Page 3 - JAWA-STADION Collection

The inter-war period brings a rapid development of mo-
torsport and former Czechoslovakia is no different. When ing attention on roads especially due to its design that is
František Janeček registers a brand-new trademark
JAWA in 1929, no one thinks this might be the begin-
ning of a new Czechoslovak and world motorsport era.
The brand JAWA motorcycles originates by merging the
first two letters of the name Janeček and the Wander-
er motorcycle from Germany, to which
Janeček buys a licence.
The first JAWA motorcycle is intro-
duced already in 1929. However, as a
luxury model it fails to match market
demand, i.e. demand for people’s mo-
torcycle at popular price. A few years
later, this becomes reality thanks to
the cooperation with George Patch-
ett, motorcycle racer and engineer
from England. Following further tech-
nical improvements, the JAWA com-
pany initiates a mass production. Suc-
cess in business is soon interrupted
by Mr Janeček’s death and the WW II,
during which the factory is prohibited
to manufacture motorcycles, instead
it has to switch to aircraft compo-
nents. But the manufacturing program
of the JAWA company actually con-
tinues in secret. Janeček’s colleagues
hide all components and parts in var-
ious places in the area around the
factory and thanks to this the original
manufacturing program managed to
be reinitiated. In the post-war economic boom, small mo-
torcycles enabling mobility of wider masses are actually
missing on the market. So, in the 50s JAWA also aims at
small capacity motorcycles up to 50 cc. Famous “Pioni-
er” (Pioneer) and its legendary model JAWA 550, called
“Peň” (Stump), boosts popularity of small motorcycles.
Then Jawetta 551 follows, a very progressive moped tak-
hard to miss. Along with Jawetta 551, largely popular Sta-
dion motorcycle is manufactured in cooperation with the
plant in Rakovník. The first series is designated Stadion
S11 type JAWA 552 and no driving licence nor license plate
is needed to drive this model. The first series is a success to motorisation of larger masses and popularisation of
and the plant introduces another moped Stadion S22.
The plant responds to the both, changes in legislation re-
quiring registration of motorcycles and driving license as
well as changes in consumer demand as people want a
more elegant, modern, and comfortable motorcycle. Sta-
dion S22 is a big hit. Although absolute top of technical
and designing skills the Rakovník factory shows in its third
generation Stadion S23. This series is solely intended for
off-shore exports. This miniseries 2,011 motorcycles ac-
tually brings end to Stadion production in Rakovník. After
only 8-years of motorcycle manufacturing the produc-
tion is stopped. From its launch in 1956 until the closure in
1964, Stadion contributed with its unique characteristics
motorsport as such. The JAWA plants
in the Czech and Slovakia continue to
produce new generations of Pioneers.
In late 60s, Mustangs are made. The
first version of Mustang JAWA 23A
also has a more famous model JAWA
23 intended for export to Western
markets, especially, Neckermann
consumer chain in West Germany.
It is called “Mustang Neckermann.”
The final fourth JAWA generation is
introduced in 1978. The JAWA mo-
torcycles have been sold with great
success in European, American as
well as Asian markets. In its great era,
late 70s, JAWA exports motorcycles
to 120 countries throughout the world.
Of the large number of Czechoslovak
motor brands, few were able to at-
tract such attention and popularity as
JAWA did. It still remains today.