For people in India born before 1980’s Jawa, Royal Enfield, Yezdi and Rajdoot were the household names. Jawa, among these, had a cult following back in the days, something which the Royal Enfield enjoys now. Till 1973, Jawa motorcycles were sold in India, before being replaced by the Yezdi bikes and their owners loved them to the moon and back. But things changed post 90’s globalization as more and more two-wheeler manufacturers, especially those from Japan stated stated eyeing India as a potential market. These big, bulky, shiny and iconic motorcycles were replaced by compact, frugal and easy-to-use scooters and bikes. Only Royal Enfield survived the paradigm shift in the industry.
But in late 2016, Indian conglomerate Mahindra and Mahindra not only acquired the British motorcycle firm BSA, but also got hold of the licence to produce and sell Jawa Motorcycles in Indian subcontinent. Things went cold again for 2 years before something unexpected happened. Anand Mahindra, Executive Chairman Mahindra Group tweeted the comeback of iconic Jawa brand in India by this year.
And now, 4 months after Mr. Mahindra confirming the Jawa entry in India, the brand will launch a 300cc motorcycle today – on 15thNovember 2018. The new bike with 293cc engine will sport a retro styled body with a lot of chrome treatment and will compete against the Royal Enfield 350 in India. Here's a brief history and timeline of how and when this brand became a cult.
