Friday bike

2017 Jawa 350 OHC

Czech firm Jawa have announced their new 350cc bike. Styling is based on one of their earlier 350cc twins, and the engine is sourced from Chinese firm Shineray (with a passing resemblance to a Honda XR400!)

Bike features fuel injection, ABS on the front brake (rear is a drum), and I assume the 'fat' bits on the exhausts are catalytic converters.

I could see this bike being successful as 'retro style' is popular these days, it's big enough for gentle riding and touring, (remember I rode an MZ ETZ 250 for any years), and whilst I have my reservations about Chinese engines, remember it's replacing the old Jawa twin! However, the best thing about it is price. In the Czech Republic it is 99,930 Koruna (= £3164 = 3735 Euros = US$4105), substantially less than the Royal Enfield Classic 500, £4699 in the UK.

As it is being sold in the Czech Republic, it will pass the relevant European noise/emissions tests so could be sold anywhere in the EU. Only other country I've read of it being marketed in is India (Jawa are Indian owned), whether or not it's available elsewhere will have to be seen.

397 cc Air-cooled 1-Cylinder 4-stroke Engine

Max. Power – 27.35 Bhp @ 6,500 rpm

Max. Torque – 30.6 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

Five-speed Gearbox

Top Speed – 130 kmph

Mileage – 33.3 kmpl

Fuel-Injected Engine

Anti-Lock Braking System

Dry Weight – 160 kg

Electric Start

280mm Front Disc Brake

160mm Rear Drum Brake

Fuel Tank – 12 litrs

Front Telescopic Forks

Dual Rear Shock Absorbers

Classic Dual-Pod Instrument Console