1991 Jawa 350 638 from Pakistan

Summary:

You should ride a Jawa 638 once in your life

Faults:

In Pakistan the Jawa 638 came out in the nineties. I've been riding this bike since 2017. I really love this bike; it sounds great, and the acceleration is very good. I often race with cars and I often win.

In Pakistan the Jawa 638/350 are available, but not in running condition. I think I am only Jawa rider in my country. The main problem is its spare parts are not available and its mixing of oil in the petrol.

The only problem of the Jawa 638 is the adjustment of the points.

I am so fond of the Jawa 638 that I bought another Jawa 638 model 2003. It's not in running condition, it is a zero meter bike, but it has not started yet. Its ex owner tried their best to start it; now it has no coils, no head light, no indicators; I am searching for coils.

Conclusion: The Jawa 638 ride is like intoxication. Now it's become part of my life and I can't explain this intoxication when I ride it.

General Comments:

AK47 of the bikes.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th June, 2019

24th Jun 2019, 20:48

Hi, I had a 350 Jawa many years ago, and loved it.

1989 Jawa 350 638 from United Kingdom

Summary:

Don't knock what you haven't tried!

Faults:

In 3000 miles, nothing! It's been brilliant.

General Comments:

Originally part of an outfit which cost me £700 in March 2009. Due to lack of use, I sold the 'car for £350 a couple of months later. The bike itself was £350, which is pretty near the upper limit of what you'll ever pay for a Jawa.

I previously owned an MZ ETZ 250, which only did about 40mpg, worse than my VFR 750! However, I was hooked on the whole simple stroker thing, and ended up with the Jawa, which returns low fifties mpg and though not fast -around 70- is a really satisfying ride due to its pulling power in all gears from 1500 rpm, very comfy with good seat and plenty of arm- and leg-room. My pillions prefer it my VFR 750 with its low rear pegs, and you don't slide forward under braking. Praise indeed.

Let's deal with the alleged weaknesses of the Jawa, the bike the press loved to hate. Premix-so what? Points ign.- have looked at them but no adjustment req'd in 3000 miles. Poor build quality - the bike's 20 yr old and totally reliable. Styling - OK, I let that one go. But it certainly turns heads, when's the last time a silver Ford Focus managed that?

Worst feature: without doubt, the horrid gear change, GRIND with neutral between all the gears (not false neutral, they're meant to be there). Thank God there are only four.

Best feature: Tank detail "TWIN SPORT" - who says that only the Brits have a great sense of irony!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2009

16th Jan 2010, 18:56

I agree in many things.

For me, Jawa is like the AK-47 of motorcycles.

7th Apr 2011, 12:42

I had a JAWA 638 Twin sport too, for 14 years in fact. It was the European restricted performance version, with petroil mix in the tank. I rode it in all weathers experienced in Cape Town ie: windy, rainy, whatever etc.

Whilst top speed was nowhere near something like a Yamaha Rd350, it was quite fast enough for me, it was a great all rounder that could take anything that I needed it to do, like carry passengers up and down the Cape Town hills, & transport goods for my shop.

I sold it to a retired aircraft technician, with the original front tyre still in use, and only the second chains in use, after around 80000km, which is actually not much: there was one Mr Yarets of somewhere in Russia, a deaf mute who travelled lots on his JAWA 638, around 200000km before poor Mr Yarets, trying to repair his machine at the roadside somewhere with all his stuff for touring, was struck by a truck.

The service back up in South Africa was not good though, there are still a few around Cape Town, mainly in the hands of Classic Bike Club members, who might source parts from the UK. Cheers Guys! Gonna ride home now on my Bajaj Pulsar 180Dtsi...

In reply to 16th Jan 2010, 18:56

21st Jan 2018, 23:41

"The bike equivalent of an AK47"!!

Brilliant - that sums it up to perfection!!