easy DOES IT

Getting a motorcycle right is complicated, because motorcyclists themselves are complicated. But the Jawa 350 might have cracked the code.

- MANAV SINHA

The essence of Jawa has always been rooted in the experience it provides. This was conspicuously evident during my testing of the new Jawa 350, for it’s all about the experience. Sure, discussing figures and numbers could be an effective way of conveying information, but they don’t tell the full story. So, let’s focus equally on both aspects of this new offering from Jawa.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

At first glance, the 350 appears strikingly familiar yet subtly more appealing – a result of astute engineering. The Jawa 350 has grown in almost every dimension. With a longer wheelbase and more ground clearance, it’s now taller and has a stance that echoes that of the original Jawa, especially when seen from a distance. In essence, the Jawa 350 now stands out more than before and, in my view, leaves a more indelible impression. I think the key contributors to this transformation include longer front and rear shocks, a taller seat height with refined contours, and a slight narrowing of the bike, which adds to its tallboy stature.

Every aspect of the motorcycle exudes better build quality, which is particularly evident in the arrangement of the wiring harness and cable routing. The radiator is more seamlessly integrated and doesn’t stick out like before. Notably, both front and rear tyres have become slightly wider, culminating in a package that maintains a familiar silhouette yet exudes a markedly better presence.

THE RIDING EXPERIENCE