Jawa 42 Bobber Vs Perak: Key Differences Explained

Jawa recently launched the 42 Bobber, and interestingly, it will retail alongside the Perak, the first bobber-style motorcycle from the bikemaker. Despite the 42 Bobber sharing its underpinnings with the Perak, there are some key differences that set both motorcycles apart. Here’s a quick lowdown on those key differentiators to help you pick out the ideal bobber for you.   

Design

From afar, it does get a little hard to tell both bikes apart and that’s mainly because they have the same silhouette. The new Jawa 42 Bobber is inspired from its sibling, after all.

Perak’s retro-theme may appeal most to the nostalgic buyer, the Bobber 42 packs a fresher, sportier and more modern design.

Keeping up with its modern theme, the 42 Boober gets LED lighting all round and the headlight without the Perak’s nacelle, while the Perak gets a basic halogen headlight to match its retro theme. Another difference in design is the 42 Bobber’s distinctly muscular fuel tank. It has prominent knee recesses with sporty rubber pads; meanwhile, the Perak gets a creaseless retro-style peanut tank.

To amplify the 42 Bobber’s sportier look, Jawa has redesigned the rear fender and taillight assembly. The Perak gets an under-seat taillight, but the 42 Bobber features a tail mounted unit. Even the exhausts on both motorcycles are finished differently, with the 42 seen wearing a metallic sleeve around the end can.

Ergonomics

This is where both motorcycles are truly different from each other. Compared to the Perak, the 42 Bobber has forward-set footpegs and raised handlebars for a more upright riding position. While both bobbers get a single seat, the unit on the 42 is re-cushioned and can be adjusted forward or backward by about 25mm.

Features

This retro versus modern theme is also visible with the choice of instrumentation on both bikes. The 42 Bobber gets a modern digital instrument cluster and neat little switch cube on the handlebar to toggle between options. On the Perak, you get an old-school analogue cluster which may suit its retro theme but feels rather basic in front of the 42 Bobber’s more modern hardware.

While the engine and underpinnings on both motorcycles remain unchanged, the suspension on the 42 Bobber has been retuned to suit the motorcycle’s new sporty avatar. That said, the biggest difference between the two bobbers is the price. While the Perak costs Rs 2,09,187, the new 42 Bobber can be had for a more accessible price tag of Rs 2,06,500 (ex-showroom). Hence, this begs a question, should you pay more for less simply for the sake of nostalgia?