Jawa 421/11Tap to zoom

Jawa 42

Jawa · Motorcycle

42

₹ 1,61,265ex-showroom · last updated 2026

Engine
294.72cc
Power
26.94bhp
Weight
184kg
EMI starting from ₹5,000/month · subject to bank approval
IAF

Research by

IAF Editorial

Updated

Jawa 42 — Overview

The Jawa 42 is a cruiser bike available at a price range of Rs. 1,61,265 - Rs. 1,86,786 in India. It comes in 10 variants and 14 colours. It is powered by a 294.72 cc BS6 Phase 2 engine and has a user reported mileage of 32 kmpl. With both front and rear disc brakes, the Jawa 42 comes with anti-locking braking system. The 42 bike weighs 184 kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 13.2 liters. It develops a power output of 26.94 bhp and a torque of 26.84 Nm.

The Jawa 42's 294cc liquid-cooled engine makes more power than the Royal Enfield Classic 350's 349cc unit - an unusual case where displacement doesn't tell the whole story. Refreshed in September 2025 at a starting price of Rs 1.59 lakh, the updated 42 brings 10 variants, 14 colour options, revised suspension tuning, and an assist/slipper clutch across the range. A February 2026 Ivory Edition addition completed the lineup, giving the retro roadster one of the widest palettes in its segment.

Jawa 42 Latest Updates

View all
  • Classic Legends announced a limited-period free service camp at authorised Jawa dealerships across India from May 23 to May 31, 2026, covering general inspection, fluid top-ups, and brake checks for Jawa 42 owners.

  • Classic Legends announced plans to launch four new motorcycles by March 2027 across its Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA brands - including the BSA Thunderbolt 350, BSA Bantam 350 (based on the Jawa 42 FJ platform), and two refreshed Jawa/Yezdi models with updated styling and new colour options.

  • Classic Legends launched the Jawa 42 Ivory Edition on February 17, 2026, priced at Rs 1,85,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The new pastel cream variant features retro-inspired 'Forty Two' lettering on the fuel tank and '42' graphics on the side panels, and is based on the top-spec dual-channel ABS alloy wheel configuration with no mechanical changes.

What We Like

  • Distinctive neo-retro styling that stands out from the Royal Enfield crowd
  • Smooth, refined liquid-cooled engine with strong mid-range torque and an assist/slipper clutch
  • Comfortable upright riding position with an accessible 788mm seat height
  • Good value for money - more power than rivals at a competitive price

What Could Be Better

  • Spare parts are hard to source even years after launch - a real ownership headache
  • Poor resale value compared to Royal Enfield and Honda alternatives
  • Recurring electrical issues (engine shutdowns, starter coil failures) reported by multiple owners

Editor's Verdict

Should You Buy the Jawa 42?

The Jawa 42 is the most powerful bike in its price band and one of the better-looking retro options under Rs 2 lakh. Buy it if you love the design and have an authorised service centre within reach. If you're in a smaller town or prioritise resale value and parts availability, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Honda H'ness CB350 will serve you better in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat is the ex-showroom price of the Jawa 42?
The Jawa 42 starts at Rs 1,61,265 ex-showroom (Delhi) for the base single-channel ABS spoke wheel variant, going up to Rs 1,86,786 for the Ivory Edition. On-road price for the base variant in Delhi is Rs 1,84,742 and in Mumbai it is Rs 1,93,518.
QWhat is the real-world mileage of the Jawa 42?
The Jawa 42 has an ARAI-certified mileage of 33 kmpl. Real-world figures range between 25-28 kmpl in city traffic and 30-34 kmpl on highways. The 13.2-litre tank gives a practical range of 350-400 km per fill-up.
QDoes the Jawa 42 have dual-channel ABS?
Dual-channel ABS is available on 8 of the 10 Jawa 42 variants, starting from Rs 1,70,484 (ex-showroom Delhi). The two base spoke wheel variants at Rs 1,61,265 and Rs 1,63,094 come with single-channel ABS only.
QHow many variants does the Jawa 42 come in?
The Jawa 42 is available in 10 variants priced from Rs 1,61,265 to Rs 1,86,786 (ex-showroom Delhi). The range covers single and dual-channel ABS, spoke and alloy wheels, and 14 colour options including the limited Ivory Edition.
QWhat is the EMI for the Jawa 42?
On the base variant with an Rs 18,000 down payment at 9.7% interest over 36 months, the Jawa 42's monthly EMI is approximately Rs 5,319. EMI varies by lender; check with HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, and Jawa's in-house partners for current rates.
QWhat is the service cost and interval for the Jawa 42?
The Jawa 42 requires service every 6,000 km, with a typical authorised service centre cost of Rs 2,000-2,500. The first service is free. Extended warranty is recommended given Jawa's limited dealership network and the electrical issues some owners have reported.
QIs the Jawa 42 better than the Royal Enfield Classic 350?
The Jawa 42 makes more power (26.94 bhp vs ~20 bhp) and offers a slipper clutch the Classic 350 lacks, but the Classic 350 wins on mileage (37.77 kmpl vs 33 kmpl), resale value, and service network reach. Choose the Jawa 42 if you're near an authorised centre and value performance; choose the Classic 350 for lower long-term ownership costs.
QDoes the Jawa 42 overheat in city traffic?
The Jawa 42's liquid-cooled engine handles city heat better than air-cooled rivals - some warmth is normal but it does not shut down under typical urban riding. A small number of owners have reported cut-outs in extreme bumper-to-bumper conditions; keeping coolant topped up and servicing on schedule is the best prevention.