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Jawa was founded in 1929 in Prague, Czechoslovakia by František Janeček who founded the company after working in armament for years. He bought the motorcycle division of Wanderer. The name Jawa was derived from the founder’s first name Janeček and Wanderer. In the 50s, Jawa was one of the elite motorcycle manufacturers as it sold its 350 models to more than 120 countries. Two models manufactured by the company, the 350 Pérák and 350 Californian, were firm favorites and the best known.

František Janeček had zero experience with motorcycles. However, he was well versed with production techniques. He had options between the Austrian Puch, a 2-stroke motor; the new Wanderer 5oocc; and the Berlin Schliha, another 2-stroke motor. He preferred the Wanderer since the German motor industry had collapsed.

The early 1930s are remembered for the economic recession. Since most people could not afford pricey machines, a cheaper option was needed. To meet this need, Jawa launched the JAWA175 which featured a 3.6kW engine. It weighed 70kgs and could speed up to 80km/h and did not consume much fuel at 3.5 liters every 100 km. the first year of production was immediately successful with the company selling more 3,000 units. The production was halted in 1946.

Jawa became the first to offer test rides on its custom JAWA175 in an exhibition show in 1938. The motorcycle featured dual handlebars, the second pair located in the back for the instructor. This model was a financial success as it sold 27,535 motorcycles.

František Janeček died in the 40s. The JAWA 250/350 models were produced after the war. Another model that was manufactured in the 40s includes the JAWA 350 Ogar Bike. The 50s welcomed the production of the JAWA 250/350 model with its powerful two-stroke, compact engine and rear-wheel suspension. It was an ingenious design that was exported to over 120 countries all over the world. This motorcycle was one of the most successful Jawa models.

Another innovative idea came in the 60s when the company designed the first automatic clutch for motorcycles. The centrifugal clutch was created for JAWA 250/559 and 350/360 models. Honda copied it but had to pay a fine and license fees for each motorcycle sold with the clutch since Jawa had it patented.

In the 90s, production went and but there was a resurgent in 2018 by Mahindra-owned Classic legends who acquired a licensing deal with Jawa Moto.