Jawa 42 FJ NATRAX Ride Experience - Most Fun To Ride Jawa?

Jawa Motorcycles launched the Jawa 42 FJ in mid-2024 and introduced a slightly updated design and enhanced dynamics and performance compared to the regular Jawa 42 model. This motorcycle is made to offer a new take on the modern classic motorcycle. While we all associate modern classics with comfortable and relaxed riding, Classic Legends has changed the narrative by giving us a track-focused experience with the Jawa 42 FJ. I recently rode the Jawa 42 FJ at the NATRAX high-speed test track in Indore, and here are my observations about the Jawa 42 FJ. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.

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Jawa 42 FJ - Design, Features, & Hardware

The Jawa 42 FJ is the sibling of the Jawa 42 with more modern design elements and enhanced dynamics. For starters, it comes with an LED headlamp unit, updated side panels with an aluminum finish, an upswept dual exhaust in black finish, and a digital instrument console, among other highlights. On the features front, it comes with a digital console, dual-channel ABS, USB charging port, LED lighting, and more.

The hardware of the Jawa 42 FJ comprises a telescopic front fork, dual-spring shocks at the rear, an 18-inch front wheel, a 17-inch rear wheel, front and rear disc brakes, all built on a double cradle frame. Now, enough about the specs, numbers, and design; let's dive into how it rides and performs!

How It Performs?

The 42 FJ gets all its power from a 334cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine. This engine produces 29.17 PS of power and 29.62 Nm of peak torque, it comes mated to a 6-speed transmission. This is the most powerful Jawa model one can buy in the Indian market.

Now, coming to the performance part, the Alpha 2 engine offers good power and torque delivery. On the track, it eagerly picks up speed, and the low-end performance is pretty good and ample low-end torque. The bike starts to feel more lively as the revs climb up. The tractability of the engine can be felt while maneuvering on the track. It remains responsive all the time.

On the test track, I pushed the 42 FJ to high speeds, and it never felt strained. Doing triple-digit speeds is easy, and you can comfortably sit on the bike at 100 km/h all day long. The top speed I achieved on the track was 120 km/h; it could have gone higher, but a bend came. The engine was calm, offering good pops and bangs occasionally, thanks to the dual-exhaust system. The 6-speed gearbox offers smooth gearshifts, aided by the slipper and assist clutch.

Ride & Handling

The 42 FJ is not a motorcycle that's made for track, but with its nimble handling and well-balanced dynamics surprised me. The riding posture it offers is quite comfortable, the wide handle bar further enhances comfort while providing good view. The bike is not as sharp as a sports bike, but considering the modern classic styling and its long wheelbase, it offers a good cornering ability. The traction on the road is good, offering confidence to the rider. Additionally, its high ground clearance and corenering clearance helps you avoid footpeg or silencer scraping on the ground.

The FJ is agile and can be accelerated from 30 km/h in 4th gear without snatching. This enhaces the riding experience if you are riding in the city traffic. The multiple laps I did on the test track were highly enjoyable and the agility of the 42 FJ was just phenomenol. If you are someone who loves cornering and wants a comfortable riding stance, the 42 FJ will keep you happy. Its not as sharp as a sports bike but it does the job well considering its body style and platform.

However, the one downside in the 42 FJ is the braking. The brakes are not as sharp as one would expect while riding high speeds on a motorcycle. They lack the bite and do not provide adequate feedback through the levers. In city riding conditions these brakes will not disappoint. However, at high speeds, if you face an emergency braking situation, they might not inspire full confidence and could make things challenging.

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