REVIVAL OF A LEGEND

The Jawa 350 has been revived, this time with a 334-cc motor along with some other changes. We recently got to test the motorcycle in Bhuj to bring you our first impression

- Azaman Chothia

WHEN IT COMES TO STYLING, THE JAWA 350 HAS the classic silhouette of the vintage model from the 1970s. It gets a round halogen headlight at the front, a 13.2-litre chrome tank, a single-piece seat, and twin exhaust units that run parallel to the ground. The motorcycle rides on an 18-inch spoked wheel at the front and a 17-inch spoked one at the rear. The pinstripes we see flowing around the bodywork are not hand-painted, they are stickers. Overall, the fit and finish seems good and the chrome gives the motorcycle a premium look. There are three colour options on offer: Maroon, Black, and the newly introduced Mystique Orange. The bike sports an analogue speedometer that is set anticlockwise along with a fuel-gauge and a little more info that pops up in the small digital unit on top of the speedometer.

Ergonomically, the Jawa 350 is a comfortable motorcycle and that is especially because of the well-padded seat. I did over 190 kilometres during this first ride experience and I didn't face any issues. Even though the bike has a kerb weight of 194 kilograms, it feels light to move around and on the go as well. Given its seat height of 790 millimetres, the Jawa 350 promises to be accessible to most riders. The foot-pegs are set in a neutral position and the handlebar keeps the rider upright. During our first ride the 178 mm of ground clearance was adequate to tackle speed-breakers and undulations.