Honda CB350RS And Jawa 42 2.1: Compared In Images

Our love for retro motorcycles in India is one of the many reasons that pushed several manufacturers to step into this segment. Now, there are two new bikes to choose from: the 2021 Jawa 42 2.1 and the Honda CB350RS. While the 2021 Forty Two is a slightly updated version of the previous model, the CB350RS is a sportier roadster based on the H’Ness CB350. Which one of these two should be making its way into your garage? We help you decide through this image comparison:

Design

It’s safe to say that both motorcycles are appealing. They get alloy wheels, blacked-out exhausts, blacked-out mechanicals, and circular headlamps. But that’s where the similarities end.

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The Honda CB350RS takes on a more modern approach with full LED lighting compared to the Jawa’s halogen setup.

The Jawa Forty Two gets custom pinstripes on the rims and bar-end mirrors.

It gets racing stripes on the tank and fenders for added appeal, whereas the CB350RS gets a dual-tone tank with a horizontal pinstripe.

The RS’s seat gets a new tuck-and-roll design, which feels a little premium than the Jawa’s vanilla flat seat.

Jawa has a set of dedicated extras like a short-tinted visor, engine guard, and a headlight grille meant for the Forty Two. Honda has no accessories for the RS as of now.

The Forty Two is available in three colour options: AllStar Black, Sirius White, and Orion Red. Honda is offering the CB350RS in two colours: Radiant Red Metallic and Black Pearl With Yellow.

Also Read: The Bajaj Pulsar 180 Is Back!

Performance

The Jawa Forty Two is powered by a BS6-compliant 293cc single-cylinder motor that churns out 27.33PS and 27.03Nm, making it the most powerful bike in its segment. Moreover, it makes 1PS more than the previous model, despite the strict BS6 norms.

The Honda CB350RS draws power from a 348.3cc single-cylinder motor, similar to that of the H’Ness CB350. It makes 21PS and 30Nm. Also, the Jawa Forty Two has a 6-speed transmission in comparison to the CB350RS’ 5-speed unit.

Features

This is where the CB350RS scores. It boasts features like a semi-digital instrument cluster, slipper clutch, segment-first traction control system, and full LED lighting.

The Jawa, on the other hand, gets a hard-to-read analogue instrument cluster with a tiny LCD displaying only the basics. One can argue that the Forty Two’s beauty lies in its simplicity, for it ditches snazzy elements like LED lighting and a slipper clutch.

Also Read: 5 Important Facts About The Honda CB350RS

Underpinnings

The CB350RS gets wider 100/90 (F) and 150/70 (R) tyres compared to the Forty Two’s 90/90 and 120/80 tyres. The CB350’s wider tyres would contribute to more straight-line stability and better cornering clearance, while the Jawa’s shorter wheelbase makes it easier to flick.

As for suspension duties, both bikes employ a telescopic fork and dual-gas shocks.

Both motorcycles use single disc brakes at both ends, but the CB350RS has a bigger front disc brake at 310mm than the Jawa Forty Two’s 280mm front disc. Both get dual-channel ABS as standard.

At 172kg, the Forty Two is one of the lightest motorcycles in its class -- a whole 7kg lighter than the CB350RS. It also has a lower saddle height at 765mm than the CB350RS’s 800mm, making it more suitable for shorter riders.

Pricing

The Jawa 42 2.1 is priced at Rs 1,83,942, that is Rs 12,000 more economical than the Honda CB350RS priced at Rs 1,96,000 (both ex-showroom). Being the more affordable option, the Jawa surely seems tempting. However, the CB350RS’s gamut of features, contemporary design, and Honda’s reliability quotient make it the better choice of the two. To sum up, if features are your priority, go for the CB350RS. But if performance matters more, the Jawa Forty Two should be your pick.

While we wait to get our hands on the CB350RS, Jawa was kind enough to let us take the new 42 2.1 for a spin. Read our first ride review to find out if it's better than before.