Czeching Out Jawa

Czeching out Jawa

ROUNDUP

LIFE IN THE EAST BLOC HASN'T been easy, but in spite of all the difficulties experienced by Czechoslovakia during its march towards democracy, tiny Jawa not only has persisted in its efforts to build motorcycles, it has continued to develop new ones. Or at least, sort-of-new ones. For evidence of that, look no farther than the Jawa 250. Yes, it does seem to be based on an updated version of the CZengined 250 enduro of some years back, with liquid-cooling, reed-valve induction, a mechanical exhaust valve, balance shaft and five-speed gearbox.

Actually. Jawa hopes to offer two new motorcycles based around its 250cc powerplant. The first is a dual-purpose bike with long-travel suspension, and the second, a sportbike with full fairing. Both versions will share the same frame design.

Jawa's desire to build these na chines and sell them in the West is driven by the fact that its factories now are silent. Until recently it built and sold a twin-cylindered 350cc machine to the Soviet Union. The engine for this bike first saw light of day as the 634 model of the early 1 970s. But sale of the 350 today, even to the Soviet Union, is not profitable. Hence, Jawa's desire to develop contemporary equipment. -Pavel Husák