QUESTION IT ALL

Everyone has an answer, but what's the right question?

- Keshav Teiva Poumai

Sometim ometimes the answers we have are shaped by the questions we're asking and if we don't ask the right questions, we may end up with answers that don't truly serve us. Now, with the Jawa 42 FJ, there seem to be a bunch of answers to questions that nobody really asked, while a few questions are holding onto a ledge somewhere for dear life. Alright, maybe that's slightly too dramatic of a statement, so let's approach this in a more organised fashion.

The new 42 FJ from Jawa brings a new take to the '42' range, which includes the Jawa 42 and the 42 Bobber, both of which have done pretty well for the brand. What does the 42 FJ bring to the table then? Does it open up avenues to a new sort of rider? Maybe it fills in a gap in the manufacturer's portfolio? What if... wait, are these questions even relevant to me? No! The only thing that concerns me is what the motorcycle evokes in me when I ride it and how well it does so.

The Jawa 42 FJ pays tribute to František Janeček, the founder of the Jawa motorcycle company. It is a bike that promises sharp handling, decent ergonomics, and a punchy engine, as per the manufacturer. So, how does it live up to the promise? Well, there are highs and lows, but let's dive into the ride itself.

One of the standout features of the 42 FJ is the exhaust note. There's something undeniably sweet about its burbly tone - a deep, throaty growl that echoes around you as you accelerate with the little pops and crackles as you roll off the throttle. It's not overly aggressive, but it has that raw, mechanical reverb that makes you want to twist the throttle just to hear it again. The exhaust sound becomes addictive, and it's easily one of the best things about the bike.