Ja-want-a-Jawa

As with many motorcycle companies, Jawa Motorcycles got its start in 1929 as arms manufacturer Frantisek Janecek of Prague decided to expand into motorcycle production.  Jawa entered the market with a shaft drive in a pressed-steel frame. Ultimately, English designer G.W. Patchett joined the Jawa factory in 1930 and created racing machines with a 498 cc unit-design ohv engines and chain drive.

The motorbike pictured here at the shop is a 350cc version that went through Daytona Antique & Classic Motorcycle Auction in 2008. It is a pristine example of a pre-war European motorcycle and it starts, runs and rides reliably – perhaps even better than in 1937. It’s also easier to move around than a Ferrari.