Jawa 42 FJ: What is it and who is it for?

Classic Legends has been on a roll in the last year, with launch after launch right from the start of the year. With the updated Jawa 350 with the new Alpha 2T engine setting the ball rolling. After which we saw some other bikes in the range get feature and colour updates. Then the Yezdi Adventure got a significant overhaul like the Jawa 350 with an updated engine and other changes to fix all the shortcomings of the original model. Shortly after, the Jawa 42 got a similar overhaul and then BSA was launched in India. Just a couple of weeks after, we have another new product, the Jawa 42 FJ. What exactly is the 42 FJ? Who is it for and what are its rivals? Let's find out. 

What is the Jawa 42 FJ?

The Jawa 42 FJ is the latest roadster in the Classic Legends - Jawa lineup. The Jawa model range consists of the Jawa 350, 42 Bobber, Perak, 42 and now the 42 FJ. The 42 FJ is essentially the range-topping roadster and the letters F and J actually stand for František Janeček, the founder of Jawa. To that end, to make it a worthy tribute to the man who started it all, Jawa also claims that this is the sportiest. 

In terms of the looks of the motorcycle, it looks very similar to the standard Jawa 42, but it has a more contemporary approach to the styling with a more modern-looking colour scheme and interchangeable panels on the tank and side making for a more customisable machine. 

Powering the Jawa 42 FJ is the Alpha 2 engine that also does duties in the updated Yezdi Adventure. It’s in a slightly different state ot tune and outputs 28.7bhp of power and 29.6Nm of torque, making it the most powerful roadster. If it is anything like the new Adventure, performance will be spread out well across the rev range with good low-end tractability and a usable top-end as well. 

Who is the Jawa 42 FJ for?

The chassis setup is made up of a double cradle frame borrowed from the Yezdi Roadster, but the sub frame is different and the rider’s triangle is also more committed with mid-mounted foot pegs instead of forward-set ’pegs. The seat also is placed and shaped in a way that it angles the rider in a more forward set position. 

The exhaust pipes have also been angled up and should allow for more cornering clearance. To that end, as compared to the 42, you get beefier 41mm telescopic forks, instead of the 35mm forks. The twin shocks have also been made more robust. Tyres on the FJ are also wider with a 100-section front tyre and a 140-section rear tyres instead of the 90-section front and 120-section rear on the 42. All of this should make for a more engaging bike to ride, ont that can better handle the extra power and is more focussed towards spirited riding. So if you’re in the market for a roadster with retro appeal but modern guts and want something like a Jawa 350 or the 42, the FJ will be right up your alley. 

What are the Jawa 42 FJ’s rivals?

The 42 FJ sits in a very tightly contested segment right now. On price alone, the bike goes up against the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, it’s own stablemate, the Yezdi Roadster, the Honda H’ness range, the Triumph Speed 400 and in extension the , the Hero Mavrick, the Harley-Davidson X440 and even the Guerrilla to an extent. While the last few are higher on displacement, the focus of the motorcycles are broadly similar. 

With the Jawa 42 FJ, Classic Legends aims to make the Jawa lineup more versatile, and allow buyers to have a Jawa available at multiple price points. Whether or not they succeed is something time will tell, but more options never hurt anyone. We will get our hands on both the standard Jawa 42 and the Jawa 42 FJ very soon, so stay tuned for our first ride reviews and a more in depth explanation on what, why and who the different bikes are for.