Jawa fans hail return

The iconic bike, once manufactured in Mysuru, is back, and many fans flew from Bengaluru to Mumbai to welcome its relaunch.

Jawa-Yezdi bike lovers were in for a treat on Thursday as Mahindra launched three new models of the iconic Jawa bikes: Jawa 42 and Jawa Perak.

The event in Mumbai saw active participation from Jawa-Yezdi lovers from Bengaluru.

Praveen Nandinervanda, real estate consultant based in Bengaluru, owns three Yezdi bikes: a 1982 Roadking, a 1996 Roadking and a 1987 Deluxe. He travelled to Mumbai for the event.

“When it comes to retro bikes, aficionados are going to love these. These are complete metal vehicles and are great comfortable rides. Though we haven’t got a hands-on experience yet, I am deeply impressed with the detailing,” he says.

Praveen loves the white model of the Jawa, which looks much like the Classic.

“Though we are not sure about the colour, I loved the bike. We always look at the chrome and shine and I loved the bike just for that. Even the petrol cap looks amazing and these nuances will definitely impress Jawa-Yezdi lovers,” he says.

The Jawa 42, according to him, will have a fan following among dirt riders. “It is an off-beat version of the Classic bike, for the rugged and for riders in their 20s and 30s,” he adds. He expects the Jawa Perak to be hit among solo riders.

Software engineer Prateek Baliga, owner of a 1993 Yezdi Roadking and a 1987 Yezdi 350 Twin, also attended the Mumbai event.

“Mahindra has definitely tried to match the expectations of Jawa-Yezdi lovers in looks. The Jawa launched recently is identical to the older models,” says Baliga.

While the performance of both the Jawa and Jawa 42 are said to be the same, the latter is cheaper, he adds.

“The Jawa 42 is more of a modern-looking bike. The Jawa Perak is expected to have high-level performance,” he says.

The new colours are catchy. “I will wait for the bikes to hit the streets so that I can take a test drive,” he adds.

Jose Martin Franklin, secretary of the Bangalore Jawa Yezdi Motorcycle Club, says the bikes have created a buzz among the biker fraternity.

“The company has done a good job in keeping the aesthetics of the two-stroke Jawa through the new four-stroke models. The metal, the shape, the tank and the side covers have all been maintained. The sound of the bike is different but that is not a deciding factor,” he adds.

Many Bengalureans who won Yezdis and Jawas are planning to go in for the new models.

“Many have called our group. The prices are competitive. There are many boys in colleges who want the Perak and those who love the vintage feel will definitely want the Jawa,” he says.

Waiting to ride

Balaji Narasimhan, who rode a 1973 Yezdi for years, says Mahindra has struck a great balance.

“They have launched the traditional bike for vintage lovers and a modern-looking one to appeal to the millennials. The company has pleased people who have been riding a Jawa or Yezdi for years and most of us can’t wait for a hands-on experience,” he says.

No shortage of spares

Abdul Razack, mechanic and owner of a Jawa-Yezdi garage in Shivajinagar, has been working on the bikes for 33 years.

“I have about 100 regular customers who bring in different models to me. Though it is hard to find parts for the gear box and the cylinder, we get second-hand spares. All other parts are still available across shops in the city,” he says.

Abdul whose family owns four more garages, has passed on the skill to his son. “We also see Jawa-Yezdi bike owners from Kerala, Chennai and Puducherry,” he adds.

Jawa: Rs 1.64 lakh

Jawa 42: Rs 1.55 lakh

Jawa Perak: Rs 1.89 lakh

Colours

The bikes are available in a variety of colours: the Jawa is available in maroon, grey and black and the Jawa 42 is available in galactic green, Halley’s teal, lumos lime, starlight blue, comet red and nebula blue