Is the newly launched Jawa 42 FJ the best motorcycle you can buy at ₹1.99 lakh?
Is the newly launched Jawa 42 FJ the best motorcycle you can buy at ₹1.99 lakh?
After a slew of updates, Classic Legends-owned Jawa Motorcycles has now expanded its line-up with the new Jawa 42 FJ. Starting from ₹1.99 lakh onwards, this neo-roadster packs in the brand’s updated and smoother 334 cc, Alpha 2 engine. Coupled with those new matte colour options, and its renewed beefier proportions, the new Jawa 42 FJ looks and reads like a proper package.
But is it the best value-for-money motorcycle that you can buy in this price range? Let’s check out the other options.
Starting with the most non-pretentious motorcycle in this list, the 2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350. Priced from from ₹1.99 lakh to ₹2.30 lakh, the top-end Classic 350 is ₹10,000 more expensive than the top variant of the Jawa 42 FJ. However, when it comes to having a regal appeal, none comes close to the Royal Enfield, especially with that Emerald Chrome colour option. And as we said before, the Classic 350 with that new J-series 350 cc engine is one of the most refined motorcycles to ride, which will make you fall in love with riding all the more.
However, if you want something more modern and sporty – Hero’s most premium offering yet, the Mavrick 440 should be considered here. Based on the same platform with the same engine that is also available with the Harley-Davidson X440, the Mavic 440 feels a bit sporty to ride as well, especially when you hit the corners. It also has many features like phone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, etc, which are not available with 42 FJ. Lastly, given the fact that the Mavrick 440 is priced in the same range, i.e. ₹1.99 lakh to ₹2.24 lakh, the Mavrick 440 is quite the strong alternative to the Jawa 42 FJ.
If roadsters are not your cuppa, and you want something that drips performance from every nook and corner – then the KTM 200 Duke is the one you should go for. Right from its 24.65 bhp/ 19.3 Nm 200 cc engine to its looks – the KTM 200 is a proper pocket rocket which will leave a wide grin on your face every time you twist the throttle. Thereby, at ₹1.98 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the KTM 200 Duke feels like a proper package too.
The Yezdi Adventure is one of those few affordable ADVs in India that was recently updated to become lighter and much more engaging to ride than before. Yes, it equips the same 334 cc Alpha 2 series engine that is also available with the Jawa 42 FJ, but in the ADV it produces slightly more power and torque. Moreover, the Yezdi Adventure is priced between ₹2.10 lakh to ₹2.20 lakh, which is right in the price range of the Jawa 42 FJ - So, if you want something that can do weekend getaways without even breaking a sweat, then the Yezdi Adventure is the one you should be looking for.
But if you’re really hell-bent on getting a roadster, then the Triumph Speed 400 is one of the most beautiful offerings on this list. Yes, at ₹2.34 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it is a bit of an expensive offering (₹14,000 more expensive), but that British finesse is something that can seldom be found with any bike in this list. Moreover, it also produces more power than the Jawa 42 FJ and that 398.15 cc should feel more exciting to ride.
