Testing The Performance Of Jawa 350 On The Open Roads

While most people are attracted to retro roadsters based on their looks, I am someone who tests the mettle of such motorcycles by how they perform. Yes, for me, looks do matter, but so does performance. And that’s why, when the all-new Jawa 350 broke covers, I immediately got attracted to it, as it claimed performance levels and tech that look as good as how the motorcycle wears its nostalgic, old-school design. 

After checking out the pictures and specifications of the new Jawa 350 on the internet, I visited a Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles showroom to take a test ride for further affirmation. While the test ride was not a whole-day affair, the comprehensive ride around the showroom helped me judge the performance of the Jawa 350, and here are my initial impressions: 

The Engine Of The New Jawa 350 Feels Smooth And Refined 

I already liked the beat of the single-cylinder, 296cc engine of the previously on-sale Jawa, and thankfully, the soundtrack of the new, upgraded 334cc engine of the new Jawa 350 feels even more soothing. With an increase in size, the new engine of the Jawa 350 feels improved in terms of refinement. 

My test ride prominently involved bumper-to-bumper traffic riding, with a couple of fast and empty stretches, and irrespective of the gear engaged and speeds, the Jawa 350 engine felt stress-free and smooth. Many credits go to Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles for giving this engine liquid-cooling – a rarity in retro motorcycles in the sub-400cc segment, which helps the engine stay cool even under a strained riding environment. 

The Bump In Engine Size Reflects In Performance 

The increase in the size of the engine of the Jawa 350 from 296cc to 334cc has a direct impact on how the motorcycle feels out on the open road. The new engine offers a higher torque output on paper, something instantly felt with how the Jawa 350 accelerates from a standstill. The increase in torque output has indeed bettered the acceleration, which is evident if someone has ridden the old and new versions of the Jawa 350. The improved acceleration makes the new Jawa 350 an even faster motorcycle to zip through traffic and makes the daily commutes more stress-free, faster and more involving. 

Improved Traction With Wider Tyres 

The engine is not the only area where the Jawa 350 shines out with a wholesome upgrade. The new Jawa 350 also gets wider tyres at both ends, with the motorcycle now having a 100/90-18 tyre at the front and a 130/80-17 tyre at the rear. With both tyres being wider than before, the improvement in grip levels and stability, especially at higher speeds, is recognizable, making the new Jawa 350 an agile handler and a comfortable motorcycle. 

Is The New Jawa 350 Having The “Go” To Match Its “Show”? 

Based on the impressions of my test ride, I concluded that the new Jawa 350 impresses even more with its performance and handling. The Jawa 350 has always been a visually stunning motorcycle, with its nostalgic design perfectly evoking feelings of days gone by. However, the improved refinement and acceleration offered by the upgraded engine and better stability offered by wider tyres make it an even more complete motorcycle than before.