1968
Jawa Californian 250 - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 692447 |
|---|---|
| Category | Sport |
| Make | Jawa |
| Model | Californian 250 |
| Year | 1968 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frontsuspension | Telescopic |
|---|---|
| Fronttyre | 3.25-19 |
| Rearsuspension | Swingarm |
| Reartyre | 3.25-19 |
| Seat | Dual |
| Wheels | Spoked |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 75.0 x 65.0 mm (3.0 x 2.6 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 8.0:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Air |
| Displacement | 248.00 ccm (15.13 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Twin, two-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor |
| Power | 16.00 HP (11.7 kW)) @ 5000 RPM |
| Topspeed | 110.0 km/h (68.4 mph) |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 128.0 kg (282.2 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Powerweightratio | 0.1250 HP/kg |
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.