Jawa bounce back with greatlooking retro café racer
This cool-looking retro hits dealers soon priced at just £5300
Jawa are back with a bang. Following the launch last year of their classic roadster 350 OHC, they have now unveiled this Racer, a stunning tribute to their GP racers from yesteryear. And the best bit is that it will only cost a little over £5000.
Timeless style
The Czech brand have a long history in racing, dating back to the 1920s, but their biggest success came in the 1960s including multiple podiums at the Ulster GP and Isle of Man TT. It’s these bike’s that they’re celebrating with the Racer and while it might look like it’s rolled straight out of a time machine, it does feature a smattering of 21st century tech. Despite what the name suggests, the Racer is actually powered by a 397cc air-cooled single, which produces 27bhp and 22ftlb of torque. It’s fuel-injected and comes with ABS as standard (although only on the front wheel). Despite its racer looks, it’s moderately practical, too. The wheel rims are alloy, the swingarm is box-section, and the seat cowl can be removed to reveal a pillion seat, although it looks like a somewhat perilous perch. Jawa say that the 12-litre fuel tank is actually good for a 160-mile range, if you can tolerate that sort of mileage in the saddle.
Cheap thrills
It also looks new-rider-friendly as it weighs just 160kg (dry), has narrow seat which is just 800mm off the ground and it falls into the A2 licence category.
The only downside is that Jawa’s commitment to authenticity has seen them fit skinny 18in wheels, which will limit tyre options to the less sticky end of the spectrum. The real highlight though is the price, which is expected to be £5295 when it arrives in the UK this June. It looks a serious option for some cheap Sunday fun without the hassle of owning a real classic.