JAWA is one of the most famous motorcycle production companies in the world. JAWA motorcycles has been produced since 1929. The company JAWA was established by František Janeček in 1929 in Prague, Czech Republic, formerly Czechoslovakia. Historically Jawa motorbikes has been very active and succesful in racing. In track racing Jawa sustained a presence in the World Championship until the mid-sixties with respectable performances. In Motocross the firm built an impressive palmares before its 4-stroke engines became superseded by 2-stroke engines. In Speedway racing, Dirt-track racing and Ice racing where 4-stroke engines were still at an advantage, Jawa remained a dominant force, scoring a number of victories that's still unbeaten today. Jawa Speedway racing motorcycles are now a separate company.
IMPORTANT MILE STONES OF JAWA:
Year 1929 - The first model was introduced on October 23, 1929. This was a 500 cc 4-cycle engine JAWA 500 OHV with 12 kW of power (18 hp) and fuel consumption of 6 liters per 100 km. Although priced highly this motorcycle was very successful and was considered reliable.
* JAWA 500 OHV
Year 1931 - Origin of JAWA ‘Oval’ logo.
Year 1932 - Due to the economic recession of the early 1930 a cheaper and simpler motorcycle was needed. In 1932 Jawa 175 was introduced, with its 3.6 kW engine. This light (70 kg) machine was capable of speeds up to 80 km/h and fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per 100 km. The first year of production was an immediate success, selling over 3000 of the Jawa 175, almost three times the number of the 500 cc model over three years of production. The production of this model was finally stopped in 1946.
* JAWA 175
Year 1934 - First Jawa car (Jawa auto) was introduced, the Jawa 700. Also start of production of new Jawa 350 SV motorcycle.
* JAWA 700
Year 1935 - JAWa started to produce 2 new models of motorcycles, JAWA 350 OHV and JAWA 250 Special
Year 1937 - the next car model was introduced, modified Jawa 600 Minor. Production continued in limited numbers throughout WWII, and some were assembled in the immediate postwar period, but the production of cars was soon ceased due to economic and political situation in Europe. The factory also begins to produce Jawa 100 Robot motorcycle.
Year 1938 - Jawa was the first to offer motorcycle test rides during exhibition show. This test motorcycle was a custom Jawa 175 equipped with dual handlebars, second pair being in the back for the instructor.
Year 1939 - New product Jawa 250 Duplex motorcycle
Year 1946 - post war production of Jawa 250 and Jawa 350 motorcycles began. Jawa introduced a powerful 250cc two stroke with compact engine and dual exhausts, rare wheel suspentions and many other innovations. This motorcycle became a widespread utility motorcycle around the world. A 350cc twin cylinder two stroke type of motorcycle was exported around the world and sold under numerous other brand names as well.
1946 new product Jawa 350 Ogar motorcycle
1952 new model Jawa 500 OHC motorcycle was introduced
* JAWA 500 OHC
1954 start of production of Jawa 250 and Jawa 350 motorcycle
1955 start of production of Jawa 50 Pionyr motorcycle
1958 start of production of Jawa 50 Jawetta moped
1964 1,000,000th motorcycle rolled off Jawa production line
1965 start of production of Jawa 350 Automatic motorcycle
1966 start of production of Jawa 350 Californian motocycle
1970 start of production of Jawa 250/350 UR motocycle
1970 start of production of Jawa 350 Bizon motorcycle
1974 start of production of Jawa 350/634
1976 2,000,000th Jawa motorcycle rolled off the production line
