Sometimes the answers we have are shaped by the questions we’re asking — and if we don’t ask the right questions, we may end up with answers that don’t truly serve us. Now, with the Jawa 42 FJ, there seem to be a bunch of answers to questions that nobody really asked, while a few questions are holding onto a ledge somewhere for dear life. Alright, maybe that’s slightly too dramatic of a statement, so let’s approach this in a more organised fashion.
The new 42 FJ from Jawa brings a new take to the ‘42’ range, which includes the Jawa 42 and the 42 Bobber, both of which have done pretty well for the brand. What does the 42 FJ bring to the table then? Does it open up avenues to a new sort of rider? Maybe it fills in a gap in the manufacturer’s portfolio? What if… wait, are these questions even relevant to me? No! The only thing that concerns me is what the motorcycle evokes in me when I ride it and how well it does so.
The Jawa 42 FJ pays tribute to František Janček, the founder of the Jawa motorcycle company. It is a bike that promises sharp handling, decent ergonomics, and a punchy engine, as per the manufacturer. So, how does it live up to the promise? Well, there are highs and lows, but let’s dive into the ride itself.
One of the standout features of the 42 FJ is the exhaust note. There’s something undeniably sweet about its burbly tone — a deep, throaty growl that echoes around you as you accelerate with the little pops and crackles as you roll off the throttle. It’s not overly aggressive, but it has that raw, mechanical reverb that makes you want to twist the throttle just to hear it again. The exhaust sound becomes addictive, and it’s easily one of the best things about the bike.
The 42 FJ is powered by the new Alpha2 engine that feels its best between 6500 and 8000 rpm. This is where it really comes alive — smooth, responsive, and with enough punch to make overtaking a breeze. However, anything below that range feels a bit irregular, and it can be tricky to find that sweet spot on a regular basis. The engine is responsive, but the fuelling is inconsistent, especially around lower revs. There is a noticeable erratic throttle response, which can make the ride feel a bit unpredictable at times. The individual gear-based mapping doesn’t help much either, feeling somewhat forced and adding to the overall unevenness of power delivery. It’s a minor irritation, but it does take away from what could have been a more refined experience.
The gearbox is a bit of a letdown, as shifting through the gears feels clunky, and I’ve experienced more than a few false neutrals in between. For a bike that aims to deliver an engaging ride, this issue can be a real buzzkill, especially when you’re in the middle of a spirited run and find it throwing a tantrum to slot into the next gear. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s enough to leave you wishing for a smoother transmission.
When it comes to brakes, the 42 FJ delivers more than enough stopping power for most situations. They’re not the most aggressive or the most refined, but they get the job done with no issues. A set of better tyres could have taken this aspect to the next level, as the stock Ceat Zoom Cruze tyres don’t quite match the bike’s handling potential. Speaking of handling, the 42 FJ is fairly sharp and flickable, with responsive steering that gives you plenty of confidence in corners. It’s a fun ride to carve up twisties and navigate through urban traffic, but the rear suspension kickback can be a bit too pronounced, making the ride feel rougher than necessary, especially on uneven surfaces.
The ergonomics are generally comfortable for most riders, with an upright posture that works well for daily commutes and weekend rides. The seat is supportive, and the reach to the handlebars is relaxed enough to prevent fatigue during longer rides. However, the rear suspension, as mentioned earlier, takes away from the overall comfort, especially if you’re sensitive to sudden jolts in the rear end.
A small but curious detail: the up and down arrow buttons on the switchgear do absolutely nothing. While it is understood that parts are shared between multiple models within the manufacturer’s portfolio, it seems slightly careless. Even if it was for a feature that was meant to be added later, it doesn’t do much to inspire confidence in the bike’s attention to detail on a more current basis. On a more positive note, the fit and finish on the 42 FJ is generally decent. The materials feel solid, and the assembly seems decently put together. While it may not have the luxury feel of some of its competitors, it doesn’t feel cheap either.
In the end, the 42 FJ is a bike that will likely evoke different feelings depending on what you prioritise in your riding experience. The exhaust note, sharp handling, and solid ergonomics are the highlights, while the gearbox quirks, erratic fuelling, and rear suspension issues leave room for improvement. It’s a fun bike to ride, but it’s not without flaws. If you can look past the occasional rough edges, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be had on the Jawa 42 FJ.
MOTODATA
Jawa 42 FJPOWERTRAIN
Displacement:
Max Power:
Max Torque:
Transmission:
334cc, liquid-cooled, single cylinder
28.77 bhp
3.02 kgm
6-speed
CHASSIS
Type: Double cradle
BRAKES
F/R: 320-mm disc / 240-mm disc
TYRES
F/R: 100/90-18 / 140/70-17
DIMENSIONS
L/W/H (mm):
Wheelbase:
Ground Clearance:
Seat Height:
Kerb Weight:
Fuel Capacity:
NA
1440 mm
178 mm
800 mm
184 kg
12 litres
PRICE
₹1.99-2.20 lakh (ex-showroom)
