The Jawa 42 FJ debuted recently and in the last few days, we have already faired it against a few of its rivals in the segment. In this story, the new Jawa bike goes against the Honda Hness CB350. Here are the results.
Design
The Jawa 42, although old-school, gets a sportier appearance and looks much more contemporary as well. It features a round LED headlight, a single-piece seat, and dual exhaust ports which further accentuate its visual appeal. The Honda Hness CB350 on the other hand looks properly retro. It too gets a round LED headlight but appears slightly longer and more relaxed than the Jawa 42 FJ. The Hness comes in multiple trims and also has a customisation option that includes a headlight fairing and a rear seat cowl.
Features
Jawa has offered LED illumination, dual-channel ABS, and a fully digital console on the 42 FJ’s feature front. Meanwhile, the Hness comes with an LED headlight, smartphone voice control, Honda Selectable Torque Control, and a semi-digital console. The Honda offering has more features on paper.
Engine
The Jawa 42 FJ shares its motor with the Jawa 350 launched earlier this year. It is a 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. The setup makes 28.7bhp and 29.62Nm and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. Meanwhile, the Honda Hness CB350 packs a 348.36cc mill mated to a five-speed gearbox and makes 20.7bhp and 30Nm. The two mills differ in terms of architecture and offer a different riding experience as well.
If you want a fast and quick-revving motor, with a relatively youthful approach, the Jawa could fit the purpose. But if you want a laid-back and relaxed engine that builds the revs gradually, then the Honda Hness CB350 could be the right choice.
Hardware
The two bikes get a fairly simple hardware setup. They ride on telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks whereas the braking duties are done by a front and rear disc brake setup. While Jawa and Honda both offer their bikes with alloy wheels, you can also purchase the Jawa 42 FJ base model with spoke wheels and tubed tyres.
Price
The asking price for the Jawa 42 FJ starts at Rs. 1.99 lakh whereas the Honda Hness CB350 retails at Rs. 2.09 lakh onwards (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The two bikes are a close match in some aspects but the Jawa bike offers more power whereas the Honda bike gets more features.
