Dilemma:Honda Highness 350 vs Jawa 42 vs TVS Ronin

I prefer retro looks, I want a bike "that will not age, that will not look odd with me aging, that I can keep for long"

BHPian ajcpub recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

With the bike bug buzzing in the head, the itch to put bum on something powerful growing and age catching up, it's time to satisfy the desire. Yes, desire, it's not a need.

Notes

• My biking (& driving) days started way back in the late 90s on the then silent Bangalore road. A very long friendship with the workhorse Honda SS 100 ended with RX135. Loved every bit of 135 but had to sell it after several years due to unforeseen reasons. Currently Suzuki access is doing the groceries & vegetables duties as well as office commute.

• My road trips were mostly in Car, first in Matiz and then in ANHC. It was only in late 90s when I did a few trips on my SS 100.

• My office commute is about 12 kms one way, some on congested, bad roads.

• I am bored of riding scooter though it offers tons of conveniences.

Parameters

• The basics: I prefer retro looks, I want a bike "that will not age, that will not look odd with me aging, that I can keep for long"

• Support office commute in heavy City traffic: Less gear shifts and/or slipper clutch, good turning radius, no engine stall, no heating issue.

• Occasional long rides: Reliability, less vibrations, good riding posture.

• Has latest technological advances: Disk brakes with dual abs, tubeless, etc. Don't care much about bluetooth connectivity.

• I am 5.6", on the thinner side so saddle height and weight is a big consideration. I would prefer seat height of up to 790mm.

• DON'T WANT THE BIKE TO GIVE UP ON ME: I am happy to do a bit of maintenance myself, visit occasional visits to garages in addition to the regular servicing but I would really really and really hate if the bike fails to start, either the first thing in the morning or during the day. I have spent good amount of my mornings kicking Vijay Super and don't want to have that frustration again.

• Budget: Around 2.5L. I know riding gear is going to cost me extra.

Eliminated

• I did consider but rejected RE Classic 350 as I wasn't sure if I can handle it well in the City. Most of the other RE fleet was rejected for the same reason.

• I did consider but rejected Yezdi Roadster because of the recent legal tussle about the brand ownership.

• I didn't evaluate any of Yamaha/Suzuki/Hero/... fleet as not many retro offerings and/or the bikes felt too bulky and with all kind of modern(?) facades on the tank.

• I didn't evaluate Triumph as it's out of my budget.

• I didn't evaluate KTM as it's something that is not of my taste.

• I did consider but rejected Bajaj Avenger as I did not like the riding posture of cruiser bikes.

• I did consider TVS RTRs and found 180 to be comfortable but it's not Retro and I wasn't sure if it will meet any of my basic parameters -- "that will not age, that will not look odd with me aging, that I can keep for long."

Shortlisted

It boils down to Honda Highness 350, RE Hunter, Jawa 42 2.1

Highness 350:

I am more or less sold on this one except for the seat height. It's 800mm and though I can touch ground comfortably, a bit more footing will give that much more confidence. I will hate if I have to do modifications to the stock seat.

I liked the ride, liked the seating posture, liked the handling and power, liked the dealership experience.

I didn't like the turning radius or may be I will get used to it.

RE Hunter:

I am almost sold on this one too except I am not sure whether it meets two of my basic parameters -- "that will not age, that I can keep for long" I liked the ride, liked the seating posture, liked the handling and power, liked the dealership experience.

The bike has more torque, it's very very easy to manoeuvre it, the seat height is perfect for me.

There is no slipper clutch, the gear shift felt a bit hard but may be it was a test ride vehicle.

Jawa 42 2.1:

Why am I considering this even after reading so many negative experiences? I don't know but it feels like a bike that I can keep, feels like a bike that I can handle comfortably, feels like a bike to own. So it's perhaps more of what heart wants than what head tells.

I am yet to take a test ride.

What am looking for?

Inputs from fellow Jawa 42 2.1 owners or other experts.. I have gone through below two threads but they are about 42 and not the 2.1 model:

link 1

link 2

Please comment on following:

• Is there starting issues with the bike?
• Is the paint peeling off?
• How's the servicing experience (in Bangalore)?
• Is the riding posture comfortable for those occasional long rides?

Thanks so much for your inputs.

Here's what BHPian Cyborg had to say on the matter:

Since you are looking to keep the bike for a long time, I would suggest the Honda CB350 to the Jawa. Honda offers a better product and ease of use in the long run judging by the reviews and experiences of our forum members and otherwise too.

Cheers

Here's what BHPian ani_meher had to say on the matter:

Test ride TVS Ronin 225. Almost completely metal made, with good riding posture and low end torque. It satisfies most of your specifications. You may like it.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.