So I got my friend to visit him and get some photos of the bike and probe for some more info. Meanwhile, a frantic internet search for images/info of early model JAWA scramblers was on. I discovered the first ever off road (“Terrini”) JAWAs were the late 1950s model numbers 557 (250 single cylinder) and 558 (350 twin cylinder) both with cast iron barrels and total loss ignition systems.
These models were also distinguished by the separate kick and gear change levers - unlike the road models where the combo gear/kick start lever was pushed in to start the bike and then the lever flopped out to act as the gear change lever. Now, the photos of the SA bike showed the two levers and a single cylinder 250 engine but instead of the cast iron cylinder it was alloy. The stamped engine number should have been *T557-….* or *T558-…* but was *SS559-032766* (I use the asterisk as it is close to
