Famed as one of the most iconic Czech brands in India, Jawa Motorcycles is offering the new variant of the Jawa 350 in the country at an enticing price point of Rs 2.15 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The newly launched Jawa 350 has been comprehensively updated from the Jawa Standard, the model that preceded the new one and was the first model to have come out after the brand's revival in 2018. The new Jawa 350 retains the retro theme of the original Jawa, but beneath everything is a motorcycle for today's modern rider.
What's new in the Jawa 350?
The biggest change that would be obviously noted from a distance away between the new and old model of the Jawa 350 is the engine. Just as a refresher, this bike now gets a bigger 334cc unit compared to the 293cc single-cylinder, liquid cooled engine seen in the previous model.
The escape for the updated bike seemed to be a new engine coupled with a six-speed gearbox that too features a slipper and assist clutch. The new engine gives a power of 22.5hp and torque of 28.1Nm, which is not very impressive compared to the 27.3hp and 28Nm that the old engine gave. However, the company clearly come with a tagline that the new bike enjoys a better low-end and mid-range torque which is more city as well as highway-friendly.
New dual-cradle chassis on the new Jawa 350 improves upon the overall handling and bike stability. One, it now sat on a wheelbase 10mm wider at 1,430mm and had ground clearance increased by 18mm to 178mm.
The suspension set-up remains unchanged with 35mm telescopic fork up front and twin shock absorbers at rear both having 135mm of travel. Notably, the braking system also gets retained with a 280mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear equipped with dual-channel ABS as standard.
A few other cosmetic changes include a new Mystique Orange colour along with the classic Jawa Maroon and Black. The bike also gets the new instrument cluster that features the digital display for the odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and gear indicator along with analogue speedometer. The bike also wins a new LED origin taillight, in perfect harmony with a round headlamp with halogen light and chromed exhausts.
How the Jawa 350 meets rivals?
The new Jawa 350 is pitted to be the direct rival to the best-sold bike in the mid-capacity segment countrywide, the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 recently underwent an update with its new 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that makes out for 20.2hp of power and 27Nm torque.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 also gets an all-new double-downtube frame, a completely overhauled instrument panel that now sports an analogue speedometer mated with digital display, and the company has also introduced the nav system in the Classic line-up with its Tripper calling. Royal Enfield is yet to reveal the price of the new Classic 350 and expects to retail it between Rs 1.84 lakh and Rs 2.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) depending upon the variant.
Meanwhile, the last year's offering from the Japanese brand motocycle Honda CB350 was also one of the rivals to the model. The Honda CB350 features a 348cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 20.8hp of power and 30Nm of torque.
The motorcycle also gets a slipper and assist clutch, digital analogue instrument cluster, Honda Smartphone Voice Control system, and Honda Selectable Torque Control system. The Honda CB350 price starts at Rs 1.96 lakh and goes all the way till Rs 2.06 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) depending on the various options.
Meanwhile, the all-new Hunter 350 that Royal Enfield is currently working on has been rumoured to be showcased or launched sometime around the end of this year. The Hunter is expected to borrow the same engine and chassis from the Classic 350 but sports a more modern looking and sporty body style with a round LED headlamp, muscular fuel tank, single-piece seat, and alloy wheels. The Hunter 350 is expected to be priced around Rs 2 lakh on-road (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Worth purchasable the new Jawa 350?
The new Jawa 350 is a motorcycle that will surely attract both nostalgic souls as well riders who are seeking adventure. It offers a combination of classic looks and modern features, the refinement and raw power of its engine.
Further, it also comes at pretty competitive pricing - all of which makes this car a value-for-money proposition. The newer Jawa 350 is a motorcycle which could be appreciated by both, young and old, city and highway riders. The new Jawa 350 is a bike that deserves a place in the garage of every motorcycle enthusiast. –(IVNTV)