The Czech brand Jawa has launched two motorcycles in Europe, and there’s a real possibility that they’ll make it to India. The two models are named 660 Vintage and 350 OHC.
The 350 OHC has a retro look, with a 19-inch front rim and an 18-inch rear. Both wheels are spoked ones. It gets a 12.5-litre fuel tank and the instrument cluster has an analogue speedometer and tachometer. The engine is an air-cooled 397cc single mated to a five-speed gearbox. It is a unit manufactured by a Chinese firm called Shinray, but the fuel injection is from Delphi. The engine generates 28bhp at 6500rpm and 30.6Nm at 5000rpm. It does get ABS, but like the Bajaj Pulsar RS200, it is a single-channel type, limited to the front wheel. The 350 OHC is priced at CZK 99,930 in the Czech Republic which is approximately Rs 2.6 lakh in today’s money. As it stands, the tax involved in bringing it here means it will not achieve a competitive price, but that might change if the localization level goes up. Mahindra Two Wheelers says to not expect any new product for the next two years as their focus lies on their current models.
The other Jawa, the 660 Vintage, is also worthy of consideration for the Indian market. It shares the same platform as the 660 Sportard, meaning a single-cylinder air-cooled 660cc mill, but stands apart with its retro looks. The power figures are identical to the 660 Sportard at 48bhp and 57Nm. If Mahindra manages to localise it enough, it will certainly be the most affordable machine in its class.
