Iconic Jawa motorcycles all set to return on Indian roads
MUMBAI: More than two decades after they disappeared from Indian roads, the iconic Jawa motorcycles are back.
Classic Legends Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd (M&M), on Thursday introduced two models of the Czech brand. A third will be launched next year. The Indian operations of Jawa, a brand born in erstwhile Czechoslovakia, were wound up in 1996.
Jawa and Jawa Forty Two, the two models launched on Thursday, are powered by a 293cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine in a double-cradle chassis, generating 27 bhp of power. The firm claims the all-new engine uses a double overhead camshaft configuration, which increases the efficiency of the engine at higher speeds.
Priced at ₹1.64 lakh and ₹1.55 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Jawa and Jawa Forty Two are seen as the first real challengers to Royal Enfield in the retro cruiser segment of motorcycles. However, both cost more than Royal Enfield’s Classic 350, which retails at ₹1.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
The engines are developed on a platform that already complies with the Bharat Stage VI emission norms, the company said in a statement, adding that the motorcycles will be manufactured at M&M’S Pithampur facility. Anand Mahindra-led Mahindra Group, Anupam Thareja and Boman Irani are the shareholders of Classic Legends, with Mahindra holding a majority stake of 60%.
“It’s rare to get an opportunity to resurrect a legend. Jawa is an authentic and iconic brand that represents the desire and yearning in all of us for freedom and adventure,” said Mahindra.
The company said it has appointed 105 dealers across the country, with the first dealership likely to open next month.
While bookings have commenced, deliveries will begin in early 2019.