Jawa 500 OHC Twin 1955

In 1927, Frantisek Janecek began assembling Wanderer motorcycles (under license) to expand his factory's product range. Later, after purchasing the equipment and tools necessary for production, he renamed the motorcycle, derived from the names JAnecek and WAnderer, to the brand name JAWA in 1929.

The Jawa 500 OHC is an air-cooled four-stroke two-cylinder motorcycle that was manufactured between 1952 and 1958.

Unlike the “perák”, this model was aimed more at sporty motorcyclists. The first type produced in series was the 15/00 from 1952, the so-called “Snek”, then type 15/01 and 15/02, with a double seat, large drums and fenders with trim.

The type 15/02 was produced in 1955-1956. The so-called “bevel shaft” drove the camshaft on the Type 00 with a spiral gear; on the Types 01 and 02 it was a more durable bevel gear. The brakes were Type 00 and 01 single-sided steel drum brakes, Type 02 ribbed all around (large aluminum drums). Type 00 and 01 had a single seat, type 02 had a double seat. The Type 02 also had an increased engine output from 26 to 28 hp and a higher top speed from 135 to 147 km/h. and slightly higher weight. The model was produced until 1958.

A total of about 7,200 JAWA 500 OHC units were manufactured, of type 15/02 - about 5,000 units in 1955-58.

This extremly well preserved original Jawa 500 OHC has matching numbers and the original Typeplate and german registration number. The motorcycle works well. It is a rare opportunity to find a Jawa OHC in such well-preserved original condition.