The Jawa Phenomenon exhibition at the National Technical Museum
In addition to the permanent exhibition in the traffic hall, NTM also organizes other, thematic vehicle exhibitions. The Jawa phenomenon is one of the most demanding, but unfortunately it came to the time of the closure of museums and exhibitions, to the ban on gathering people. The long-prepared demanding exhibition was launched at a time when similar events did not wish. Fortunately, after the opening of the museum in the spring of 2021, it has been extended several times and it really deserves it. Its end is now postponed until August 15, so it is still possible to see this amazing exhibition in the main Czech sanctuary of historical technology.
The Jawa Phenomenon exhibition offers a completely different level of information than the gatherings of historic vehicles and motorcycle museums. During the 90 years of operation of our most important motorcycle manufacturer, which is reminiscent of the field on a global scale. Untreated or well-known exhibits associated with the Jawa brand, supplemented by related foreign products, which either influenced our domestic development or, on the contrary, arose in response to it, are presented so far.
Many exceptional personalities have connected their destinies with the Jawa brand, some of which are also commemorated by the exhibition. Fifty motorcycles are on display, as well as a car, trophies from races and riding equipment, all mostly from private collections that are otherwise inaccessible to the public.
The motorcycles on display can be roughly divided into two categories: sports motorcycles – factory specials designed for racing – and then prototypes of touring motorcycles that will not undergo series production. For all those interested in the history of our largest motorcycle manufacturer, the biggest economic attraction is certainly the series of travel prototypes, created in the period from the end of World War II to the fall of the brand after the collapse of the USSR, the customer of most Jawa production.
However, it is certain that even those whose interest is not otherwise directed towards sports machines, must be amazed by the parameters of racing specials. How is it possible that already during the German occupation during the Second World War, engines were constructed that still had astonishing power today? Some of the designed four-stroke engines designed by Vincenc Sklenář in 250 to 600 cm cubic capacity3 they were secretly made during the occupation, and then presented on the race tracks in the first post-war years. But everything didn’t always work out, so for example the Jawa 500 DOHC speedway with a supercharged engine didn’t work because it was re-engineered! With 75 horsepower, its then chassis could not cope.
You really won’t find motorcycles now exhibited at NTM anywhere else, their owners keep them similarly to collectors of works of art, they can be described as safe pieces.
In addition, the Jawa Phenomenon exhibition coincided with the issue of Motoxpress magazine, issue 30 of which, which is now on sale until July 19, focuses not only on new Jawa Indian motorcycles, but also on Jawa travel prototypes. In addition to more detailed illustrations and descriptions of some machines exhibited at NTM, you can read about the development of Jawa scooters and scooters, including the Jawa 125/175 scooter test from 1963, which was also lent to the NTM exhibition by the author. Information on where to buy the magazine can be found at Motoxpress.cz.
The exhibition will be open until 15 August 2021, as far as admission is concerned, a one-time adult ticket to the National Technical Museum costs CZK 250, reduced admission is CZK 130 and family admission CZK 470.
So a very nutritious bite is now prepared for fans of Jawa’s lesser-known history. The Jawa Phenomenon at the National Technical Museum is very different from walking around a number of red front fenders, which is common at exhibitions and museums focused on our largest motorcycle manufacturer.