Yamaha Rajdoot 350 The Legendary Motorcycle Comeback

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350, popularly known as the RD 350, was India’s first high-performance motorcycle. Introduced in 1983 through a collaboration between Yamaha and Escorts Group, it was modeled after the Yamaha RD350B and tailored to Indian road and fuel conditions.

Engine and Performance (1983–1989)

The original Rajdoot 350 was powered by a 347 cc twin-cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke engine. It produced 30.5 bhp in the High Torque (HT) version and 26.5 bhp in the later Low Torque (LT) version. The bike came with a 6-speed gearbox and a top speed of over 140 km/h in stock condition. Acceleration from 0 to 60 km/h came in under 4 seconds, making it one of the fastest bikes of its time.

Design and Build Quality

The Rajdoot had a muscular fuel tank, twin exhaust pipes, and a long seat designed for rider comfort. It featured a 16-litre fuel tank, twin leading-shoe drum brakes on the front, telescopic front forks, and classic analog meters. The total weight of the bike was around 155 kg, giving it a solid road presence.

Mileage and Real-World Use
Though powerful, the RD 350 was infamous for its fuel consumption. The HT version gave around 20 km/l and the LT improved slightly with 25–30 km/l under ideal riding conditions. It required high maintenance and premium two-stroke oil, which made it expensive to run for daily use.

Why Production Stopped

Despite being a technical marvel, the bike was discontinued by 1990. The reasons were low fuel efficiency, high maintenance costs, and a lack of trained mechanics. Sales were limited, with only about 7,000–8,000 units sold in India during its entire run.

Cult Status in India

Over time, the RD 350 developed a cult following among motorcycle enthusiasts. It became a collector's dream for its raw power, unique exhaust sound, and historical significance. Restored versions of the RD 350 are now a common sight at vintage motorcycle rallies and biker events across India.

Return of the Legend in 2025

In 2025, Yamaha has reintroduced the Rajdoot 350 in a modern avatar. The bike keeps its vintage styling with updates for today’s riders. It now comes with a BS6-compliant four-stroke, single-cylinder 350 cc engine, offering more reliability and better fuel efficiency than its predecessor.

Modern Features in the 2025 Version

The updated Rajdoot 350 includes modern components like electronic fuel injection, a digital-analog speedometer combo, LED headlamps, and a more refined 6-speed gearbox. The frame and tank design are inspired by the original but modified for comfort and better handling.

Estimated Price and Mileage of the New Model

The expected price of the 2025 Rajdoot 350 falls between ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers a projected mileage of 35–40 km/l, which is a significant upgrade over the older two-stroke model. The new version is designed to appeal to younger riders who seek a retro feel without compromising on modern standards.

Market Position and Rivals

The new Rajdoot 350 will compete with other retro-modern bikes like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Jawa 42, and Honda H’ness CB350. Yamaha aims to capture the nostalgic buyers as well as the new generation looking for character-rich motorcycles.

Restoration Culture and Fan Base

Enthusiasts all over India still maintain original RD 350s. Many parts are now custom-made or imported to keep these bikes alive. Restoration garages specialize in rebuilding the engine, repainting the tank in its classic stripes, and tuning the exhaust to match the original two-stroke rhythm.

Legacy of the Rajdoot 350

The RD 350 is remembered as the first bike to bring performance biking to India. It set a benchmark for power, thrill, and sound. Though it was ahead of its time in the 1980s, its legacy lives on through restorers, riders, and now with its modern-day revival.

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is not just a motorcycle. It’s an emotion for many Indian bikers. Its return in 2025 blends retro charm with modern engineering, aiming to keep the spirit of the original alive while adapting to today's demands. Whether you're a vintage bike lover or a modern rider, the Rajdoot 350 stands as a symbol of raw power, heritage, and timeless design.

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