Jawa 42 Bobber stands out as a rebellious yet refined motorcycle that captures the essence of vintage styling with modern-day performance. Launched as part of Jawa’s evolving portfolio of cruiser-inspired bikes, the 42 Bobber is a motorcycle built for riders who love individuality, raw road presence, and classic lines — all wrapped in a machine that’s well-suited for Indian roads and long-distance adventures.
Let’s dive into the features, design, and ride experience of the Jawa 42 Bobber that has quickly carved a niche among cruiser lovers in India.
Retro-Inspired Bobber Design
The Jawa 42 Bobber is not just a motorcycle; it’s a design statement. It draws its cues from the original American bobber culture, characterized by minimalism and a chopped-off rear end. Every detail of the bike — from the teardrop fuel tank to the floating-style single seat — screams style and attitude.
Key design highlights include:
- Low-slung stance with a chopped rear fender
- Wide handlebars and bar-end mirrors for a more muscular look
- Single floating seat with adjustable backrest
- Blackened engine finish paired with chrome exhausts
- Side-mounted speedometer for a custom look
Available in stunning color options like Mystic Copper, Jasper Red, and Moonstone White, the 42 Bobber is built to turn heads on every ride.
Engine & Performance
Under the retro skin lies a thoroughly modern powertrain. The Jawa 42 Bobber is powered by a 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine borrowed from its sibling, the Jawa Perak. It’s been retuned for better torque delivery and smoother acceleration.
- Power output: 29.9 PS @ 7500 rpm
- Torque: 30 Nm @ 5500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled for better heat management in Indian traffic
- Top Speed: ~130 km/h
The torquey nature of the engine gives it a cruiser-like character — strong low-end pull, ideal for laid-back highway riding or quick overtakes in the city.
Ride & Handling
What makes the Jawa 42 Bobber so unique is its ride posture. The seat is low and supportive, handlebars are wide and slightly pulled back, giving it a relaxed and confident riding triangle. It feels planted at high speeds and composed while cornering, something not always associated with bobber-style bikes.
Suspension and handling details:
- Front: Telescopic hydraulic forks
- Rear: Monoshock with 7-step adjustable preload
- Front Brake: 280mm disc with dual-channel ABS
- Rear Brake: 240mm disc
- Tyres: 100/90 (front) and 140/70 (rear) tubeless on alloy wheels
The bike rides on alloy wheels (instead of spoked) which improves reliability and allows for tubeless tyres – a practical touch for Indian roads.
Features and Instrumentation
Even though it’s styled like an old-school bobber, the 42 Bobber is equipped with enough modern features to keep today’s riders satisfied:
- Digital odometer with trip meter and gear position indicator
- Battery status indicator
- USB charging port for on-the-go device charging
- Side-stand engine cut-off for added safety
- All-LED lighting including headlamp, tail lamp, and indicators
All this ensures that while the bike looks vintage, it doesn’t feel outdated.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Despite being a single-seater motorcycle, the 42 Bobber is surprisingly comfortable for long rides. The seat height is just 740mm, making it accessible even to shorter riders. The forward-set foot pegs and upright handlebar position offer a natural posture for touring or city cruising.
Plus, the adjustable seat backrest lets riders fine-tune their comfort level – a rare feature even among high-end cruisers.
Pricing and Rivals
As of 2025, the Jawa 42 Bobber is priced around ₹2.15 lakh – ₹2.29 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on color and variant. This positions it competitively against other entry-level cruisers and bobber-style bikes like:
- Royal Enfield Meteor 350
- Honda CB350RS
- Benelli Imperiale 400
- Yezdi Roadster
The 42 Bobber, however, sets itself apart with its custom bobber styling and raw street appeal.
Final Verdict
The Jawa 42 Bobber is a motorcycle for those who dare to be different. It blends retro attitude with modern-day performance, offers practical features without compromising on aesthetics, and gives every ride a sense of purpose and personality. Whether you’re a solo rider who enjoys attention or a collector who appreciates well-executed design, the 42 Bobber is an exceptional choice in the under-350cc segment.
If your heart beats for old-school style and your hands crave new-age performance, the Jawa 42 Bobber is ready to take you on a ride like no other.
