JAWA motorcycles were first made in Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic, from 1929. The company was founded by Frantisek Janecek, who had acquired production of the German Wanderer motorcycle. The JAWA name comes from the first two letters of Janecek and Wanderer.

JAWAs rose to fame in speedway, dirt-track and ice racing especially in Europe. Speedway JAWAs are still made today and a separate company, JAWA Moto Ltd, makes rough road touring bikes such as the Dakar model.

Margaret Simpson
Assistant Curator, Science & Industry
2008

This motorcycle was made by JAWA in Czechoslovakia in 1967.

Nothing is none about the history and use of this motorcycle. It was given to the Museum in 1982.

Motorcycle, full size, JAWA Speedway, single cylinder, metal / rubber, made by Tovarna Jawa, Czechoslovakia, 1967

Single cylinder speedway motorcycle with pressed steel frame, off-road tyres, aluminium front splash guard, rear red plastic mudguard. V-shaped petrol tank with two drain cocks, and chain to rear wheel. Further details include red rubber handgrips, dark grey padded vinyl rider's seat, spark plug, oil container with 'STP' sticker, single chromed exhaust pipe, red metal guard over gears, handbrake on left hand grip, throttle control on right hand frip and Lucas electrics.

Made: Jawa; Czechoslovakia; 1967

Cast on block 'ESO 3211/1967 ESO'. On sprocket '12635/19T'. Chain links 'TRADE/TRANMAR/MARK'. On front tyre'MADE IN CZECHOLSLOVAKIA 2,75-23 BARUM'. On rear tyre 'MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA 3,50-19 GOTTWALDOV 1 S18/T2 033451055'. On rim 'TRADE CUNLOP MARK MADE IN ENGLAND'.

B2455

1967

1260 mm

90 mm

2000 mm