Jawa Forty Two having recently made it re-entry into India after a gap of two decades is efficiently priced, well equipped and is the company’s most affordable model in India right now, with a price tag of Rs 1.55 lakh.
It does face some competition in the country from the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic, Thunderbird and Bajaj Dominar 400. Previously we had shared comparison between Jawa motorcycles and Royal Enfield C350. Now here is a comparison between Bajaj Dominar and Jawa 42, which are very closely priced. Lets take a look at Jawa Forty Two vs Bajaj Dominar 400.
Dimensions: The Jawa Forty Two, which commands kerb weight of 170 kgs sits on a 1,369mm wheel base, gets 765mm saddle height and a fuel tank of 14 liter capacity. The Dominar 400 on the other hand has kerb weight of 182 kgs, a wheelbase measuring 1,453mm while length is at 2,156mm, height at 1,112mm and width at 813mm.
Features and colours: The recently launched Jawa Forty Two comes in with retro styling as compared to the Bajaj Dominar 400 which is a power cruiser and boasts of a contemporary styling with updated features and modern design elements. Jawa Forty Two gets a tear drop shaped fuel tank with chrome accents on its sides, a circular headlamp, a flat seat, raised handle bars and chrome finished mirrors giving the bike a simple yet classy overall stance. It is also seen in black handle bar end mounted rear view mirrors. The Jawa forty two comes in six color options of Glossy Metallic Red, Glossy Dark Blue, Matt Moss Green, Matt Pastel Blue, Matt Pastel Light Green and Matt Blue.
Bajaj Dominar 400 is inspired by power cruisers such as the Ducati Diavel. It is the company’s flagship product. The Dominar 400 was the first motorcycle to be sold in India with LED headlamp. Its onboard features include a sculpted fuel tank, stretched wheelbase and dual digital consoles all of which combine to give it an aggressive look. Bajaj Dominar 400 color options are Rock Matte Black, Canyon Red and Glacier Blue. With these differences in overall features, the Jawa Forty Two and Bajaj Dominar 400 appeal to starkly different kinds of buyers with the Jawa appealing to those who prefer a retro style and the Dominar appealing to a younger segment of buyers in the country.
Engine specifications: Jawa Forty Two engine has been developed from the ground up through collaboration between the group’s R&D centre in Pune and technical centre in Varese, Italy. It is powered by a new 293cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC engine offering 27 bhp power and 28 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed transmission. The Bajaj Dominar 400 on the other hand gets a bigger displacement and more powerful engine with a 373cc, triple spark, 4 valve, DTS-I, liquid cooled engine offering 34.5 bhp power and 35 Nm torque and is also mated to a 6 speed transmission.
Brakes and Suspension: Jawa Forty Two sports 280mm disc brakes in the front and 153 mm drum brakes at the rear while suspension if via telescopic forks in the front and twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. The Dominar 400 which rides on 17” alloy wheels receives single 320mm disc brake in the front and 230mm disc brake at the rear along with telescopic front forks and rear monoshock. Dual channel ABS is offered as an optional extra.
Conclusion: Who should buy what? The answer is simple. If you want old school bike, go with the Jawa 42. Yes, the bike is old school, but make no mistake, as its heart is as modern as it can get. It is made to have fun trips. On the other hand, if you want a power cruiser, modern looking bike with more features, Bajaj Dominar is for you.
