Jawa 350 is the bike that is creating ripples in the motorcycle market doubling up with old yet new technologies. It has classic design, powerful engine and superior safety specification such as the dual-channel ABS, which makes it provide royal riding at an initial price of Rs. 1.98 lakh. The Jawa 350 is a good deal to anyone who is enamored by the beauty of retro bikes but feels the need to ride modern technology. So, what makes this motorcycle outstanding within the overall crowded retro-roadster category?
A Head Turning Design
The Jawa 350 is a feast to the eyes, getting the message of the legendary Jawa bikes of the past. It has a retro styling with teardrop shaped fuel tank, round headlight (halogen bulb), and chrome feature that make it look more premium and old school. The bike is available in eight color choices with the colors being in very loud shades such as Mystique Orange, Obsidian Black, and Deep Forest, the Chrome series however gets a new white color that adds some class. The sharp, angular lines and smooth finish on the Jawa 350 will not only ensure that the bike stands out anywhere you park it, but it will also look great at peak speed on the highway.
The construction finish of the bike has experienced many changes when compared to those of its predecessor. The chrome and paint are excellent and the fitment of the panels are solid. Although it is being reported that some aspects such as un-completed welding exist, the overall skills used with the bikes in this price range are still overwhelming. Another sight to look at is the redesigned seat, which is sufficiently cushioned considering both the short rides in the city and long highway rides, hence, being comfortable to various riders.
Performance and Power
Beneath the fuel lid, this bike is powered by a single cylinder and liquid cooled 334cc engine that generates 22.26 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 28.1 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Coupled with a smooth shifting six-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch, this engine has been designed to be high-performance in the low- and mid-range, which meets the needs of those who need to cruise through the city streets and highway leisurely. The bike picks up in a straight line till 80 kmph, there is sufficient grunt to overtake, but there are some vibrations around 100 kmph which may become irritating to those who ride long distances.
Jawa 350 is a little bit more agile and responsive to drive as compared to its competitors such as the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The finishing of the engine in question has also gone way forward in comparison to previous Jawa models and the throttle response is quite smooth, and it is a pleasure to ride the same in the urban areas. The mileage of the bike will however be on the average as it is able to give about 30kmpl in the city and 28kmpl on highways which also is not a class leading performance. It is fitted with a 13.2-liter tank that has a decent weekend getaway range.
Vehicle Handling and Safety
One of the strongest points of Jawa 350 concerns handling. It is a double cradle chassis, has an increased wheelbase of 1,449mm, wider tires (100-section on the front and 130-section tires on the rear side), which gives good stability and confidence when cornering. Both in terms of engineering and handling the suspension set up is tuned on the stiff side 35mm telescopic forks in the front and twin shock absorbers with adjustability of preload on the rear. This gives the bike a good turn-in but can be a bit jigsaw on a harsh road when there is a pillion in place.
Safety is good, and the brakes are dual-channel ABS and disc brakes (280 mm front, 240 mm rear). The front brake has a powerful bite, but some riders report that it would have greater initial sharpness when applying it during emergency braking. The ABS is perfectly calibrated on tarmac, but it seems to be a bit too late on loose ground. The Jawa 350 has 178 mm of ground clearance and a touch under 194 kg of curb weight, which feels civilized and planted, but despite the curb weight, it feels accessible even to inexperienced riders.
Characteristics and weaknesses
The Jawa 350 does not complicate matters; the ride is retro. It is equipped with an analog speedometer and a tiny digital insert of trip meters and odometer readings. But the upward-facing console is difficult to read when the sun is shining; it would have been nice to include features such as Bluetooth connectivity or chargers via USB port, which is a pity. It may not be a deal breaker in the case of riders, who are interested in classic aesthetics rather than tech, but it is still worth mentioning when compared to competitors such as the Honda Hn’ness CB350 that have more modern characteristics.
The other weakness is on the service network, which is not as extensive as that of the competitor, such as Royal Enfield. In smaller cities, service centers or spare parts may be difficult to get, so that can have an impact on long-term ownership. Furthermore, there are some complaints about slight vibrations during increased speed and quality niggles, though they are not quite so serious as in previous Jawa motorbikes.
Prices and Competition
The Jawa 350 retails at a competitive and affordable price beginning at the base variant which costs Rs. 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom) or the Legacy Edition as it is known and culminating with the Ts variant costing Rs. 2.30 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes directly with the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (Rs. 1.93 lakh to Rs. 2.24 lakh), Honda H’ness CB350 and Benelli Imperiale 400. Held in dominant positions by the Classic 350 through its lineage as well as the large service footprint built over the years, the Jawa 350 can brag of nimble handling, a unique styling, and a lower price point at its Rs 1.5 lakh base variant. The special-edition Legacy Edition has optional special accessories such as a touring visor and pillion backrest and is limited to 500 units, making it an attractive choice to those looking to mod a Kawasaki.
Why Jawa 350?
Jawa 350 is the bike aimed at riders that desire the mixture of the old times and contemporary performance without burning a hole in their pocket. The retro flair of a king besides the spunky engine and assured grip places it as a contender in the 350cc category. Missing a few modern conveniences and with a lesser service network, the better build quality, involve in the ride as well as head-turning looks makes the bike a good alternative to Royal Enfield Classic 350.
The Jawa 350 is the best choice for anyone looking to buy something that will make them feel special when riding and an enjoyable and relaxed experience. It is not only a bike but even a representation of the style and heritage, which is suitable to bog across the weekends or to go on a city tour. When you are willing to accept its vintage aesthetic as well as forgive its lesser shortcomings, the Jawa 350 will reward you with the royal riding experience that you will enjoy and will not get tired of.
