The 300-400cc motorcycle space in India witnessed a new entrant recently in the form of the Jawa 42 FJ. It is the second offering from the Pune-based brand on its revised 350 platform and goes against the Honda CB350RS among others. Let’s see how the two fair on paper.
Design
Jawa has borrowed design elements from the existing 42. However, the FJ gets a much sportier approach and it also looks more youthful. Meanwhile, the Honda CB350RS gets a slightly rugged look with a dash of a scrambler design language. Jawa offers the 42 FJ in five paint schemes and a brushed finish on the fuel tank whereas the CB350RS gets a glossy colour scheme. Moreover, the Jawa 42 FJ gets a dual exhaust setup unlike the CB’s single sided exhaust.
Features
Jawa has offers the 42 FJ with an LED headlight, a digital console, USB charging port, and dual-channel ABS. On the other hand, the CB350RS gets an LED headlight, a semi-digital instrument console, Honda Selectable Torque Control, and Smartphone Voice Control system. Overall, the Honda gets more features and has the upper hand here.
Engine
Powering the Jawa 42 FJ is a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It belts out 28.7bhp and 29.62Nm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Meanwhile, the Honda CB350RS packs a 348.36cc mill mated to a five-speed gearbox. It makes 20.7bhp and 30Nm. While the Jawa bike gets notably more power, the CB offers more torque which should make it easier to ride in the city at low speeds without running through the gears. However, the Jawa would have notably quicker acceleration. It also gets an extra gear which will make its highway riding capability better.
Hardware
Both motorcycles ride on telescopic front forks and dual rear springs. Jawa has equipped the 42 FJ with a single disc brake setup at both ends and it is the same case with the Honda CB350RS. However, you can purchase the Jawa 42 FJ with spoke wheels and tubed tyres too in its base trim, whereas the CB350RS gets alloy wheels only.
Price
The asking price for the Jawa 42 FJ starts at Rs. 1.99 lakh and goes up to Rs. 2.20 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi). On the other hand, the Honda CB350RS costs Rs. 2.14 lakh onwards and goes up to Rs. 2.19 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi). Both bikes, more or less, are on par on paper. But the real world riding experience will differ given the Honda uses a long-stroke engine whereas the Jawa gets a short stroke motor.
