1973
Jawa 250 Californian - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 378885 |
|---|---|
| Category | Allround |
| Make | Jawa |
| Model | 250 Californian |
| Year | 1973 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Fronttyre | 3.00-19 |
|---|---|
| Rearbrakes | Expanding brake |
| Reartyre | 3.25-19 |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 65.0 x 75.0 mm (2.6 x 3.0 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 7.8:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 249.00 ccm (15.19 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Power | 16.50 HP (12.0 kW)) @ 5000 RPM |
| Topspeed | 115.0 km/h (71.5 mph) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Fuelcapacity | 15.00 litres (3.96 gallons) |
|---|---|
| Weightincloilgasetc | 144.0 kg (317.5 pounds) |
About Jawa
Country of Origin:
Czech Republic (historically Czechoslovakia)
Founder:
František Janeček (merging ‘Ja’neček and ‘Wa’nderer)
Best Known For:
Robust two-strokes exported worldwide; modern Indian-market revival
Company History
Jawa became a global everyman’s motorcycle after WWII, exporting tough 250/350 two-strokes that started in all weather and tolerated rough roads from Prague to Pune. The brand’s engineering focused on durability and accessible service, with oil-bath clutches, enclosed chains, and frames that resisted abuse. Jawa racers and ISDT efforts added sporting credibility, but the heartbeat was practical mobility; in many countries a Jawa meant the family could travel. Post-communist upheaval thinned production, yet the badge endured in clubs and licensed builds. A major modern chapter arrived via India, where Classic Legends revived the name on retro-styled singles with modern emissions kit, ABS, and dealer support. Historically, Jawa bridges eras: elegant Czech engineering under state economies, then a 21st-century rebirth tuned to a market that once embraced it. A tidy older 350 carries the aroma of two-stroke Europe; a new India-built Jawa carries the silhouette forward for new commuters chasing style and sense.