But in the new Czech Republic, Jawa are determined to become a modern manufacturer of motorcycles and their new 650 Classic offers retro cruiser styling, coupled with a solid build quality that should please anyone looking for long term value.
The bike is powered by a sturdy 650cc single cylinder engine, produced by Rotax of Austria - the same unit which has proved reliable in the BMW F650 and Aprilia Pegaso.
It's a modern, liquid cooled motor, with a Japanese starter motor and a Bing carburettor adding just two top quality ancillaries - the bike also has a Catalyser in that huge exhaust silencer. Indeed, everything worked perfectly on the Jawa 650 Classic, it really is a surprisingly civilised ride.
Adriot
It isn't a performance bike and the engine is happiest at about 60-65mph, but the Jawa is an adroit handling motorcycle if you feel like riding it harder. The suspension is on the firm side, even with the twin rear shocks on the softest settings I could feel evey bump on the B roads.
The upside is that when the road levels out, the Jawa handles really well and with the single front disc brake offering good stopping power, you can soon start overtaking and chucking it into corners with confidence.
This isn't just an old fashioned cruiser; it could tour with that luxurious saddle, an optional screen and some throwover panniers. It can commute all day at 50mpg, and when you want to simply take off and play on your favourite roads the Jawa will go along with it. I was impressed by the massively braced tubular frame, box section swingarm, braided brake hose and other classy details.
For just £4,245 on the road, the Jawa is a load of motorcycle for the money and it might outlast a Kawasaki ER6 or Suzuki Bandit for longevity. If you don't have issues with the word Jawa on your tank, then it is well worth a look.
