Nostalgia has always been a powerful emotion, and when it comes to motorcycles, it’s one of the key factors behind the massive success of brands like Harley-Davidson, Royal Enfield, and, of course, the modern-day Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles. Today, we’re diving deep into the latest offering from Classic Legends—the Jawa 42 FJ. This motorcycle was launched several months ago in 2024, but we finally got the chance to experience it first-hand in Ooty. The ride has been exhilarating and revealing.

Jawa 42 FJ Review

Thanks to a delayed flight from Mumbai, our adventure began in Coimbatore, where we arrived in the evening and rode up to Ooty in pitch darkness. The journey, full of traffic and the unfamiliar terrain of the Nilgiris, was a thrilling, albeit slightly intimidating, start. The following day, however, we rode through stunning roads, surrounded by Ooty’s breathtaking views, perfect weather, and serene atmosphere. By the end of our ride, it became clear—the Jawa 42 FJ is a likable and well-rounded motorcycle, representing a significant step forward for Classic Legends.

The Engine: Alpha 2 Brilliance

The heart of the Jawa 42 FJ is its new Alpha 2 engine, a unit shared with the Yezdi Adventure and Yezdi Roadster. This engine churns out 29 horsepower and 29 Nm of torque. While the numbers may not seem groundbreaking, the internal revisions significantly enhance the riding experience. The refinements are evident across different scenarios:

• Smooth Power Delivery: The fueling on this engine is impressively smooth, eliminating any jerky or abrupt throttle responses. Whether accelerating from low speeds or cruising on highways, the bike offers a seamless pull forward.
• Addressing Heat Issues: Previous complaints about engine heat have been tackled with a larger fan and a redesigned radiator shroud that directs hot air away from the rider’s legs. While the cold weather during our test ride didn’t allow us to evaluate this fully, the fan’s loud operation was noticeable.
• Mid-Range Strength: The engine excels in the mid-range, coupled with short gearing. This makes the bike exceptionally agile in urban settings and hilly terrains. For instance, it can pull smoothly in third gear at 20 km/h or in fourth gear at 28-29 km/h, even uphill.
• High-Speed Touring Limitations: On the downside, the short gearing results in slightly high RPMs at highway speeds. At 100 km/h, the vibrations in the foot pegs become noticeable, making it less suitable for long-distance touring at high speeds.

Despite its limitations, the engine’s versatility shines through. The six-speed gearbox complements the engine with crisp and precise shifts, ensuring a positive riding experience across varied conditions.

Chassis and Handling: Confidence Redefined

While the Jawa 42 FJ retains the “42” badge, it’s a completely different machine from the smaller Jawa 42 equipped with the 293cc engine. The chassis is more akin to the Yezdi Roadster, featuring tweaks that enhance overall dynamics.

• Agility and Weight Management: Weighing 184 kg (without fuel) and approximately 192-193 kg fully fueled, the bike’s mass centralization and packaging make it feel surprisingly nimble. Compared to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, it’s lighter and more manageable.
• Comfortable Ergonomics: The riding position is a mix between a retro cruiser and a roadster. The foot pegs aren’t entirely forward-set or rear-set, and the handlebar requires a slight forward reach. While the initial position feels unconventional, long-term comfort is acceptable. However, the seat could use more padding, as extended rides become a tad uncomfortable.
• Suspension Setup: The suspension strikes a balance but leans slightly towards firmness. It’s not plush enough to absorb sharp bumps fully, especially on rough city roads. Riders in urban areas like Mumbai may occasionally feel kicks from the rear suspension.
• Braking Performance: The front brake offers good stopping power, but the feedback feels dull. Dual-channel ABS and CEAT tires work well enough, ensuring safety and control during sudden braking.

Sound and Character: A Nostalgic Symphony

Sound has always been an integral part of Jawa’s charm, and the 42 FJ doesn’t disappoint. While modern four-stroke engines can’t replicate the iconic two-stroke Yezdi Road King’s raw exhaust note, Jawa has refined the sound to offer a deep, bassy, and crisp tone. It’s louder and more engaging than its predecessor, with occasional pops and backfires that add excitement.

Build Quality and Attention to Detail

Classic Legends has significantly improved its quality control over the years, but there’s still room for improvement:

• Fit and Finish: Quality levels have steadily risen, but minor gaps in switchgear and uneven panel alignments remain. These issues might seem small but stand out when compared to competitors.
• Instrumentation: The display is functional but lacks finesse. The rev counter is too small, and visibility in bright sunlight is limited.

On the Road: Riding Impressions

The real magic of the Jawa 42 FJ lies in its ability to adapt to different moods and scenarios:

• Urban Explorer: Its short gearing and mid-range grunt make navigating city traffic a breeze. The engine’s tractability ensures minimal gear shifts.
• Hilly Terrain: The bike’s ability to pull in higher gears at low speeds makes it ideal for winding mountain roads. The precise handling adds to the confidence on twisty routes.
• Cruising: While not designed for high-speed highway touring, the bike excels at relaxed cruising, allowing riders to soak in scenic surroundings.

Nostalgia Meets Modernity

As someone who attended boarding school in Ooty decades ago, revisiting the familiar roads and landmarks on the Jawa 42 FJ was a deeply personal experience. This motorcycle’s relaxed demeanor and engaging ride quality made it a perfect companion for reliving cherished memories.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite its many strengths, Classic Legends faces a tough road ahead. Addressing the following issues will be critical for its long-term success:

1. After-Sales Service: Improving the reputation for after-sales support and reliability is essential.
2. Competitive Edge: With rising competition in the retro-modern motorcycle segment, continuous innovation and attention to detail are vital.
3. Quality Assurance: Further refinement in build quality will help the brand gain greater customer trust.

Verdict: A Step in the Right Direction

Seven years after the launch of its first modern Jawa motorcycles, Classic Legends is finally hitting its stride. The Jawa 42 FJ represents a new era for the brand, combining nostalgia with practicality and refinement. While it’s not without flaws, the improvements in engine performance, handling, and overall experience make it a compelling choice for riders looking for a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern functionality.

The Jawa 42 FJ isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s an invitation to rediscover the joy of riding. Whether cruising through city streets, winding through mountain roads, or simply soaking in the nostalgia of yesteryears, this bike delivers a genuinely enjoyable experience. It’s not perfect, but it’s a big step forward for Classic Legends—a sign of even better things to come.

Key Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smooth and refined engine
• Agile and manageable handling
• Nostalgic yet modern exhaust note
• Improved ergonomics and quality

Cons:

• Slightly firm suspension setup
• Limited high-speed touring capability
• Instrumentation visibility in bright sunlight
• Room for improvement in build quality

For motorcycle enthusiasts seeking a balanced blend of nostalgia and modernity, the Jawa 42 FJ is a promising contender that’s well worth considering. Classic Legends has laid the groundwork for an exciting future, and this motorcycle is a testament to their commitment to excellence.