The Jawa 42 FJ and Royal Enfield Classic 350 start at roughly the same price point but bear tons of differences in terms of design, powertrain, features, etc.
In this post, we shall compare the new Jawa 42 FJ and RE Classic 350 motorcycles. These are, essentially, tourer bikes and have an almost similar starting price. That makes these a genuine choice for a whole lot of potential bike buyers. However, there are concrete distinctions between these two. These range from aesthetics, and brand value to features and specifications. Note that the Jawa 42 FJ is the latest model in our market. The FJ in the name represents the name of the found, František Janeček. By the end of this post, you shall be able to make up your mind about which model you wish to opt for. So, let us delve deep into this comparison.
Jawa 42 FJ vs RE Classic 350 – Price
Let us commence this comparison with the price. We know that India is a price-conscious market. People value the asking price over just about everything else. The new Jawa 42 FJ starts at Rs 1.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 2.20 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the RE Classic 350 retails between Rs 1.93 lakh and Rs 2.30 lakh, ex-showroom. Therefore, the Jawa has a slightly higher starting point but a lower top end.
| Price | Jawa 42 FJ | RE Classic 350 |
| Base Trim | Rs 1.99 lakh | Rs 1.93 lakh |
| Top Trim | Rs 2.20 lakh | Rs 2.30 lakh |
Jawa 42 FJ vs RE Classic 350 – Specs
Since the Jawa 42 FJ is the latest entrant into our market, let us commence with it. This motorbike comes with a 334-cc single-cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled DOHC engine which generates a healthy 29.17 PS and 29.62 Nm of peak power and torque. Interestingly, the bike runs a compression ratio of 11:1. Performing the transmission duties is a 6-speed constant mesh gearbox. It has a wheelbase of 1,440 mm and a seat height of 800 mm, while the bike weighs 194 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 12 litres.
The Jawa 42 FJ has a Double Cradle frame with 41 mm telescopic front suspension and twin shock absorbers with 5-step adjustment pre-load at the rear. Both front and rear wheels get discs with floating callipers and ABS. The front brake caliper is 320 mm and the rear caliper is 240 mm. Also, the front tyre is 18 inches with a 100/90 section and the rear tyre is 17 inches with a 140/70 section. The base trim gets spoked wheels while the higher variants get alloy wheels.
On the other hand, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is one of the most iconic motorcycles on sale in the country. It seems like it has been around for ages. It comes with a 349-cc single-cylinder 4-stroke air-oil-cooled DOHC engine which produces a decent 20.21 PS and 27 Nm of peak power and torque. These are significantly lower output figures in comparison to the Jawa. This engine pairs with a 5-speed transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch. The compression ratio is 9.5:1. The fuel tank capacity is a decent 13 litres.
It is a beefy motorcycle with a kerb weight of 195 kg and a ground clearance of 170 mm. The saddle height is a handy 805 mm, while the wheelbase is a decent 1,390 mm. Therefore, it is slightly different than the Jawa 42 FJ. At the front, there are 41 mm telescopic forks with 130 mm travel while the rear gets a twin tube emulsion shock absorber with a 6-step preload adjustment. The front tyre is 19-inch with a 100/90 profile and the rear tyre is 18-inch with a 120/80 section. It gets dual-channel ABS at the front and rear. The front disc is 300 mm and the rear disc is 270 mm.
| Specs | Jawa 42 FJ | RE Classic 350 |
| Engine | 334-cc | 349-cc |
| Power | 29.17 PS | 20.21 PS |
| Torque | 29.62 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Weight | 194 kg | 195 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 12L | 13L |
| Tyre (F / R) | 18-inch / 17-inch | 19-inch / 18-inch |
| Wheelbase | 1,440 mm | 1,390 mm |
Jawa 42 FJ vs RE Classic 350 – Design
Now, this is where the two bikes display their core characteristics. On one hand, we have the Jawa 42 FJ. It combines the retro theme with tons of modern elements. At the front, it gets a round LED taillamp cluster with Jawa badging. It also gets the handlebar-connected rearview mirrors, a typical trait of Jawa motorcycles. On the sides, there is a styling fuel tank with a brushed aluminium panel which elevates the premium quotient of the bike. The fuel tank lid and instrument cluster are offset which lend it a quirky touch. Apart from that, the side profile even has a side body panel with 42 graphics and a single-seat layout with a short tail section. The long exhaust and rear tyre cover-mounted taillamp complete the overall exterior look of the 42 FJ. The alloy wheels look bold and purposeful even though the base model gets spoked wheels.
On the other hand, the RE Classic 350 carries the exterior styling which we have all grown accustomed to over the years. It still carries that hardcore retro charm you would find on the bikes from the decades gone by. Somehow, customers still gravitate towards this established and well-known appearance. This includes a round headlamp cluster, a bulky fuel tank, pop-out rearview mirrors, a distinct seat layout, spoked wheels, long exhaust pipe and rugged side body panel and a large rear section. I must say that appearances are subjective but both of them have their unique attraction.
Features Comparison
Interestingly, both these bikes are not exactly known for their latest tech and convenience features. Ideally, people opt for these to go on long journeys. Hence, ride comfort and highway performance are the key USPs of such bikes. But that is not to say that they lack fundamental amenities. For instance, the Jawa 42 FJ comes with:
- LED Lights
- USB Charging Port
- Single-Pod Digital Instrument Cluster
- Central Footpeg
- Passenger Footpeg
- Bluetooth Connectivity
On the other hand, even the RE Classic 350 offers basic functionalities including:
- Tripper Navigation
- Digital Odometer
- LED Lighting
- USB Type-C Charging Port
- Adjustable Brake and Clutch Lever
Our View
It goes without saying that the Jawa 42 FJ and RE Classic 350 are compelling propositions for someone looking for a tourer motorcycle around this price point. There is a huge overlap in the prices of the two bikes as well. Apart from that, there are distinct design components which define the individuality of each bike. In this manner, each of these stands out in the crowd. I would suggest that if you are looking for a hardcore old-school motorcycle with a legacy, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 might be a better choice. There are still a lot of people who value the charm of this retro motorbike.
On the other hand, we know that Jawa has re-appeared in our market after a bit of a hiatus of a few years. Hence, even its motorcycles bear the retro theme but are also slightly more modern. Not only that, the 42 FJ is also significantly more powerful than the Classic 350. As a result, it would certainly make a lot of difference in terms of highway munching. In any case, I would urge our readers to visit the nearest showrooms to get a feel of both these bikes. You can’t really go wrong with either of these machines.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Adds Custom Jawa 42 Bobber to His Garage – VIDEO
