JAWA is a motorcycle manufacturer in the Czech republic, formerly Czechoslovakia. It was named after its founder Janeček bought the motorcycle production of Wanderer in 1929. The name JAWA came from the first two letters of Janecek and Wanderer. The company is still active today. JAWA is pronounced (roughly) "Yah-va".

The largest project of production under license was realized in India. Initially JAWA motor cycles were just exported to the country agents at Delhi was the Baghwandas firm, in Bombay the Irani company. In the mid-fifties motor cycle imports were prohibited by the Government of India, permitted was, however, assembly of foreign machines by domestic engineering establishments. Former agent Rustom Irani decided to establish his own motor cycle production under license and following a market research chose JAWA. He knew no doubt what he was embarking upon and what he could expect from JAWA. He had, namely, in September 1951 organized a publicity trip of two policemen with JAWA motor cycles to Czechoslovakia and the feat was repeated by three Indians in 1955.

And so at Mysore had grown up a new JAWA motor cycle assembly plant - involved were two-fifties and the Pioneer ultra-lightweights. It was on March 5, 1961, that the first motor cycle left the gate of the Ideal JAWA Mysore company's plant. Since then they were sold under the marque Yezdi, which is a transcription of the Czech language term "jezdi" meaning "going or running".

Historically Jawa has been very active in racing, and by far the most active East-European manufacturers in mechanical sports. In track racing Jawa sustained a presence in the World Championship until the mid-sixties with respectable performances considering their limited budget. In Motocross Jawa made an impressive name before its 4-stroke engines became superseded by 2-stroke engines.

As of 2006 the Jawa mostly produce copies of Honda 125cc and 50cc motorcycles and one large bike with a 650cc Rotax engine. The historic Jawa 350cc two stroke twin, mechanically unchanged since the 1960's but very reliable, is virtually moribund.

Die-hard Jawa owners and enthusiasts are spread all over the world; who love these enduring, sporty, reliable, and value-for-money bikes. While JawaClub.com will attempt to cater online to all enthusiastic Jawa owners worldwide, the primary focus is to support and cater to the need of enthusiastic "Jawa and Yezdi" motorcyclists in India.