As someone with around four years of experience in the automobile niche, I love sharing detailed and valuable insights about bikes, cars, SUVs, and more. Today, I want to talk about something that many bike enthusiasts eventually come across—the decision to upgrade. If you’re someone who owns the Jawa 42 and are now considering your next big ride, this blog is crafted just for you.
The Jawa 42 is undeniably a stylish and agile machine that offers a fantastic introduction to cruiser motorcycling. But as your needs grow and your thirst for better performance, comfort, or presence increases, you might find yourself craving a bigger, more capable cruiser. So in this blog, I’ll walk you through five excellent cruiser bikes that are worthy upgrades from the Jawa 42. Each of these bikes offers unique advantages in terms of design, engine capacity, comfort, and long-distance touring capability. Let’s dive deep into your upgrade options.
Contents
- 1 Why Consider an Upgrade from the Jawa 42?
- 2 BSA Gold Star 650: A Classic Reborn for the Modern Rider
- 3 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: The Ultimate Long-Distance Cruiser
- 4 Kawasaki Eliminator: Lightweight Yet Powerful
- 5 Brixton Cromwell 1200: When You Want to Make a Statement
- 6 Triumph Bonneville T100: Refined Heritage Cruiser
- 7 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cruiser Upgrade
Why Consider an Upgrade from the Jawa 42?
The Jawa 42 is known for its neo-retro styling and peppy performance. It features a 294cc engine producing 27.3 hp and 26.8 Nm of torque, making it ideal for city commutes and weekend rides. But as you begin to take longer rides or want a more powerful presence on highways, the limitations start to show.
Upgrading from the Jawa 42 means moving into a different league—bigger engines, more torque, refined comfort, and improved road manners. Whether it’s about cruising down long stretches of highway or making a bold statement with your ride, the five options listed below offer significant improvements over what the Jawa 42 provides.
BSA Gold Star 650: A Classic Reborn for the Modern Rider
The BSA Gold Star 650 revives a vintage British legacy with a motorcycle that balances old-school charm with modern refinement. This bike comes with a 652cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 45 hp and 55 Nm of torque.
One of the key reasons why the BSA Gold Star 650 stands out is its elegant design and minimalist retro appeal. Despite weighing 201 kg, it handles quite well, offering a smooth and stable ride both in the city and on highways.
The seating position is relaxed, and the bike’s nimbleness makes it an ideal pick for riders who appreciate classic looks without compromising on reliability. With a price tag of Rs 3.21 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s also quite affordable for what it offers.
Specifications: Jawa 42 vs BSA Gold Star 650
| Specification | Jawa 42 | BSA Gold Star 650 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 294cc, Single | 652cc, Single |
| Power | 27.3 hp | 45 hp |
| Torque | 26.8 Nm | 55 Nm |
| Weight | 172 kg | 201 kg |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | Rs 1.98 lakh | Rs 3.21 lakh |
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650: The Ultimate Long-Distance Cruiser
Royal Enfield’s Super Meteor 650 brings a powerful parallel-twin engine and timeless cruiser design that’s perfect for highway touring. Its 648cc engine generates 47 hp and 52.3 Nm of torque, making it one of the smoothest performers in the segment.
The seat height of just 740 mm ensures that even shorter riders feel confident. With a heavier build of 241 kg, it feels incredibly planted and secure during long-distance travel. The Super Meteor also features modern components like LED lighting, premium switchgear, and a Tripper Navigation system.
At Rs 3.68 lakh (ex-showroom), the Super Meteor 650 is one of the best mid-size cruisers you can buy today. If you’re looking to explore beyond city limits, this is a bike that’ll keep you comfortable and stylish.
Kawasaki Eliminator: Lightweight Yet Powerful
If you’re upgrading for better performance but don’t want to manage too much weight, the Kawasaki Eliminator is a smart choice. This modern cruiser is equipped with a 451cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine producing 45 hp and 42.6 Nm of torque.
At only 176 kg, it’s significantly lighter than most other bikes in its class. That, combined with a low seat height of 735 mm, makes it a great option for riders transitioning from lighter bikes like the Jawa 42.
The Eliminator also boasts modern styling, a smooth powerband, and responsive handling. While priced a bit higher at Rs 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom), it justifies the cost through its premium feel and agile road performance.
Brixton Cromwell 1200: When You Want to Make a Statement
The Brixton Cromwell 1200 isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a declaration of power and prestige. Featuring a 1222cc twin-cylinder engine, it delivers an impressive 83 hp and 108 Nm of torque. This kind of performance places it in a league far beyond the Jawa 42.
Despite weighing 235 kg, the bike feels incredibly balanced. The upright seating posture and generous saddle size offer unmatched comfort on long journeys. Its vintage-meets-modern design theme is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
While it comes with a premium price tag of Rs 7.83 lakh (ex-showroom), the Cromwell 1200 is for riders who want top-notch performance and style without compromise.
Engine Power Comparison Table
| Model | Engine Size | Power Output | Torque | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jawa 42 | 294cc | 27.3 hp | 26.8 Nm | Rs 1.98 lakh |
| Cromwell 1200 | 1222cc | 83 hp | 108 Nm | Rs 7.83 lakh |
| Royal Enfield Super Meteor | 648cc | 47 hp | 52.3 Nm | Rs 3.68 lakh |
Triumph Bonneville T100: Refined Heritage Cruiser
If refinement, heritage, and prestige matter to you, the Triumph Bonneville T100 is a cruiser you can’t ignore. Equipped with a 900cc parallel-twin engine, it delivers 64.1 hp and 80 Nm of torque. The power delivery is smooth and linear, making it a joy to ride in both urban settings and open highways.
Weighing 228 kg and with a seat height of 790 mm, the T100 offers balanced ergonomics that cater to various rider heights and builds. The attention to detail, quality of components, and brand legacy make it a premium experience from start to finish.
It is priced at Rs 9.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most expensive bike on this list. But for those willing to invest in superior craftsmanship and long-term ownership satisfaction, it’s well worth the premium.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cruiser Upgrade
Choosing your next cruiser after the Jawa 42 depends largely on your budget, riding preferences, and what you want out of your motorcycle experience. If you’re inclined towards classic styling and affordability, the BSA Gold Star 650 offers a beautiful balance. For those who dream of endless highways, the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 or the Kawasaki Eliminator make excellent companions.
If it’s performance and road presence you’re after, the Brixton Cromwell 1200 will not disappoint. And if you’re ready to splurge for timeless sophistication, the Triumph Bonneville T100 stands tall.
