Mahindra To Start Production Of JAWA And BSA Bikes Soon

Back in 2016, Mahindra & Mahindra had announced its intention of reviving two of the most iconic brands in motorcycling - JAWA and BSA. Now, various reports suggest that bikes from these brands are headed for production at Mahindra’s Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh.

Two years ago, Mahindra acquired a 60 per cent stake in Classic Legends Private Limited. This company not only holds the trademark for British brand BSA but also has an exclusive brand license agreement with Prague-based JAWA Moto, a motorcycle company which enjoyed a cult status in India between the 1980s and 90s for bikes such as the Yezdi. As a part of this agreement, Mahindra will target emerging two-wheeler markets such as India with JAWA while the BSA brand will be aimed at developed markets such as the US and the UK.

Reports suggest that the JAWA bikes headed for our market will sport a retro-motorcycle design, albeit with the latest tech. In May last year, JAWA unveiled the 350 OHC, a retro-styled motorcycle with design cues borrowed from the JAWA 350 produced in the 70s. The 350 OHC maintains the classic British roadster look with its 12.5-litre tear-drop shaped fuel tank, 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels. If Mahindra decides to launch the 350 OHC here, expect it to give a tough fight to the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Powering the JAWA 350 OHC is a 397.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. This mill produces 28PS of power at 6500rpm and 30.6Nm of torque at 5000rpm. The bike also features ABS, which is a first for any JAWA motorcycle.

Mahindra is expected to launch its first motorcycle under the JAWA banner in 2019. But will it be the 350 OHC? We will have to wait and find out.