When Jawa launched the 42 FJ last year, I was curious. The name, the styling, and its position in the brand’s lineup made it stand out as something more refined and purposeful. But what I didn’t expect was to be riding it on a track. Yes, Classic Legends recently handed us the keys to a range of bikes from its vast portfolio under the Jawa, Yezdi and BSA brands. We had the opportunity to test these motorcycles at the NATRAX facility. Among the Bobbers and Adventure bikes sat the 42 FJ, and that’s the one I jumped on. Why? Because I had a hunch this roadster had a fun side. And boy, was I right. Here are our first impressions after riding the motorcycle on a handling track.
Jawa 42 FJ : Design that speaks to the past. And present!
Let’s start with the design. The Jawa 42 FJ takes the familiar 42 silhouette and elevates it with a more classic touch. There’s a definite old-school vibe with the round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and pinstriping that throws it back to the original Jawa days. The 'FJ' in the name, in fact, pays tribute to František Janeček, the man behind the Jawa legacy.
That said, it’s not all nostalgia. The blacked-out engine and exhaust, neat twin, multi-spoke alloy wheels, and clean, minimal bodywork bring a modern touch to the bike. Furthermore, the long, single-seat setup and tidy fenders round off a package that feels more polished than flamboyant.
On Paper: Engine, Features and Hardware
The 42 FJ is powered by the familiar 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which is also seen on other Jawa and Yezdi models. However, this one gets an Alpha 2 update. It now puts out 29.2 hp and 29.6 Nm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and assisted by a slip-and-assist clutch.
The model is based on a steel cradle frame suspended by 41mm telescopic forks up front. At the rear, twin shocks keep things in check. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm front disc and a rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard. There’s a single-pod digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a USB charger too - basic, but useful.
Riding Experience: Surprisingly fun where you least expect it
Now, riding a roadster like the 42 FJ on a test track isn’t something you'd expect to do but that’s exactly what made this so interesting. The rider triangle is noticeably more committed, thanks to mid-set foot pegs and a slightly forward-leaning seat posture. That positioning actually helped when it came to cornering.
Out on the NATRAX handling track, the 42 FJ impressed. Initially, I wasn’t sure how it would handle the twisties, but as the laps went on, it began to feel more planted. The chassis is communicative, and while it’s not razor-sharp, it inspires confidence. Yes, the footpegs do scrape at tighter lean angles, but the upswept exhaust gives you enough clearance to keep going.
Power delivery is linear, and the engine pulls cleanly into triple-digit speeds. The mid-range is where the bike feels happiest, delivering a nice punch without being aggressive. Most importantly, the NVH levels are impressively low. Even when pushed, the engine feels composed and free of any harsh vibrations. Refinement is the keyword here. This motor feels smoother, cleaner, and more usable across the rev range.
The brakes do the job well, though they’re tuned more for real-world use than track abuse. On highways or in city traffic, they should offer good performance and feel. But out on track, they left me wanting a bit more bite.
Verdict: The right kind of surprise
The Jawa 42 FJ wasn’t built for the track but it proved it could hold its own. What really stands out is how refined and well-balanced it feels, especially for something designed as a road-going retro.
So, who’s this for? If you want a stylish, classic-looking motorcycle that offers a good balance of everyday usability, refined performance, and a touch of character, the 42 FJ should surely be on your list.
Jawa 42 FJ : Design that speaks to the past. And present!
Let’s start with the design. The Jawa 42 FJ takes the familiar 42 silhouette and elevates it with a more classic touch. There’s a definite old-school vibe with the round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, and pinstriping that throws it back to the original Jawa days. The 'FJ' in the name, in fact, pays tribute to František Janeček, the man behind the Jawa legacy.
That said, it’s not all nostalgia. The blacked-out engine and exhaust, neat twin, multi-spoke alloy wheels, and clean, minimal bodywork bring a modern touch to the bike. Furthermore, the long, single-seat setup and tidy fenders round off a package that feels more polished than flamboyant.
On Paper: Engine, Features and Hardware
The 42 FJ is powered by the familiar 334cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which is also seen on other Jawa and Yezdi models. However, this one gets an Alpha 2 update. It now puts out 29.2 hp and 29.6 Nm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and assisted by a slip-and-assist clutch.
The model is based on a steel cradle frame suspended by 41mm telescopic forks up front. At the rear, twin shocks keep things in check. Braking duties are handled by a 320mm front disc and a rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard. There’s a single-pod digital instrument cluster, LED lighting, and a USB charger too - basic, but useful.
Riding Experience: Surprisingly fun where you least expect it
Now, riding a roadster like the 42 FJ on a test track isn’t something you'd expect to do but that’s exactly what made this so interesting. The rider triangle is noticeably more committed, thanks to mid-set foot pegs and a slightly forward-leaning seat posture. That positioning actually helped when it came to cornering.
Out on the NATRAX handling track, the 42 FJ impressed. Initially, I wasn’t sure how it would handle the twisties, but as the laps went on, it began to feel more planted. The chassis is communicative, and while it’s not razor-sharp, it inspires confidence. Yes, the footpegs do scrape at tighter lean angles, but the upswept exhaust gives you enough clearance to keep going.
Power delivery is linear, and the engine pulls cleanly into triple-digit speeds. The mid-range is where the bike feels happiest, delivering a nice punch without being aggressive. Most importantly, the NVH levels are impressively low. Even when pushed, the engine feels composed and free of any harsh vibrations. Refinement is the keyword here. This motor feels smoother, cleaner, and more usable across the rev range.
The brakes do the job well, though they’re tuned more for real-world use than track abuse. On highways or in city traffic, they should offer good performance and feel. But out on track, they left me wanting a bit more bite.
Verdict: The right kind of surprise
The Jawa 42 FJ wasn’t built for the track but it proved it could hold its own. What really stands out is how refined and well-balanced it feels, especially for something designed as a road-going retro.
So, who’s this for? If you want a stylish, classic-looking motorcycle that offers a good balance of everyday usability, refined performance, and a touch of character, the 42 FJ should surely be on your list.
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