | MF Battery | 12V, 8Ah MF |
| 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 | — |
| Cluster | — | Digital |
| Color Options | Mystique Copper Deep Black Matte Black Clad Aurora Green Matte Deep Black Matte Red Clad Cosmo Blue Matte | — |
| 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. | — |
| 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. | — |
| Expert Review | 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. | — |
| Fuel System | Electronic Fuel Injection | — |
| Price Variants | | 193000 | — |
| 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. | — |
| Starter | — | Electric & Kick |
| Transmission | 6–Speed | 5-speed manual |
