Jawa Moto

Last updated
JAWA Moto
Founded1929
Founder František Janeček
Headquarters,
Products Motorcycles, mopeds
Total assets 313,425,000 Czech koruna (2022)  OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Number of employees
100 (as of 2017) [1]
Parent Jihostroj

JAWA (Czech pronunciation: [java] ) is a motorcycle and moped manufacturer founded in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1929 by František Janeček, [2] who bought the motorcycle division of Wanderer. The name JAWA was established by concatenating the first letters of Janeček and Wanderer. [3] In the past, especially in the 1950s, JAWA was one of the top motorcycle manufacturers and exported its 350 model to over 120 countries. [4] The best known model was the 350 Pérák, and in the 1970s the 350 Californian. It appeared in typical black and red coloring from the US to New Zealand. [5] After 1990 a significant loss of production occurred. A successor company was formed in 1997 in Týnec nad Sázavou, continuing the name as JAWA Moto.

Contents

In the Indian market the brand JAWA Motorcycles was resurrected in December 2018 by Classic Legends, which is owned by Mahindra & Mahindra, through a licensing deal with the original Czech company JAWA Moto. [2]

Jawa headquarters in Tynec nad Sazavou JAWA. Motorcycle manufacturer.jpg
Jawa headquarters in Týnec nad Sázavou

History

JAWA 500 OHV in a museum of historic motorcycles in Lesna (Znojmo District), Czech Republic Jawa 500 OHV (Muzeum motocyklu Lesna u Znojma).JPG
JAWA 500 OHV in a museum of historic motorcycles in Lesná (Znojmo District), Czech Republic
JAWA 250 (type 353) two-stroke motorcycle Jawa 353 250 cc 1958.jpg
JAWA 250 (type 353) two-stroke motorcycle
Jawa 250 motorbike exhaust sound (single-cylinder)
JAWA 350 (type 634) Jawa 350 red l TCE.jpg
JAWA 350 (type 634)
Jawa 350 type 354/06 motorbike exhaust sound (two-cylinder)
JAWA 125 Dandy JAWA DANDY 125.jpg
JAWA 125 Dandy
Jawa 350/638 Twin Sport (1984-1994) Jawa 350 Twin Sport z 1988 roku.jpg
Jawa 350/638 Twin Sport (1984-1994)
Jawa 350/640 Style Jawa 350 Typ 640 red style.jpg
Jawa 350/640 Style
Jawa 350 OHC Jawa 350 OHC.jpg
Jawa 350 OHC

Origin – 1929

František Janeček started the company after working in the armament industry. Although he did not have experience with motorcycles, he was familiar with production techniques. Janeček chose between the Austrian double piston two-stroke motor of Puch, the Berlin two-stroke of Schliha, and the new Wanderer 500cc. Janeček chose the Wanderer. Because of the collapse of the German motor industry, Wanderer had stopped production, being unable to compete with BMW. The first model was introduced on October 23, 1929. This was a 500cc four-cycle engine with 12 kW of power (18 hp) and fuel consumption of 6 L/100 km. Although priced highly, through the first years (and several constructional fixes), this motorcycle was successful and was considered reliable.

1930s

Due to the economic recession of the early 1930s, a cheaper and simpler motorcycle was needed. The year 1932 marked the introduction of JAWA 175, with its 3.6-kW engine. This light (70 kg) machine was capable of speeds up to 80 km/h and fuel consumption of 3.5 L/100 km. The first year of production was an immediate success, selling over 3000 of the JAWA 175, almost three times the number of the 500-cc model over three years of production. The production of this model ended in 1946. In 1938, JAWA was the first to offer test rides during exhibition shows. This test motorcycle was a custom JAWA 175 equipped with dual handlebars, a second pair in the back for the instructor. Over the years, 27,535 units of the JAWA 175 were built.

1940s

The company founder František Janeček died. Postwar production of JAWA 250/350 motorcycles restarted, and production of the JAWA 350 Ogar motorcycle began.

1950s

Motorcycles produced in the 1950s include the 250, 350/353-Kývačka, and 350/354-Kývačka, 500 OHC and the 50 Pionýr and Jawetta mopeds. A powerful two-stroke motorcycle known as the JAWA 250/350 with the compact engine, rear suspension and many other innovations was exported to more than 120 countries. It was one of the most successful models of JAWA.

1960s

In the early 1960s, Jawa invented the first automatic clutch for motorcycles. The centrifugal clutch was designed for Jawa 250/559 and 350/360. Because the clutch has been patented worldwide by Jawa and it was copied in the Honda 50 Cub motorcycle, Honda had to retreat, pay a fine, and pay a license fee for each motorcycle sold. [6]

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

Other activities

JAWA automobiles

In 1934, Jawa introduced its first car, the Jawa 700, based on the DKW F2. [7] Overall, 1,002 vehicles were produced. The sports car special Jawa 750 was built only in six pieces for the 1000-mile Czechoslovakian race in 1933–35. It is a legend in the history of domestic motor sports. In 1937, the modified Jawa 600 Minor was introduced, which replaced JAWA 700. Production continued in limited numbers during WWII, and some were assembled in the postwar period. [8] Over 14,000 vehicles were produced and more than half were exported abroad. The successor was the Aero Minor; it was, however, manufactured by Aero and not by Jawa, from 1946 to 1952.

JAWA mopeds

Under the Jawa name, a variety of mopeds with two-stroke engines were sold in foreign markets. In Czechoslovakia (and foreign markets after 1989), these mopeds were known as the Babetta. The mopeds were produced since 1970 in Slovakian Považská Bystrica and Kolárovo. It was the first company to include electronic ignition on mopeds. In the first half of the 1990s, sales and exports declined, and the production of Babettas (with type's 192 Sting and 134 Hooper) was discontinued in 1999.

JAWA in India

Licensed Indian Jawa 250/353 "A" Type (1962) Jawa typ 353.jpg
Licensed Indian Jawa 250/353 "A" Type (1962)

Ideal Jawa India Ltd based in Mysore was an Indian motorcycle company, which produced licensed Jawa motorcycles beginning in 1960 under the brand name Jawa and from 1973 as Yezdi. The company stopped production in 1996. Jawa motorcycles have a cult following to this day. Earlier models manufactured in Czechoslovakia bore the CZ Jawa emblem on the side of the fuel tank. The locally manufactured models always had O within the Jawa emblem. The Jawa 250 Type 353/04 designated as 'A' Type, Yezdi 250 'B' Type, Jawa 350 type 634 Twin and Yezdi 250 Monarch models are currently ridden in the country. Jawa and Yezdi bikes, especially ones with fuel tank paddings and ignition systems on the fuel tank, are collectors items.

In October 2016, Mahindra & Mahindra, through its subsidiary Classic Legends Private Limited (CLPL), signed a licensing deal to launch motorbikes under the JAWA brand name in India and other East Asian countries. [9] On November 15, 2018, the Classic Legends launched three motorcycles in India: Jawa (nicknamed Jawa 300 [10] [11] ), Forty-Two (named for the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything), [12] and Pérák, named for an urban legend Pérák. [13] The 42 was introduced in 2021, it is the Forty-Two with modified appearance and equipment. [14] In October 2022 the 42 Bobber was introduced. It uses the same engine as the Pérák but comes with more chrome and color options. [15] They are manufactured in Pithampur. [16]

The Jawa 300 is inspired by the company's popular classic Jawa 250 Type A, while the Jawa 42 and Forty-Two are more modern and urban offerings. The Jawa Pérák is a completely different model, a custom bobber motorcycle. Jawa, Forty-Two and 42 share the same technical specifications - 293-cc (20,4 kW), front disc, rear drum, single-channel ABS, fuel injection system, liquid-cooled engine with radiator, and kerb weight of 170 kg. In terms of appearance, classic Jawa has more chrome, while the Jawa Forty-Two and 42 have a modern feel to attract younger riders. It is a competitor to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 in the Indian market. [17] Jawa Pérák has a 334-cc (22,3 kW) engine.

Indian customers' interest in new machines exceeded expectations. The originally planned production capacity was not enough, so the production line was doubled at about 30,000 motorcycles annually, and the start of production was delayed. [18] Classic Legends inaugurated the first Jawa motorcycles in December 2018 in the Pune region of Maharashtra. [19] Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Jawa sold 50,000 motorcycles in twelve months, with plans to increase production capacity to meet demand. [20]

They launched an initiative #ForeverHeroes to lend a helping hand to the children of martyrs, by auctioning the first 13 motorcycles from its production batch. This fundraiser was a first-of-its-kind event, which helped Jawa raise Rs 1,49,25,000 from 13 bikes. The entire amount received in the fundraising auction will be used for education of the children of martyrs of the Indian Armed Forces. [21]

Indian Jawa adapted to the European standards is sold in the Czech Republic since autumn 2020, under the name Jawa 300 CL. The Jawa 42 should also be imported here over time. [22] Classic Legends recently launched its Jawa 42 Bobber in October 2022.

Racing

Racing bike Jawa 350/673 V4 Jawa 350 V4 GP.jpg
Racing bike Jawa 350/673 V4

Historically, JAWA had been active in racing, and by far the most active Eastern European manufacturer in motor sports. In track racing, JAWA sustained a presence in the world championship until the mid-'60s with respectable performances considering their limited budget. In motocross, the firm built an impressive record before its four-stroke engines became superseded by two-stroke engines. In speedway racing, dirt-track racing, and ice racing where four-stroke engines were still at an advantage, the firm remained a dominant force. The separate factory where these competition motorcycles were built became a separate company following the privatizations of the 1990s with the fall of communism.

Speedway World Champions who have ridden successfully on Jawa bikes include Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Ove Fundin, Ole Olsen, Michael Lee, Tony Rickardsson, and Kelvin Tatum. [23]

Recent information

JAWA models in 2011 Jawa Motopark2011.jpg
JAWA models in 2011

Following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the dismantling of the communist bloc, the Jawa consumer motorcycles and the Speedway competition bikes were divided into separate companies. In the 1990s, JAWA Speedway bikes were successful, while the Jawa company has struggled. As of 2006, the JAWA mostly produced bikes similar to Honda 250, 125, and 50 cc motorcycles and a large bike with a 650 cc Rotax engine (this engine can be also found in BMW F650 series). Production of motorcycles with smaller volumes has been gradually terminated.

Most sold is the Jawa 350 two-stroke twin, which is almost mechanically unchanged since the 1970s, but reliable. Currently they are sold only in Latin America. [24]

The large bike with a 650 cc Rotax engine was produced since 2004 in three different variations. The JAWA 650 classic was a retro bike with classic proportions. The JAWA 650 Style was aimed for city streets, and the JAWA 650 Dakar was a full-scale enduro bike similar to the Honda XL Transalp. The Jawa 660 was the successor to the Jawa 650, and was sold between 2011 and 2018.

RVM Jawa 500 from 2020 is a motorcycle produced by the Argentine company RVM, the company is a long-term importer of Jawa, in which Jawa has a certain economic share. It is a touring enduro motorcycle with 471 cc (32.5/36 kW), and is sold both in Argentina and Europe. In July 2021, a model suitable for both road and light terrain RVM Jawa 500 Scrambler (471 cc, 31.5 kW) was added to the market.

Current models (2024) sold by the JAWA company are: old Jawa 350/640 - two-stroke engine Style/Retro and Jawa 350 OHC/650 OHC with chinese four-stroke engine (meets the EURO V standards).

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KTM</span> Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer

KTM is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and motorsports brand which is co-owned by Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto and Austrian manufacturer Pierer Mobility AG. It traces its foundation in 1934 as Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen. Today, Pierer Mobility AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded motorcycles; whereas KTM Fahrrad AG operates as the manufacturer of KTM branded bicycles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AJS</span> British automobile and motorcycle manufacturer from 1909 to 1931

A. J. Stevens & Co. Ltd was a British automobile and motorcycle manufacturer in operation from 1909 to 1931. The company was founded by Joe Stevens in Wolverhampton, England. After the firm was sold, the name continued to be used by Matchless, Associated Motorcycles and Norton-Villiers on four-stroke motorcycles until 1969, and since the name's resale in 1974, on lightweight, two-stroke scramblers and today on small-capacity roadsters and cruisers. The company held 117 motorcycle world records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malaguti</span> Italian motorcycle manufacturer

Malaguti is an Italian bicycle, scooter and motorcycle company based in San Lazzaro di Savena, founded by Antonino Malaguti in 1930. Producing bicycles until 1958, they then entered the motorcycle market. Noted for their use of small engines in their bikes. In October 2011, Malaguti laid off its remaining employees in Bologna, Italy as the company eventually folded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matchless</span> British motorcycle and automobile manufacturer

Matchless is one of the oldest marques of British motorcycles, manufactured in Plumstead, London, between 1899 and 1966. A wide range of models were produced under the Matchless name, ranging from small two-strokes to 750 cc four-stroke twins. Matchless had a long history of racing success; a Matchless ridden by Charlie Collier won the first single-cylinder race in the first Isle of Man TT in 1907.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle engine</span> Engine that powers a motorcycle

A motorcycle engine is an engine that powers a motorcycle. Motorcycle engines are typically two-stroke or four-stroke internal combustion engines, but other engine types, such as Wankels and electric motors, have been used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Husaberg</span> Motorcycle company

Husaberg was a manufacturer of enduro motorcycles with four and two-stroke engines, the displacements ranging from 125 cc to 650 cc. Originally based in Sweden, its motorcycles were later manufactured in Austria by parent company KTM until the line was retired in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Česká zbrojovka Strakonice</span> Czech industrial manufacturer

Česká zbrojovka a.s. is a Czech company producing forklifts Desta and components for the automobile industry, it is former firearms manufacturer, also known for making ČZ motorcycles. ČZ was established as a branch of the Škoda Works Armament in Strakonice, Czechoslovakia in September 1919.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati singles</span> Ducati motorcycle made from 1950 to 1974

The Ducati singles were single cylinder motorcycles, made by Ducati from 1950 to 1974. Chief Engineer Fabio Taglioni developed a desmodromic valve system in these years, a system that opens and closes the valves using the camshaft, without the need for valve springs. This valve system has become a trademark feature of Ducati motorcycles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Velorex</span>

Velorex was a manufacturing cooperative in Solnice, Czechoslovakia. Notable products included a small three-wheeled car, produced from the 1950s until 1971, and the Type 562 sidecar. The sidecar is still manufactured in the Czech Republic by Velorexport, the successor to Velorex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bianchi (motorcycles)</span> Italian motorcycle brand

Bianchi was a brand of Italian motorcycle made from 1897 to 1967 by F.I.V. Edoardo Bianchi S.p.A. The company also produced automobiles from 1900 to 1939, and today is a major Italian bicycle manufacturer. Edoardo Bianchi started his bicycle manufacturing business in a small shop on Milan's Via Nirone in 1885. Bianchi was a prominent name in the motorcycle racing world from 1925 to 1930.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ideal Jawa</span> Indian motorcycle company (1960–1996)

Ideal Jawa (India) Ltd was an Indian motorcycle company based in Mysore, which sold licensed Jawa motorcycles beginning in 1960 under the brand name Jawa and from 1973 as Yezdi. The catchphrase for the bikes sold by the firm was "'Forever Bike, Forever Value". Jawa motorcycles were introduced in India in 1960 and they have a cult following to this present day. Production was carried out directly in India by Ideal Jawa India Ltd based out of Mysore. The Yezdi factory was located at Yadavagiri along the railway line which heads to Mysore Junction. The factory was inaugurated by the then Governor of Mysore State, Sri Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, Maharaja of Mysore in 1961.

The Yezdi Roadking was a motorcycle produced in India by Ideal Jawa Ltd, Mysore from 1978 to 1996. It was based on the CZ 250 motocross ridden by Jaroslav Falta to the runner-up spot in the 1974 motocross world championship. It was sold under the brand name Yezdi. The bike won several Indian rallies and road races. The bike had a 250 cc engine with dual exhausts and a semi-automatic clutch and Jawa/CZ's trademark integrated gear shifter/kick-starter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Enfield Bullet</span> Motorcycle

The Royal Enfield Bullet was an overhead valve, single-cylinder, four-stroke motorcycle initially made by Royal Enfield in Redditch, Worcestershire England. It was later produced by Royal Enfield (India) at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, a company originally founded by Madras Motors to build Royal Enfield motorcycles under licence in India. The Royal Enfield Bullet has the longest and unchanged production run of any motorcycle having remained continuously in production since 1948. The Bullet marque is even older and has passed 75 years of continuous production. The Royal Enfield and Bullet names were derived from the British company which had been a subcontractor to the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Balkan (motorcycle)</span> Type of motorcycle

Balkan was a brand of motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles manufactured in Lovech, Bulgaria in 1957-1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">František Janeček</span>

František Janeček (1878–1941) was the founder of Jawa motorcycles and an important figure in the development of the Czech motorcycle industry. He died on 4 June 1941.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jawa 350</span> Motorcycle model

The Jawa 350 is a motorcycle, produced by Jawa Moto in Czechoslovakia since the 1930s until 1992 and in the Czech Republic until present. In the 1950s, with its two-stroke, air-cooled 343 cc engine it could reach speeds of 132 kilometres per hour (82 mph) and was exported into over 120 countries of the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meguro motorcycles</span> Japanese motorcycle brand

Meguro motorcycles were built by Meguro Manufacturing Co motorcycle works (目黒製作所), founded by Nobuji Murata and a high-ranking naval officer, Takaji Suzuki, in 1937. One of the first Japanese motorcycle companies, it became a partner of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd, and was eventually absorbed. Named after a district of Tokyo, Meguro had its roots in Murato Iron Works, which was established in 1924. Meguro Seisakusho, which had once developed a copy of a Harley-Davidson V-twin, was established to design and build gearboxes for the nascent Japanese motorcycle industry. Abe Industries, which had once produced its own motorcycle, merged with Meguro in 1931. The brand is being revived by Kawasaki with a new K3 model to be introduced in Japan on February 1, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BSA motorcycles</span> Former British motorcycle marque

BSA motorcycles were made by the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited (BSA), which was a major British industrial combine, a group of businesses manufacturing military and sporting firearms; bicycles; motorcycles; cars; buses and bodies; steel; iron castings; hand, power, and machine tools; coal cleaning and handling plants; sintered metals; and hard chrome process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati Sebring</span> SOHC motorcycle by Ducati

The Ducati Sebring is a 340 cc (21 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1965 to 1968. At the time of its introduction it was the largest capacity Ducati machine. Production of the original model ended in 1967 when the 'wide case' Mark 3 was introduced, although just over 200 Sebrings were made in 1968 with the 'wide case' engine. Total production was around 3,500 machines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducati 350 Mark 3</span> SOHC motorcycle by Ducati

The Ducati 350 Mark 3 is a 340 cc (21 cu in) single cylinder bevel drive SOHC motorcycle produced by the Italian manufacturer Ducati from 1968 to 1974. It was one of the first 'wide case' Ducati singles produced. A higher performance version, the Ducati 350 Mark 3D, which used desmodromic valves was also available.

References

  1. https://jawa660.cz/vz2015.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  2. 1 2 Jawa company Archived 2016-12-07 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 2014-03-01
  3. "History of Jawa". Westcoast Motorcycles. Retrieved 2014-03-01.
  4. "JAWA Moto Is Here With Their Latest Iterations Of The 350 And 660 Vintage". Top Speed.
  5. "Jawa Californian je zpátky. Retro z garáže se povedlo". iDNES.cz. May 30, 2012.
  6. "Válka mechaniků: Japonci okopírovali český vynález!". Epochaplus.cz (in Czech).
  7. Tuček, Jan (2017). Auta První Republiky: 1918-1938. Prague: Grada. pp. 191–192.
  8. "New Czech Car Is Built", August 1946, Popular Science drawing of unique features of Minor automobile
  9. "Mahindra to launch Jawa branded bikes in India". Team-BHP.com.
  10. "Test Jawa 300: Jak jezdí indická kývačka na české okresce?". Autobible.cz (in Czech). 28 November 2019.
  11. "Jawa 300/846: Novinka z Indie spasí legendu v Česku". Garáž.cz (in Czech). 1 June 2020.
  12. Daniels, Pearl (30 November 2018). "Jawa named their motorcycles Jawa, 42, Perak for a reason – Do you know why?".
  13. "The story behind the Jawa Perak name".
  14. "2021 Jawa 42 Launched, Gets Alloy Wheels, New Colours & More". 12 February 2021.
  15. "Jawa 42 Bobber: 5 things to know".
  16. "Mahindra unit pitches Jawa Motorcycles in Royal Enfield turf". Livemint.com.
  17. "Jawa Forty Two (RE Classic 350 Rival) - 5 Things To Know". India Car News. 17 November 2018.
  18. "Jawa z Indie: Kdy si ji budeme moci koupit u nás?". Garáž.cz (in Czech).
  19. "Jawa Motorcycles In India 2020". Toento.com.
  20. "Classic Legends sells over 50,000 Jawa motorcycle in 12 months". The Economic Times.
  21. "Jawa Motorcycles Hand Over Proceeds Of The 'Forever Heroes' Initiative To The Flag Day Fund". www.motoroids.com. 25 April 2019.
  22. "Indické Jawy se začnou dovážet ve druhém pololetí. U jednoho typu nezůstane". Automix.cz. 7 March 2020.
  23. Jiří, Wohlmuth (2013). Jawa 500: historie, vývoj, technika, sport (in Czech). Grada Publishing. p. 120. ISBN   9788024748771.
  24. "Litrová Jawa přijede, ale se zpožděním, firmu stále živí dvoutakty". Týdeník Ekonom (in Czech). 12 April 2017.