Jawa motorcycles are not just transportation, but a symbol of an entire era. The history of Jawa dates back to 1929 in Czechoslovakia, when František Janček founded a motorcycle factory under the brand name “Jawa”.
Having gained experience in the military industry in František acquires the motorcycle division of Wanderer, which was a German manufacturer of bicycles, motorcycles, cars, vans and other vehicles.
First Jawa models
The first Jawa models were copies of German Wanderer motorcycles, but over time the company began to develop its own models.
Jawa 500cc (1929)
The Jawa 500cc (1929) was the first successful 500cc model with an 18 hp engine, followed by the compact and affordable Jawa 175cc (1932) with 5.5 hp, which became a best seller. In 1934 came the Jawa 350, popular with racers but less successful with ordinary buyers.
In 1937, a light and youthful Jawa 100 Robot with a 98.8 cc engine was released, and in 1939 the Jawa 250 Duplex with 9 hp and a top speed of 100 km/h completed the pre-war series.
Jawa cars
JAWA 750
Everyone knows Jawa motorcycle, but not everyone knows that in the 30th – 40th years of the 20th century Jawa cars were also produced. The company did not plan to seriously engage in production of cars, having created a four-wheeled vehicle only for the purpose of participation in automobile races.
This car Jawa-750 was built in 1935 in a small series – only 6 copies. for the Czechoslovak race for 1000 miles in 1933-35 years.Under the hood is a two-stroke two-cylinder engine with a volume of 750 cm3, three-speed gearbox, the car has front-wheel drive!
Jawa 600 Minor
In 1937, a modified Jawa 600 Minor was presented, replacing the JAWA 700.
The design of the Jawa clearly traces a peculiar Czech school of design, very progressive for its time, so much so that even the great Ferdinand Porsche himself looked up ideas for the Volkswagen Beetle from Czech designers.
The war years
During World War II, the JAWA factory suspended production of motorcycles, but not their development. Although the Jawa factory was forced to produce armaments during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia, Janeczek continued to work in secret, driven by his passion for innovation. Janeczek put SS stickers on his bikes and painted them the same shade of green as German cars. He continued to test his creations right under the noses of the oppressors.
JAWA 250/350 Perak
The first post-war model was the JAWA 250/350 Perak, which was secretly built under the strictest secrecy during the Nazi occupation. The model saw the light of day in 1946. It was a motorcycle with a frame of tetrahedral tubes, carburetor of a new design, four-speed gearbox and with a two-stroke single-cylinder engine of 248.8 cubic centimeters with an output of 9 hp. The motorcycle weighed 125 kg and could accelerate up to 100 km/hour.
The first prototypes were built in a small workshop called Motozhbroj in Pankrác, Prague, where the Nazis stored their motorcycles. Had they been discovered, their activities would have been considered sabotage – a crime punishable by death.
They used fake or borrowed SS and Wehrmacht registration plates to test their prototypes on public roads. A total of 100,000 kilometers of testing was done in front of the Nazis to make sure the motorcycle was ready for launch after the war.
Post-war years
Jawa 353-Kývačka
1950s: During this period, Jawa produced a number of successful models, including the 250, 350/353-Kývačka, 500 OHC and 50 Pionýr mopeds. A particular highlight is the powerful Jawa 250/350 two-stroke motorcycle with a compact engine and rear suspension, which is exported to more than 120 countries, becoming one of the most successful models in the company’s history.
1960s: The early 1960s are marked by an important technical innovation – Jawa invents the first automatic clutch for motorcycles, used on the 250/559 and 350/360 models. This innovation sparked a patent dispute with Honda, which Jawa won. Also in 1962, there was a merger with ESO to jointly produce racing motorcycles. In 1964, the plant in Prague – Pankrác was closed and production began at a new facility in Tynec nad Sázavou, where the one millionth Jawa motorcycle was produced. This decade also saw the start of production of models such as the Jawa 350 Automatic, 350 Californian, Jawa 90 and Jawa 50 Mustang.
Jawa 350 Bizon
1970s: In the early 1970s, Jawa continued to expand its motorcycle lineup, starting production of the 250/350 ÚŘ model and entering the Indian market with the Jawa 250cc. Models such as the Jawa 350 Bizon and the Jawa 350 (type 634) were also launched. In 1976, the company reached an important milestone by producing its two millionth motorcycle.
Jawa 350/638
1980s: In 1984, Jawa launches the 350 (type 638), which becomes the company’s flagship product of the decade. In 1987, Jawa reaches another milestone by producing its three millionth motorcycle.
Jawa 350/640
1990s: In the early 1990s, new models such as the Jawa 350 (type 640), 250 (type 593) and 50 (type 585, 586) begin production. In 1997, JAWA Moto spol is founded. At the end of the decade, the company launches production of Jawa 125 Travel and Jawa 125 Dandy motorcycles.
650 Classic
2000s: In 2004, Jawa launches the 650 (type 836) and 650 Classic models, and begins production of the Jawa 650 Style and Jawa 650 Dakar. In 2008, the Jawa 250 Travel model was introduced, continuing the tradition of producing quality motorcycles.
660 Vintage
2010s: In this decade, the company launches the 660 Sportard, 350/634 Retro, as well as the 350 OHC and 660 Vintage. Jawa also develops new motorcycles, including the Jawa 1000/1200, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and modernization.
Jawa – today
Jawa went through a crisis in the 90’s, but in 2016 it was revived by Indian concern Mahindra.
Today, Jawa is a modern motorcycle that retains the spirit and style of its legendary predecessors.
Jawa Classic: A Legend Reborn
The Jawa Classic is a modern interpretation of the legendary Jawa 350 motorcycle that has captured the hearts of millions of motorcyclists around the world. Classic is a classic motorcycle in the best sense of the word. It has a concise design that is both recognizable and modern. The powerful 334cc engine provides a smooth ride and enough thrust for dynamic maneuvers. The Jawa Classic is the ideal motorcycle for those who value: reliability, style, comfort, versatility.
Jawa Perak: a legendary motorcycle with a modern twist
The Jawa Perak is a stylish bobber based on the classic Jawa 350. Perak has a unique design that combines retro and modern elements. The powerful 334cc engine provides the bike with dynamic acceleration and excellent traction. The Jawa Perak is the perfect choice for those who want to: stand out from the crowd, experience the drive, go on a journey.
JAWA 42: classic with a modern twist
The Jawa 42 is a retro motorcycle inspired by the legendary 1942 Jawa model. Jawa forty two has a concise design that combines classic and modern elements. The powerful 334cc engine gives the bike dynamic acceleration and excellent traction. The Jawa 42 is the ideal choice for those who want to: touch history, stand out from the crowd, experience the drive.
Interesting facts
The name “Jawa” comes from the first letters of Frantisek Janeczek’s name (JA) and the company name Wanderer (WA). Jawa motorcycles have been featured in many movies and TV series, such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson and The Diamond Hand. In 2018, the Jawa 300 Classic was recognized as the Motorcycle of the Year in India.
Where to buy
On Goabay you can find all these Jawa motorcycle models and order them with worldwide shipping. Spare parts and accessories are also available.
If you are looking for a motorcycle that will not only be a reliable two-wheeled friend, but also give you a piece of history, Jawa is your choice!
