Jawa might not be the first brand people think of when talking about the global motorcycle market, but it has a legacy that runs surprisingly deep. The company started in the Czech Republic back in the early 1900s and made its name on tough, simple machines that refused to quit.
Riders across Europe, Asia, and even parts of Africa saw Jawa as a brand that delivered honest performance without the fuss. Its lightweight two strokes and single cylinder commuters became familiar sights, and some even found success in racing during the brand’s peak.
Eventually, though, Jawa drifted out of the wider conversation. Manufacturing slowed down, other brands took over, and the industry evolved in a way that left this old Czech name behind. That could’ve been the end of it, but India’s Classic Legends came along and pulled Jawa back into the modern era. With Mahindra backing the project, they rebuilt the lineup from scratch, updated the engines, refreshed the styling, and slowly reintroduced the bikes across India and small pockets of Europe.
Which brings us to France. This is a market that loves scooters, retros, mid sized nakeds, tourers, and everything in between. It’s competitive and pretty discerning, so for Jawa to plant a flag here means the brand is serious about rebuilding its European footprint. Partnering with Tendance Roadster gives it a proper distributor with real after sales support, which is exactly what riders in France expect when a legacy name returns.
The first two models heading over are the 350 CL and the 350 42 FJ, bikes we’ve talked about in detail in the past when they first debuted in India. Both run a 334cc single that’s built to be smooth, friendly, and approachable. These bikes aren’t chasing big horsepower numbers. They’re meant to make riding easy, whether you’re weaving through city traffic or rolling along quiet country roads.
The 350 CL is the full classic package. It’s got shiny chrome, curved lines, and that old school silhouette that instantly feels familiar. It’s essentially Jawa’s answer to the Royal Enfield Classic 350. And with a seat height of about 31.4 inches, it stays comfortable for a wide range of riders, especially those who prefer a more grounded stance. It’s the kind of bike you hop on when you just want to relax and enjoy the ride without overthinking anything.
The 350 42 FJ, meanwhile, takes the same platform and gives it a more modern edge. The bodywork is cleaner, the shapes are sharper, and the overall vibe feels more retro-modern. Its name honors founder František Janeček, tying the model back to the brand’s roots while still leaning into contemporary styling. Underneath, it’s still that same approachable single cylinder machine.
Pricing in France puts the 350 CL at 5,490 euros, which is roughly $5,900 USD, and the 42 FJ at 4,990 euros, or about $5,350 USD. That keeps both models firmly in the affordable range for anyone looking for a stylish, easygoing commuter or a simple weekend runabout.
So here’s the question. If small cruisers and classic styled singles are finding new life in Europe, is there room for bikes like these in the US too? Would you ride a retro-inspired cruiser like either of these? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Jawa Motorcycles
