Yamaha Rajdoot 350, also known as the RD 350, was an iconic two-stroke motorcycle produced in India by the Escorts Group in collaboration with Yamaha Japan from 1983 to 1989. It was a licensed version of the Yamaha RD350B, modified for Indian conditions, and is often celebrated as India’s first performance bike. Here’s a concise overview based on available information:

Key Specifications and Features:

• Engine: 347cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, parallel-twin with Yamaha’s patented Torque Induction System (reed valves).
• Variants:
  • High Torque (HT) (1983–1985): Produced 30.5 bhp at 6,750 rpm, detuned from the original 39 bhp for better fuel efficiency and adaptability to Indian fuel quality.
  • Low Torque (LT): Produced 27 bhp, further detuned for improved mileage (around 35 km/L compared to HT’s 20–25 km/L).
• Transmission: 6-speed manual.
• Performance: Capable of 0–60 km/h in under 4 seconds and a top speed of 140–169 km/h (depending on the variant).
• Brakes: 180mm twin-leading shoe drum brakes (replaced the original RD350B’s front disc brake to reduce costs).
• Other Features: Autolube system, mechanical tachometer, 12-volt electrics, and a distinctive two-stroke exhaust note, often called the “RD roar.”
• Design: Retro styling with a round headlamp, chrome-finished fuel tank, and sturdy single-cradle steel frame.

Historical Context:

• Launch and Market: Introduced to compete with the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and Yezdi Roadking 250, the RD 350 was a performance outlier in India’s commuter-heavy market. Priced at around ₹18,000 (ex-showroom, 1980s), it was considered expensive.
• Challenges:
  • High fuel consumption (20–35 km/L) in a fuel-conscious market.
  • Costly spare parts and limited service expertise for its complex twin-cylinder engine.
  • Production halted in 1990, with final sales in 1991, due to poor sales (only about 10,000 units sold).
• Legacy: Despite commercial struggles, it gained a cult following for its raw power, handling, and distinctive sound, making it a favorite among racers and enthusiasts. Read More: Car Frame Types and Manufacturing Methods

Current Status:

• Collectible Value: Restored RD 350s are highly sought after, with prices ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh in India’s used market, depending on condition. Restoration costs can range from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000.
• Revival Rumors (2024–2025): Recent online speculation suggests a potential modern Rajdoot 350 revival, possibly as a 350cc single-cylinder or parallel-twin four-stroke bike with retro styling, LED lights, dual-channel ABS, and a digital-analogue cluster. Speculated price: ₹1.5–₹3 lakh, with a possible launch in late 2025 or early 2026. However:
  • No official confirmation from Yamaha exists.
  • Some images circulating online (e.g., on YouTube or news sites) are misattributed, often showing Chinese-made cruisers or unrelated models.
  • Skepticism persists due to the Rajdoot brand’s limited market legacy compared to Jawa or Yezdi.

Cultural Impact:

• Featured in Bollywood films like Hero (1983), cementing its pop-culture status.
• Active RD 350 enthusiast clubs in India organize rides and share restoration tips.
• Its raw performance and unique sound make it a popular base for custom builds (cafe racers, scramblers).

Critical Perspective:

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 was a bold but mistimed offering for 1980s India, where affordability and fuel efficiency trumped performance. Its cult status today reflects nostalgia for a bygone era of motorcycling, but revival rumors should be treated cautiously due to lack of credible evidence. Yamaha’s focus on modern 150–250cc bikes in India (e.g., FZ series, R15) makes a high-risk revival of a niche brand like Rajdoot unlikely without strong market demand.

Yamaha Rajdoot 350 Price:

Historical Pricing (1983–1991):

• Original Ex-Showroom Price: When launched in 1983, the Rajdoot 350 was priced at approximately ₹18,000. By the time production ceased in 1990, the price had risen to around ₹30,000 due to inflation and market factors

Current Used Market Prices (2025):

• Restored/Vintage RD 350: In 2025, well-maintained or fully restored Rajdoot 350s are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts in India’s vintage motorcycle market.
  • Price Range: ₹1.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh, depending on condition, variant (High Torque or Low Torque), and restoration quality. For instance, mint-condition High Torque (HT) models, especially those owned by notable figures like MS Dhoni, can fetch ₹6–8 lakh

• Speculated Ex-Showroom Price:
  • ₹1.65 lakh to ₹1.85 lakh (base to top variant with ABS and Bluetooth).
  • ₹1.95 lakh to ₹2.25 lakh, competitive with Royal Enfield Classic 350 (₹1.93 lakh) and Honda CB350 (₹1.99 lakh).
  • ₹2.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh for premium variants with advanced features like a liquid-cooled engine or six-speed gearbox.
• On-Road Price: Estimated at ₹2.15 lakh to ₹2.45 lakh in major cities like Mumbai or Delhi, including taxes and insurance.