In 1929 Frantisek Janecek began making motorcycles under license from German-built Wanderer. The first motorcycles were 500cc, which was a typical size for the time. Janecek then began experimenting with smaller 2-stroke engines with 350 and 250cc displacement. These engines powered the next generation of motorcycles made by Jawa, and sold in large numbers. In 1948 Jawa and CZ were merged by communist decree. Jawa made the larger bikes – 250 and 350cc, and CZ made the smaller bikes – 125, 150 and 175cc. The two companies were then separated in 1960. The name Jawa came from the first two letters of Janecek and Wanderer. The Jawa 175 was introduced in 1932, and was an instant success. Its light weight and powerful handling made it an excellent choice for transportation. In 1938 Jawa was the first motorcycle manufacturer to offer test rides at an exhibition show. A Jawa 175 was fitted with dual handle bars – the second pair being for the instructor!
Manufacturer: Jawa Corp.
Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia
Engine: 175cc, 2-stroke, single cylinder
Transmission: 4 speed
Top Speed: 55 mph
Years of Production: 1948-__