Autocar India
26w

Hi Autocar, I am looking to buy a motorcycle in the 300-400cc segment with a retro design and good performance. I am considering the Jawa 42 FJ. Is it a good choice in this segment? Also, are there any reliability or long-term ownership issues with Jawa motorcycles that I should be aware of?

Verified
26w

The Jawa 42 FJ is a good option to consider in the neo-retro space. While the earlier Jawa bikes had some issues, the latest models have ironed them out to a large extent. The 42 FJ also comes with a 4-year / 50,000km warranty, which should give you added peace of mind. 

Do bear in mind that while the bikes have come a long way, Classic Legends (the parent company of Jawa, Yezdi and BSA) still has a fairly hit/miss reputation when it comes to service. So we'd recommend getting in touch with your nearest authorised dealership and finding out more for yourself. 

If you reconsider your decision to go with the Jawa, then the Triumph Speed T4 is a great alternative. It has a smooth and torquey engine, good build quality and similiar overall performance as the 42 FJ. 

It would also be wise to take a test ride of both before you make a decision. 

Jawa 42 FJ

Jawa 42 FJ

26w

Yes.. triumph bikes are my 1st choice but they don't have any dealership in my city, Bathinda. Please ask Triumph to open a dealership here also. 😆

26w

The problem with Triumph 400cc bikes is that they don't have much of a road presence. It is an underdog achiever kinda bike. If the bikes looked substantial, Even I would trade in my RR310 for it.

26w

Very true, they appear as 200-250 cc bikes

11w

@navneet_kumar.1 the Bathinda point is exactly the thing to check. If Triumph isnt there, Jawa service in your city is probably limited too. @prashanto's CB350 suggestion makes sense from that angle, Honda network is everywhere. Jawa 42 FJ looks great and 4 year warranty helps, but being away from a service centre is harder to manage in smaller cities. Worth calling the nearest Jawa dealer and asking how many bikes they actually service in a month.

25w

If you’re looking for retro design then you can go with Jawa classic or RE classic 350.

24w

If you are looking for classic retro bike go for honda cb350 just take a ride I guarantee u will be a fan of the bike

26w

If you are looking for style and road presence, then go for Jawa 42 bobber. Its a damn good looking bike. But it chugs petrol like beer

26w

Iam looking for a neo retro design? Options hunter 350 what about the heating issue etc.. alternatives t4 or cb350rs or 42 Fj

26w

Iam looking for neo retro style motor cycle with 35+ milege .. is can i go with hunter 350 ? What about the heating issue and any other issues..alternatives t4 or cb350rs or 42Fj

26w

I suggest u cbr 350rs instead of hunter

26w

I am currently looking for a car that is best replacement of my Hatchback Tata Indica V2 DLS turbo, as engine is 1405cc, turbo-diesel, indirect injection cast iron engine, and gearbox is very good but spare parts availability is becoming less, also my budget is around 12lakhs on road, my car has been with me from 2008

More posts on similar bikes

1w

I am thinking of getting a new bike after using a TVS Sport 100cc for almost 15 years. I have been interested in sports bikes since childhood, and now that I am settled, I am thinking of getting one. Earlier, I was considering the Kawasaki Ninja 300, but its price has recently increased while offering minimal features and high maintenance costs. For some time, I also considered the Ultraviolette F77, but I am still sceptical about its long-term reliability. The Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 has always been on my mind, and I recently visited its showroom. I really like the colours of the SF 150 more than those of the 250, but I also don't want to miss out on the thrill of the 250. I am particularly interested in the SF 250 FFV variant, but it is available in only two colours, neither of which I find very appealing. I really like one of the colours offered on the SF 150, but it isn't available on the 250. I also came across the Suzuki GSX-8R, and it was love at first sight. Now I am wondering if Suzuki could launch a similar bike in the coming months. I am very confused. What should I do?

Verified
2d

The Suzuki Gixxer models (both 150 and 250) are due to get a generation change soon and therefore, buying one of them right now would not be our recommendation. If you want something in a similar displacement and price bracket, then the Bajaj Pulsar N250 would be the closest match.The Hero Xtreme 250R is also a well-priced alternative that rides well and unlocks a whole new spectrum of performance, although Premia dealerships are quite few and far between currently.

Bajaj Pulsar N250
Hero MotoCorp Xtreme 250R

Posted on: 9 Mar 2026