Post Listing Update: This Californian was pulled off of eBay due to “an error in the listing.”
Don’t worry, this has nothing to do with the SNL skit. The Californian (also known as the “Roadster Model 362”) was one of Jawa’s most popular bikes in the 70s. It wouldn’t win any spec-sheet battles again the Japanese competition of the time, but it still captured the hearts of some riders due to eccentric style and features.
The 343cc engine produced 28 horsepower, good for a top speed of about 80 miles per hour – which actually made it more in line with 250cc competitors like the T250 Hustler or RD250. The Jawa weighed more while having less power and a lower redline than the competition, but that all contributed towards less maintenance and a longer service life. This bike had some interesting features including oil injection, a shift lever that rotated backwards to become the kick starter, and an auto-clutch that engaged with pressure against the shift lever, so you didn’t have to pull the clutch lever to shift. For more on the Californian, check out this profile from Motorcycle Classics.
This example (VIN: 013148) stands out as it has just 6 miles. The original owner shipped the bike from Prague to Wilmington, North Carolina in 1974, barely rode it, and then stored it with the original shipping crate (there’s a picture of the crate in the listing) for 43 years. Everything is said to work but the motor still obviously has to be broken in. It has never been registered but you’ll get the Certificate of Origin so you can put a plate on it if you wish – even if I assume the next owner is just going to put it on display. The sale includes the original wood shipping crate, owner’s manual, Jawa warranty booklet, and tire pump.
Find this Jawa for sale in Clarksville, Virginia with bidding up to $3,510