Royal Enfield Classic 350 Vs Jawa 42 : If you belong to motorcycle crazy people who ride means feel in their heart, not simply hearing and watching it from behind, this should be very familiar among the Classic 350 from Royal Enfield and the 42 from Jawa. These motorcycles belong to the retro range, but they definitely have a charm and personality of their own. Royal Enfield- a heartthrob for ages on one side, Jawa- whose bike brought back that old-school feel in modern shapes, on the other. Which one do you want to steal your heart with?
Design And Looks
When viewed at first glance, both bikes can give you a vintage feel. However, there’s something different about their styling; it isn’t really obvious. Royal Enfield Classic 350 has a heftier and more regal construction with a full metal body and headlamp design of traditionally round shape that evokes macho feelings. On the one side, Royal Enfield, and then again, a little sporty-looking and modern. The contours of the design finish off in very bright, funky colors like mint green, cosmic blue, etc. The rider with a penchant for modern-retro looks is more likely to be attracted toward the Jawa 42, while the Classic 350 would suit most for an even more royal and mature look.
Performance And Engine Feel
Now, coming to the whole ride experience. Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes endowed with a 349cc engine that runs about 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. Travel across highways long and smooth with the thumping exhaust sound, still as iconic: that “dug-dug-dug” every Enfield fan loves.
This one’s powered up from the slightly snappier 294cc engine of the Jawa 42, which provides a tussled 27 bhp and 26.8 Nm torque. The throttle feels quite light, and the pickup feels pretty sharp. It’s an easy city ride, with buttery-soft transmission for shifting. Classic 350 does well on smooth highways, but for someone looking for speed with a bit of sportiness, the Jawa 42 would be that much more fun.
Thus, Comfort And Ride Quality
The seat is wide and relaxed in seating posture for long rides, hence, very good comfort levels of the seat in the Classic 350. The suspension is soft, so it would be comfortable even on a bumpy road. The seat of the Jawa 42 is compact too; however, with a stiff suspension that makes it sporty, yet becomes tiresome on long hauls. Hence, the ideal motorcycle for long-weekend touring would be the Enfield, while the fun option would have to be the Jawa 42 for city riding or short-haul weekend rides.
Mileage And Costs
Yes, indeed, these motorcycles are high on themselves, but in reality, they are really giving decent mileage numbers for their performance. Classic 350 is giving around 35 km/l, whereas the Jawa 42 is around 33-34 km/l.There is a slight difference in the pricing-the Classic 350 starts at around ₹2.2 lakh, while the Jawa 42 commences at around 1.98 lakh. But, both feel as well built, with the Classic 350 feeling slightly on the heavier side.
Which One Is Better?
Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the bike for you if you are leaning towards all that is classic, regal, and cruising down highways. Sound, presence on roads- phenomenal. But if you are one of the sporty-type riders that love peppy performance married with a modern twist with lighter handling, that is the choice to go for-Jawa 42.
Or in simple words, the Classic 350 captured hearts through feelings, while the Jawa 42 did it through fun and performance. Beautiful, both to their name; however, the only difference that separates them is what nature of the rider you actually are.