A 1981 Jawa 350 has been reborn as a retro scrambler by Thornton Hundred, blending Eastern Bloc heritage with modern flair.
A freshly restored 1981 Jawa 350 two-stroke motorcycle has hit the market after being meticulously reworked into a 1960s-style scrambler by renowned British custom shop Thornton Hundred. With just 10 miles on the odometer since its rebuild, the striking retro-styled machine combines Cold War-era engineering with modern design flair.
This bike, originally born in the former Czechoslovakia, pays homage to one of the most prolific motorcycle brands of the Eastern Bloc. Known for its rugged simplicity and widespread use, Jawa motorcycles were once a common sight across over 120 countries. The company’s reputation was built on its reliable two-stroke engines and success in motorsports, including motocross, enduro, and speedway racing.
Founded in 1929 by František Janeček, Jawa quickly found its footing with affordable, small-displacement bikes like the 175cc two-stroke, which set the stage for the company’s global expansion. By the 1950s and ‘60s, models such as the 250 and 350 twin had become utilitarian staples in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Thornton Hundred’s reimagining of the 1981 Jawa 350 retains the original two-stroke twin powerplant but wraps it in scrambler styling that includes vintage high-mount exhausts, knobby tires, and minimalist aesthetics. Finished in raw metal with contrasting black accents and stripped-down bodywork, the bike now evokes the spirit of classic off-roaders with a modern twist.
The rebuild arrives as nostalgia for two-stroke bikes and Cold War classics continues to grow among collectors. It also coincides with Jawa’s slow resurgence in global markets through licensing deals, most notably in India.
While Jawa may no longer dominate the global motorcycle scene, this one-off creation shows the brand's enduring potential—especially when placed in the hands of creative customizers.
