Two new Thumpers from Jawa!

[CrazyFrog]

http://overdrive.in/news-cars-auto/2017-jawa-350-ohc-and-660-vintage-launched-in-czech-republic/

I think they've done a great job with the styling, retaining enough of the classic 70's 634 two stroke to be instantly recognisable as a Jawa.

I wonder if we'll see them in the UK?

[iansoady]

The 350 is similar to the Mash but the latter is better looking IMO. I wonder why the Jawa is only 350 as opposed to the other bikes using that engine which all seem to be 400cc?

I make the price of the 660 around £6,000 (no idea about taxes etc); £3,340 for the 350. Not that cheap.....

[CrazyFrog]

I wonder why the Jawa is only 350 as opposed to the other bikes using that engine which all seem to be 400cc?

Might it be something to do with taxation or insurance classes in India, seeing as I think these bikes will be made in a new Jawa factory in India, financed by Mahindra.

Whilst I agree that in some ways the Mash is the better looking bike, I think the Jawa's tank may be bigger, which is a big plus point in my book.

[manxie]

I like them both, especially the 660. Lovely job, be great to see them in the UK and fingers crossed, the build quality is as good as it looks!! Well spotted, thanks for sharing 

[Richard]

I like, but I'm also quite keen to see the new Enfield 750 - there again I'm a sad old git who likes MZs.

[Andy M]

Now they look good.

Light, enough power, simple. 

I might drop David Angel a line and see if he knows about them coming here.

Can't say I'm that bothered about the Enfield 700, to me its just another Bonneville-V7-Sportster competitor that'll be heavy in traffic and need holding back in camera zones. The Triumph will be better made and the Harley better supported.

Andy

[Smithy]

Back in the 70s when I was a member of the JAWA/CZ owners club we used to dream of OHC bikes or even just four strokes. I personally love the looks of the 634 so one of the new 350s would be right up my street {road}. I shall be watching this with interest. Thanks Pete.

Ian

[CrazyFrog]

I personally love the looks of the 634

Me too Ian. I've had two Jawas in the past a 638 and a 640 and though it's fair to say neither were paragons of reliabilty, they came at the right price and had clearly been abused and neglected over the years. When they were going though, they were exactly my kind of bike :- simple, quirky, fine handling and lazy engine which pulled it's socks off from zero revs.

I keep telling myself to get a new two stroke Jawa whilst they are still being made as this new 350 thumper will probably put the two strokes to bed at last.

[timbo]

These new Jawas look very nice. By pure coincidence, I MOTd my Jawa 350 only yesterday. I bought the bike a couple of years ago on a whim for £500, and have only just put it on the road. Had to strip and clean clutch, as rod and plates were sticking through lack of use. It appears to have been last on the road in 2004. Its 1992, disc front brake, 12volt, electronic ignition, but yet still premix in the petrol tank. So I think its a 640 model. Ive always fancied one, but never got round to it. Same quirky practical appeal as an MZ. My plan is to ride it solo for a couple of weeks and then move over to the dark side, and fit a Velorex chair. First proper run on it will be tomorrow hopefully, so although its not a thumper, I'll post a couple of pics on here 

[timbo]

As promised, not a thumper, but what the hell.......I know a few of you have owned one of these......

[attachment deleted by admin]

[manxie]

Nice one Tim, looking good!!... wish I`d kept mine now 

[CrazyFrog]

Very nice - looks like a great buy at £500. How do you like riding it Tim?

[iansoady]

Is that the combined kickstart / gear lever? How do you get on with that?

[tommy]

nice one timbo tommy

[timbo]

Definitely interesting to ride. Archaic would be one word that springs to mind. I love the combined kick start/gear change. Some gear changes were very smooth, but its fair to say, that others weren't, particularly changing into top. Handling was a fairly scary too, but i put that down to the square, very solid tyres. Anyway, there's no happy ending, as the pictures above, were taken at the side of the road, when I broke down 
First off, the bike cut out, and I'd no electrics. Easy fix, blown fuse. Then half a mile further on she cut out again. Electrics on, but wouldn't restart. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet. Didn't find anything obvious.