In the world of retro-styled bikes, two names are making headlines — the Jawa 42 FJ and the BSA Bantam 350. Both these motorcycles are inspired by classic designs but come with modern features. Riders who love the combination of old-school charm and new-age performance often get confused between the two.
In this article, we will explain the key differences between the Jawa 42 FJ and the BSA Bantam 350 in simple and easy words, so that you can choose the one that suits you best.
1. Design & Style
The Jawa 42 FJ has a sleek, sporty retro look. It is designed with a modern-retro blend, which means you get the looks of an old classic bike with features like black alloy wheels, matte finish paint, and bar-end mirrors.
On the other hand, the BSA Bantam 350 looks more purely vintage. It carries the design of the old British bikes with its round headlamp, chrome touches, and more classic paint schemes. It gives a strong feeling of riding a true 1960s motorcycle.
Difference:
- Jawa 42 FJ = More modern-retro style
- BSA Bantam 350 = More classic-vintage style
2. Engine and Performance
The Jawa 42 FJ comes with a 293cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which produces around 27 bhp power and 26.84 Nm torque. It is fuel-injected and delivers smooth performance, especially on highways and city roads.
The BSA Bantam 350 is expected to come with a 349cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing around 20-22 bhp. This engine is more focused on a classic feel, so it may not be as powerful as the Jawa 42 FJ, but it will be smooth and relaxed for casual cruising.
Difference:
- Jawa 42 FJ = More power and modern engine
- BSA Bantam 350 = Classic engine, less powerful
3. Ride Comfort & Handling
Jawa 42 FJ offers a sporty riding posture but is still comfortable for everyday rides. It comes with telescopic front forks and twin shock rear suspension, giving good control on rough roads.
The BSA Bantam 350 is expected to offer a more upright and relaxed posture, perfect for easy, long rides. It may have a softer suspension setup, which makes it more suited for a laid-back riding style.
Difference:
- Jawa 42 FJ = Sporty and agile
- BSA Bantam 350 = Relaxed and cruising-friendly
4. Brakes and Safety
Both bikes are equipped with disc brakes on both front and rear wheels along with dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This ensures better safety on sudden brakes or wet roads.
Difference:
- Almost same braking technology
- Both safe and reliable
5. Features and Technology
Jawa 42 FJ includes modern features like:
- Digital-analogue instrument cluster
- LED tail lamp
- Fuel injection
- Side-stand engine cut-off
The BSA Bantam 350 is expected to have more basic features, staying true to the classic design. It may have an analogue speedometer, basic lighting, and minimal electronics.
Difference:
- Jawa 42 FJ = More modern features
- BSA Bantam 350 = Simple and classic approach
6. Price and Availability
The Jawa 42 FJ is already available in India and is priced around ₹1.98 lakh to ₹2.10 lakh (ex-showroom). It is easy to find in Jawa showrooms across the country.
The BSA Bantam 350 is expected to launch soon in India and might be priced slightly higher — around ₹2.20 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh (expected). It may also be available in limited cities initially.
Difference:
- Jawa 42 FJ = More affordable and easily available
- BSA Bantam 350 = Slightly premium and upcoming
Overview Table: Jawa 42 FJ vs BSA Bantam 350
| Feature | Jawa 42 FJ | BSA Bantam 350 |
| Design Style | Modern-retro sporty | Vintage British classic |
| Engine | 293cc, liquid-cooled | 349cc, air-cooled (expected) |
| Power | 27 bhp | 20-22 bhp (expected) |
| Ride Posture | Sporty, slightly aggressive | Relaxed, upright |
| Suspension | Telescopic + Twin Shock | Soft classic setup (expected) |
| Brakes & ABS | Disc + Dual-channel ABS | Disc + Dual-channel ABS |
| Features | Digital-analogue, LED, FI | Analogue, basic setup |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹1.98 – ₹2.10 lakh | ₹2.20 – ₹2.40 lakh (expected) |
| Availability | Available in India | Yet to launch |
Final Verdict
- Choose Jawa 42 FJ if you want a powerful, feature-rich, and readily available modern-retro bike that performs well in both cities and highways.
- Choose BSA Bantam 350 if you love a true vintage motorcycle experience and are okay with a slightly basic setup and lesser power.
Both bikes are stylish in their own way. The choice depends on whether you want a modern classic (Jawa 42 FJ) or a pure nostalgic ride (BSA Bantam 350).
