Is Jawa 42 Bobber the Most Powerful in Its Segment? Comparison with Competitors

The Indian motorcycle market has seen a significant rise in demand for retro-modern motorcycles, especially in the cruiser and bobber segments. Among the premium yet accessible offerings is the Jawa 42 Bobber, a motorcycle that combines classic bobber styling with modern engineering. With Jawa expanding its footprint across India, the 42 Bobber has gained a loyal following of enthusiasts who love its design, road presence, and engaging ride.

However, with increasing competition from brands like Royal Enfield, Benelli, and Honda, many buyers are wondering- Is the Jawa 42 Bobber the most powerful motorcycle in its segment? Let’s explore the features, specifications, and how it stacks up against its closest rivals in India.

Summary Table: Jawa 42 Bobber vs Competitors

Jawa 42 Bobber Overview

Introduced as part of Jawa’s modern classic lineup, the Jawa 42 Bobber is essentially a factory-built bobber designed for solo riders who value style as much as performance. It carries the timeless low-slung stance, chopped fenders, floating single seat, and wide handlebars associated with the bobber design philosophy.

While it shares mechanical elements with the Jawa Perak, the 42 Bobber features new paint schemes, modern features, better ergonomics, and improved refinement.

Jawa 42 Bobber Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Jawa 42 Bobber is a 334cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, tuned to produce:

• Maximum Power: 29.92 PS

• Peak Torque: 32.74 Nm

• Transmission: 6-speed gearbox

This engine provides linear power delivery with a strong mid-range, making it ideal for both city commuting and occasional highway rides. The bobber-specific low stance gives the rider a commanding road presence, enhancing the overall riding experience.

Top Features of Jawa 42 Bobber

• LED Headlight and Tail Lamp

• Fully Digital Instrument Cluster

• Dual-Channel ABS

• Adjustable Single Floating Seat

• Fuel Injection Technology

• Customizable Ergonomics (adjustable foot pegs)

With its blend of retro looks and modern features, the Jawa 42 Bobber has carved a distinct niche in the Indian cruiser market.

How Powerful is the Jawa 42 Bobber Compared to Its Rivals?

To find out if the Jawa 42 Bobber is truly the most powerful in its segment, we compared it with its major competitors:

1. Royal Enfield Classic 350

2. Royal Enfield Meteor 350

3. Honda H’ness CB350

4. Benelli Imperiale 400

1. Royal Enfield Classic 350

• Engine: 349cc, Single-cylinder, Air-Oil cooled

• Power: 20.21 PS

• Torque: 27 Nm

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is one of India’s most popular retro bikes. However, in terms of outright power, it lags behind the Jawa 42 Bobber. It’s more focused on relaxed cruising than spirited performance.

2. Royal Enfield Meteor 350

• Engine: 349cc, Single-cylinder, Air-Oil cooled

• Power: 20.4 PS

• Torque: 27 Nm

Similar to the Classic 350, the Meteor focuses more on long-distance touring comfort rather than aggressive performance. Again, the Jawa 42 Bobber outperforms it in both power and torque.

3. Honda H’ness CB350

• Engine: 348.36cc, Single-cylinder, Air-cooled

• Power: 21.07 PS

• Torque: 30 Nm

The Honda H’ness CB350 offers excellent refinement and smooth cruising, but its power output falls short of the Jawa 42 Bobber’s near-30PS performance. It does offer better fuel efficiency and Honda’s famous reliability.

4. Benelli Imperiale 400

• Engine: 374cc, Single-cylinder, Air-cooled

• Power: 21 PS

• Torque: 29 Nm

Though slightly bigger in engine displacement, the Benelli Imperiale 400 produces less horsepower than the Jawa 42 Bobber, making the Jawa more appealing to riders who prioritize power-to-weight ratio and acceleration.

Verdict on Performance

Based purely on engine output and performance numbers, the Jawa 42 Bobber is currently the most powerful motorcycle in its direct segment in India. Its 29.92 PS power figure beats competitors in the 300cc to 400cc retro cruiser segment by a comfortable margin.

While bikes like the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 exist with significantly more power, they belong to a different price bracket altogether, starting around ₹3.5 lakh, far above the Jawa 42 Bobber’s pricing.

Jawa 42 Bobber Price in India

The Jawa 42 Bobber is available in multiple color variants, with pricing (ex-showroom Delhi) starting from:

• ₹2.29 lakh to ₹2.30 lakh

The price varies slightly depending on the color option you choose.

FAQs About Jawa 42 Bobber

Q1. Is Jawa 42 Bobber good for long-distance touring?

Answer: Yes, the Jawa 42 Bobber offers a comfortable riding posture, powerful engine, and features like dual-channel ABS, making it suitable for long-distance touring, although it is primarily designed for solo riding.

Q2. How is the mileage of Jawa 42 Bobber?

Answer: The Jawa 42 Bobber offers an average fuel efficiency of around 30-35 km/l, depending on riding style and conditions.

Q3. Is the Jawa 42 Bobber better than Royal Enfield Classic 350?

Answer: In terms of power and modern features, the Jawa 42 Bobber outperforms the Royal Enfield Classic 350. However, the Classic 350 has a stronger brand following and may offer better long-term resale value.

Q4. What is the top speed of the Jawa 42 Bobber?

Answer: The top speed of the Jawa 42 Bobber is around 130-140 km/h, making it one of the quicker bikes in the segment.

Q5. Does Jawa offer customization for the 42 Bobber?

Answer: Yes, Jawa dealerships offer various accessories and customization options, such as handlebar choices, mirrors, seats, and crash protection gear.

Conclusion

The Jawa 42 Bobber stands as the most powerful motorcycle in its direct segment, offering Indian riders a unique combination of bobber styling, robust performance, and modern features at an accessible price point. For those who prioritize performance and distinctive looks, the Jawa 42 Bobber remains one of the best choices currently available in India’s 300-400cc motorcycle segment.

For more updates on motorcycle launches and comparisons tailored for Indian users, stay tuned.

Let me know if you’d like a comparison with Royal Enfield’s higher-end models or a review-style breakdown next.