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, by concatenating the first letters of Janeček and Wanderer.

The company is still active today. Jawa is a Czech Republic manufacturer of Motorcycles. Founded by Frantisek Janecek, who in 1929, bought out the motorcycle production of Wanderer. The name "Jawa", comes from the first two letters of Janecek and Wanderer. The first model was introduced on October 23, 1929.

Historically Jawa motorbikes has been very active and successful in racing. In track racing Jawa sustained a presence in the World Championship until the mid-sixties with respectable performances. In Motocross the firm built an impressive pal mares before its 4-stroke engines became superseded by 2-stroke engines.

 In Speedway racing, Dirt-track racing and Ice racing where 4-stroke engines were still at an advantage, Jawa remained a dominant force, scoring a number of victories that's still unbeaten today. Jawa Speedway racing motorcycles are now a separate company