Jawa

Jawa motorcycles in India start at ₹1.73 lakh for the Jawa 42, making it the most affordable model in the lineup. On the other end, the costliest offering is the 42 Bobber, priced at ₹2.30 lakh. Some of the most sought-after models from Jawa include the 42 Bobber (₹2.13 lakh), the Jawa 42 (₹1.73 lakh), and the 42 FJ (₹1.99 lakh).

The Legacy of Jawa Motorcycles

Jawa’s origins trace back to 1929 in Czechoslovakia, when František Janeček founded Jawa Moto. The brand gained massive popularity in Europe during the 1950s and 1960s before making its way to India through direct imports. By the 1960s, Jawa motorcycles were being locally assembled under a licensing agreement with Ideal Jawa India Limited.

Evolution of Jawa and the Birth of Yezdi

Ideal Jawa India Limited, established by Parsi entrepreneurs Rustom and Farrokh Irani, began producing Jawa motorcycles in India under the Yezdi brand name in the 1970s. Iconic models such as the Roadking, Deluxe, and Jawa 250 gained a strong following. The name “Yezdi” had an Indian cultural connection, and enthusiasts even referred to it as “Ipzah,” a playful reference to the flipped Yezdi logo.

However, the arrival of Japanese motorcycle brands in the 1980s and the transition from two-stroke to four-stroke engines led to a decline in Jawa’s dominance. Eventually, Ideal Jawa ceased operations in India in 1996.

Jawa’s Revival Under Classic Legends

Jawa made a grand comeback in 2018 when Classic Legends, a Mahindra & Mahindra subsidiary, acquired the rights to manufacture Jawa motorcycles in India. One of the co-founders of Classic Legends, Boman Irani, is the son of Rustom Irani, linking the new chapter of Jawa to its historical roots.

Ownership of Jawa Motorcycles

Jawa operates under Classic Legends Private Limited, which is owned by Mahindra & Mahindra. In 2016, Mahindra secured a licensing agreement to revive the Jawa brand, blending its vintage aesthetics with contemporary engineering. Currently, Mahindra holds a 60% stake in Classic Legends, while the remaining 40% is jointly owned by entrepreneur Anupam Thareja, real estate developer Boman Irani, and other investors.

Jawa vs. Yezdi: Are They the Same?

While Jawa and Yezdi share historical ties, they are now distinct sub-brands under Classic Legends. In the 1970s, Ideal Jawa India Limited rebranded licensed Jawa motorcycles as Yezdi, drawing inspiration from a province in Iran linked to the founders’ heritage. Models like the Yezdi 250 and Roadking were essentially Jawa motorcycles under a new name.

Today, Jawa and Yezdi offer unique lineups. Jawa boasts classic and modern roadsters like the Jawa 350 and Jawa 42, alongside factory-custom bobbers such as the Perak and 42 Bobber. Meanwhile, Yezdi focuses on rugged machines, including the Roadster, Scrambler, and Adventure.

Where Are Jawa Motorcycles Manufactured?

Classic Legends operates a state-of-the-art production facility in Pithampur, near Indore, Madhya Pradesh. This plant, which formerly produced Mahindra’s discontinued two-wheelers, now manufactures all Jawa and Yezdi models for the Indian market.