Named after the founder (Janecek) and the first engine used in production (a 500cc 4-stroke Wanderer), Jawa were successful from the start, enjoying quality and reliability through the late 1920s. After this initial success, Jawa's main aim was to produce a lower displacement machine compared to most others on the market. Employing the 175cc two-stroke British Villiers engine, Jawa created a lightweight and simple machine, becoming Czechoslovakia's most popular motorcycle in 1933.

After consulting current developments and customers needs, Jawa were the fist motorcycle company in Europe to release a modern and thoroughly tested bike immediately after the war. This tradition of innovation and research into rider demands still remains today, and Jawa continue to produce high-quality motorcycles, especially enduro and off road use.