Yamaha Rajdoot 350 Set to Redefine Classic Riding With Refined Damdar Performance and Iconic Design

Yamaha Rajdoot 350 Set to Redefine Classic Riding With Refined Damdar Performance and Iconic Design

Yamaha Rajdoot 350 – A Legendary Machine Revisited

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a piece of Indian biking history. Introduced in the early 1980s by Escorts Group in collaboration with Yamaha, the Rajdoot 350 was one of the first high-performance motorcycles available in the Indian market. While it wasn’t a commercial hit during its time due to high costs and fuel consumption, it has earned cult status among enthusiasts and collectors today.

Overview Table

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a piece of Indian biking history. Introduced in the early 1980s by Escorts Group in collaboration with Yamaha, the Rajdoot 350 was one of the first high-performance motorcycles available in the Indian market. While it wasn’t a commercial hit during its time due to high costs and fuel consumption, it has earned cult status among enthusiasts and collectors today.

Design & Style

When it comes to design, the Yamaha Rajdoot 350 wears a simple yet bold look. The styling was straightforward, with a classic round headlamp, metal fenders, and chrome elements all around. Its double-cradle frame gave it a strong road presence. Unlike modern-day bikes full of plastic fairings, the Rajdoot 350 was all-metal, which added to its rugged charm.

It had a no-nonsense design that reflected its purpose—performance. The twin exhausts on either side, spoked wheels, and a large tank with clean lines made it look muscular. Though minimal by today’s standards, its design has aged gracefully and is still admired for its vintage vibe.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Rajdoot 350 is its powerful 347cc, air-cooled, 2-stroke twin-cylinder engine. Derived from the Yamaha RD350B, this engine was way ahead of its time. It produced around 30.5 bhp in the High Torque (HT) version, which was later detuned to around 27 bhp in the Low Torque (LT) version for better fuel efficiency.

With a 6-speed gearbox, the bike could easily hit top speeds of around 140 km/h, which was jaw-dropping for Indian roads back in the ’80s. It had a raw and aggressive power delivery, especially when the powerband kicked in around 4,000 rpm, launching the bike like a rocket. The two-stroke exhaust note was iconic and is still loved by enthusiasts today.

Ride & Handling

The Rajdoot 350 had a solid suspension setup with telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. It was a heavy bike by standards of that time, but the weight was distributed well. It handled corners quite confidently and gave the rider a stable feel even at higher speeds.

However, the brakes were one of its weak points. With drum brakes on both ends, stopping power wasn’t the best, especially considering its high performance. Still, the bike’s balanced chassis and wide handlebar gave enough control to skilled riders.

Features & Tech

The Rajdoot 350 was not loaded with features like today’s motorcycles. It was a pure mechanical machine focused on performance. It had a simple analog speedometer and tachometer, a neutral indicator, and a basic ignition system. No ABS, no fuel injection, no digital display—just raw biking.

It was this simplicity that made the bike easy to maintain for those who knew their way around engines. Many riders even modified and tuned their bikes to make them faster or more reliable.

Mileage & Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency was one of the main reasons why the Rajdoot 350 struggled in the market. With a mileage of 20 to 25 km/l, it was considered a fuel guzzler at a time when fuel prices were rising and people preferred economical 100cc bikes.

However, for those who loved performance, the low mileage was a small price to pay. Many owners accepted it as a trade-off for the thrilling ride experience.

Price & Variants

At the time of its launch, the Rajdoot 350 was priced much higher than other bikes in the market. This made it unaffordable for the average buyer. It was sold in two main versions:

• High Torque (HT) – Early models with more power.

• Low Torque (LT) – Later models with less power but slightly better mileage.

Today, the bike is no longer in production, but second-hand models are available through collectors and restorers. Depending on the condition, a restored Rajdoot 350 can cost anywhere between ₹60,000 to ₹2 lakh or more.

FAQs

Q1. Is the Yamaha Rajdoot 350 still in production?
No, it was discontinued in the early 1990s.

Q2. Can I still find spare parts?
Yes, though not easily. Some aftermarket parts are available, and some enthusiasts fabricate custom parts.

Q3. Is it suitable for daily use?
Not really. Due to its low fuel efficiency, maintenance needs, and lack of modern features, it’s more of a collector’s item now.

Q4. What makes the Rajdoot 350 special?
Its powerful 2-stroke engine, iconic design, and historical value make it special for bike lovers.

Final Verdict

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 was a bike that came ahead of its time. It didn’t succeed commercially, but it became a legend among motorcyclists. It showed India what performance felt like on two wheels and inspired generations of bikers. If you’re someone who loves classic machines and understands the beauty of raw performance, the Rajdoot 350 is a bike you will admire forever.