Jawa Perak vs. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 vs. Benelli Imperiale 400 - Spec Comparo
Classic Legends launched the new Jawa Perak Bobber in the Indian market at an ex-showroom price tag of INR 1,94,500*. The motorcycle will compete against the likes of Benelli Imperiale 400 and the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350/500. The displacement puts the Perak against the Thunderbird 350, which is why we compared it to the 346 cc model.
Also Read: Jawa Classic and Forty-Two to feature Perak sourced 334 cc engine
The Jawa Perak Bobber is the only BS-VI compliant motorcycle among the three models listed in the table above. The Benelli Imperiale, which packs a fuel-injected motor, may not require many changes before it gets BS-VI compliance. The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 is the only model among the three to pack a carburettor system. That, however, will change once the BS-VI variant of the motorcycle arrives in 2020.
The Jawa Perak has a clear advantage in terms of performance. The liquid-cooled, DOHC layout helps it push out commendable power output numbers. The Perak Bobber makes 30.4 PS (30 bhp) of peak power and 31 Nm of max torque. The Benelli Imperiale 400 makes second-highest power output (21 PS/20.7 bhp) among the three models in this comparison. The Royal Enfield pumps out 20.1 PS/19.8 bhp of maximum power. The torque figures also show a similar story.
The Perak Bobber also has a weight advantage, as it tips the weighing scale at just 179 kg as compared to 197 kg of the Thunderbird 350 and 205 kg of the Imperiale 400, thus giving the Jawa a better power-to-weight ratio.
All three motorcycles feature budget-friendly hardware specifications and pack halogen headlight, conventional blinkers and semi-digital instrument console. The suspension setup on all three motorcycles includes conventional telescopic forks at the front. The Jawa, however, features a mono-shock rear shock absorber while the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 and the Benelli Imperiale 400 use twin-sided springs at the back.
The Jawa also has an edge in terms of styling, although it lacks the practicality quotient due to the missing pillion setup. Typical bobber-style motorcycles do not feature a pillion seat, and the Perak stays true to that aspect of styling. It will be interesting to see how the Indian audience reacts to this particular styling feature on the Perak bobber.
| Model | Jawa Perak | Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 | Benelli Imperiale 400 |
| Engine | |||
| Displacement & Type | 334 cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC (BS-VI) | 346 cc, Single cylinder, 4-stroke, twin-spark, air-cooled | 374 cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, Air-cooled, 4-Valves/Cylinder, SOHC |
| Max Power | 30.4 PS (30 bhp) | 20.1 PS (19.8 bhp) | 21 PS (20.7 bhp) |
| Peak Torque | 31 Nm | 28 Nm | 29 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length | NA | 2,060 mm | 2,170 mm |
| Width | NA | 790 mm | 820 mm |
| Height | NA | 1,205 mm | 1,120 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,485 mm | 1,350 mm | 1,440 mm |
| Seat Height | 750 mm | 775 mm | 780 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 145 mm | 135 mm | 170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14-litres | 20-litres | 12-litres |
| Kerb Weight | 179 kg | 197 kg | 205 kg |
| Suspension, Brakes and Tyres | |||
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock | Twin Springs | Twin Springs |
| Front Brake | 280mm disc | 280 mm disc | 300 mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 240 mm disc | 240 mm disc | 240 mm disc |
| Safety Net | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Tyre | 100/90 – 18 | 90/90 – 19 | 100/90 – 19 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70 – 17 | 120/80 – 18 | 130/80 – 18 |
| Price | |||
| Ex-showroom* | INR 1.95 lakh | INR 1.57 lakh | INR 1.69 lakh |
The new Jawa Perak is the most expensive motorcycle in this comparison. The pricing brings it very close to the Thunderbird 500. However, the Jawa motorcycle outruns the bigger Thunderbird model in terms of power output (30 bhp vs 27.2 bhp) as well.
Also Read: Here’s who will take home a Jawa 90th Anniversary Edition motorcycle
While the Perak bobber has a performance and styling advantage, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird is backed by a massive dealer and service network throughout the country. Classic Legends have aggressive plans to expand their dealer network in the country. Currently, Classic Legends have 110 outlets throughout India.
*Ex-showroom Delhi prices
