[karlosdeville]

Growing up, I've always been fond of the Jawa - trademark maroon colour, twin tailpipes with that familiar metallic 2 stroke exhaust note and streamlined looks. Even though I already have a rather rough 74 model, today we were lucky to get our hands on this lovely 1969 example. We took delivery today from the first owners, an Irani family who run a popular bakery down the road. I was lucky to get a comprehensive history file including original delivery note for a Rs. 4511 and 70 paise, original warranty copy, and even the first insurance copy amounting to a princely 28 rupees and 50 paise.

The bike has been very sparingly used, very clean, with no history of being hit. It was painted 18 years ago and has settled into a nice, aged appearence. The bike seems very original to me, though I don't know much about these models and would appreceate if the Jawa gurus can guide me on what is incorrect. I assume the speedo is one of them.

Looking forward to hearing feedback on how I should go about things, what should I look out for mechanically, what should I be careful about and so on.

[veldeep]

Congreats for new purchase
Veldeep

[KPS]

Great find Karl. Nice Jawa you got yourself. Congrats

[Voyager]

Congrats Karl , pretty nice example i would say ,well taken care of .


The bits missing on the bike from the originality bit are the following

Speedometer - came with a black and white dial Yenkay .
Levers - were non ball ended aluminium ones
dim-dip switch cover -Should be metal ,chromed ones
Petrol cap - Bakelite one needed
Horn - was a HT made 6V chrome grilled one
Rear footrests -Rounded ones
Exhaust nuts on block- need to be aluminium flower type ones
Chain guard - you need the rounded one .
Ignition switch needs to be the ali nut type -0-4 position


these items will get you close to 100% original , but nevertheless to find a bike in this shape in itself is getting tough these days .You dont really need any restoration but just need to add the missing parts and you are good to go

The tail light seems to be fitted way up , cant figure out why it looks that way

Good luck .

Prashanth

[Shreeram]

Nice FIND. Didn't know you were into Jawas, very nicely aged. With a few original items, it would be back to 100% originality. I am sure the engine must be in good condition too..

[voodoochild]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

...today we were lucky to get our hands on this lovely 1969 example.

Karl, !!

You've found what most of us can only dream of! She's in lovely condition! You even got a matching maroon head gasket!
Is she in Bombay or Poona?
Regarding issues, it would seem she has nothing major. Was she idle for a long time?

Some things I can think of, I'm sure you've done most of it already:
Change oil and cables (preventive maintenance)
De-carb the silencers and bendpipes (you'll lose that typical Jawa rumble for a while but it'll show up pinhole leaks in the pipes)
Clean out the carb, points, plug and tank
Add a fuel filter (preferably the glass bottle).
Then use the bike for a couple of months to learn her ways.

Things to watch out for: Piston/crank/gudgeon pin noise is very common, excessive play and noise from the front fork (worn out T-stem?), uneven dive under braking, wobble while cornering (worn swingarm bushing/pin, out-of-true wheel rims), oval-ed out brake drums (esp. rear). And dodgy 6V electricals hahaha!

Would you have some spare parts collected? If you're planning on a proper refurbishing, they'll come in handy. The stuff that Prashanth mentioned is quite easily available, so no worries. Scout around for engine and gearbox parts.

Do let me know if you need any help/information.

Cheers,
Rahul

PS: Scan and preserve that manual!!

[mac187]

Thats a very neat looking Jawa you got there. And to top it all, you have got the full history of the bike, which is amazing. One can't expect to find these things for Jawas now-a-days. It shows the bike has been cared for very well like all Parsi vehicles.

Get an introduction to the mech the previous owner used to take the bike too and understand from the mech the 'To Do' list of jobs and take up as per priority and time. A few change in parts will give you a 100% original Jawa. Start riding it daily to get used to the bike. And good luck with the points ignition

Thanks for the warranty pictures. Please scan the manual and upload it here.

[ku69rd]

A fantastic find to say the least, she does look very good and from the pictures atleast it appears that she is in the best nicks. Needless to say what Rahul has mentioned, do use her regularly for the next couple of months. It will help you understand the machine better.

If you would not mind can you atleast PM me the price if you are not willing to share it?

[DHABHAR.BEHRAM]

Dear Karl - congratulations. One more to add to your collection. MRE is a 1969 original Bombay number. Best of luck, I know you will keep it forever!

Best regards,

Behram Dhabhar

[harit]

I too did not know that you are into Jawa's. Nice presentable bike with sufficient patina to be worthy for preservation class and Indian classic.

Jokes apart, keep this and chuck out all your non-functioning 2-wheelers. You may even get some petrol money in hand

A very decent bike worthy to represent Indian automotive, 2 wheelers section.

Cheers harit

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by Voyager

The bits missing on the bike from the originality bit are the following...

Thanks. Any help sourcing these parts will be welcome

Originally Posted by Voyager

The tail light seems to be fitted way up , cant figure out why it looks that way

I never noticed it till you pointed it out. Could the mudguard itself be fitted wrongly? Could it be from a Yezdi? Could it just be mounted in the wrong spot? Sorry, but I really don't know the details on these bikes, and its high time I do!

Originally Posted by voodoochild

You even got a matching maroon head gasket!

Is she in Bombay or Poona?

Hehe, the previous owner learnt from an old timer to always paint the top fin of the block red, so that if the bike is at a garage, a crook mechanic cannot replace parts between bikes, or something to that effect Originally a Bombay bike, been in Pune for years.

Originally Posted by voodoochild

Do let me know if you need any help/information.

Would be great if you could swing by any weekend, lets catch up.

[jawabiker]

Karl it does not look like a yezdi mudgaurd, its not fitted properly parssy is absolutely right here, but none the less you have the OE tear drop jawa tail light.

Bike looks to be in pristine health and well maintained by the parsi gentleman.

One more gem in your princely collection.

Regards,
Ranjit

[esteem_lover]

Congrats Karlosdeville, that is a wonderful bike there. The best thing about your purchase is the original manual, warranty and the Bill. It is a treasure, thank God for people like these who have kept not just the bike but its papers also in such a pristine condition.

P.S Forgot to mention that this bike is as old as me and in a better shape.

[Drkannant]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

Growing up, I've always been fond of the Jawa - trademark maroon colour, twin tailpipes with that familiar metallic 2 stroke exhaust note and streamlined looks. Even though I already have a rather rough 74 model, today we were lucky to get our hands on this lovely 1969 example. We took delivery today from the first owners, an Irani family who run a popular bakery down the road. I was lucky to get a comprehensive history file including original delivery note for a Rs. 4511 and 70 paise, original warranty copy, and even the first insurance copy amounting to a princely 28 rupees and 50 paise.

The bike has been very sparingly used, very clean, with no history of being hit. It was painted 18 years ago and has settled into a nice, aged appearence. The bike seems very original to me, though I don't know much about these models and would appreceate if the Jawa gurus can guide me on what is incorrect. I assume the speedo is one of them.

Looking forward to hearing feedback on how I should go about things, what should I look out for mechanically, what should I be careful about and so on.

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Hey Karl, congratulations ! you did find a beauty.

I have seen this bike in close quarters and had been to the Jawa factory in Mysore while i was doing my medicine in Mysore. Sad that the factory campus is now completely demolished and converted into a huge residential complex. My brother-in-law briefly worked in the Jawa before it was shut down.

As Mysore is my In-laws place, if u need any spares let me know i can source it for you.

Happy & safe riding Karl.

[voodoochild]

Originally Posted by karlosdeville

I never noticed it till you pointed it out. Could the mudguard itself be fitted wrongly? Could it be from a Yezdi? Could it just be mounted in the wrong spot?

Mounting can't be wrong. This is an aftermarket mudguard made by monkeys. Unfortunately the monkeys made a lot more than just mudguards. There's a lot of these available, and they just don't fit right. You might need to cut and re-shape it or just put it in the bin. I had the same on my Jawa, but threw it out when I managed to get an NOS original.

the previous owner learnt from an old timer to always paint the top fin of the block red

Also works as a discreet touch to identify your maroon Jawa amongst the hordes of maroon ones at a Jawa Club meet. "I'm with the Redhead!"

Will PM you my number, would love to drop by this weekend.