Rajdoot 350 : In the annals of Indian motorcycling history there very few names so evocative and revered as the Rajdoot 350.
This legendary machine, that hit the Indian road in the early 1980s, has set its own benchmark in the country’s two-wheeler culture.
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So, now that word has been going around of its eventual comeback, doing the math between fact and fantasy is essential for getting strong sense of what a modern-day iteration of Rajdoot would be — if at all.
Rajdoot 350 The Legacy of a Legend
The original Rajdoot 350s were manufactured by Escorts Group under the brand name Rajdoot in India from 1983 to 1989 and were basically a licensed reproduction of the Yamaha RD350B made from 1980 to ’83 but fitted with Yamaha’s RD350LC engine.
Introduction of the RD350 in India (RX series in various other markets) The RD350 is a two-stroke motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1973 to 1975.
During the days when utilitarian commuters reigned on the Indian scene, the Rajdoot 350 broke the trend of `workhorse bike with its 347cc two stroke Parallel Twin engine, that put out in the range of 27- 30.5 bhp depending on the type.
With those twin exhaust pipes and a profile as beefy as its exhaust note, it was instantly recognizable.
The performance of the motorcycle was quite simply mind blowing for the Indian market, you had to be gentle with the throttle apparently for if you truly cracked the gas open with all your might, you’d probably loop the motorcycle.
Boasting speeds up to around 150 kmph and the capability to sprint 0-60 kmph in less than 4 seconds, it had also come to be known as the ‘Bullet Eater’, for the way it would zoom past the once reigning bikers among Royal Enfield motorcycles.
But, the Rajdoot 350 was not an easy rider too. Being a fuel-guzzler (with a fuel consumption of about 20-25 km/l) it became very costly for the fuel conscious Indian consumer of the 1980s.
Unavailability of spare parts and service expertise, combined with its expensive cost price, also hampered its mass-market popularity. The vehicle was discontinued in 1989, with the final unit sold in 1991.
Despite the fact that it had a short shelf life, the Rajdoot 350 developed a fierce legion of fans, some of whom continue to exist.
Examples which are still in good condition nowadays are worth a lot of money in the world of vintage motorcycles and can sell for many times the original price, as collectors are eager to own a piece of Indian motorcycling history.
Rajdoot 350 Rumors of a Renaissance
There’s been a welcome renaissance lately in the Indian motorcycle scene: classic brands are being dug out of the mud and brought back to life.
The resurgence of Jawa motorcycles in 2018 and the return of Yezdi in 2022 proved that there was a large consumer-base for retro-themed motorcycling brands, a trifecta of yesteryear styling and modern engineering.
Unsurprisingly, this trend has seen a lot of us wonder what other retired Indian motorcycle brands might make a return, the Rajdoot name thus often included in such conversations.
There have been many media publications of late indicating about release of a new Rajdoot 350 in 2025, again, igniting the fire among motorcycle enthusiasts.
But these rumors should be taken with a pinch of salt for the motorcycle lovers.
A new manufacturer hoping to reinvigorate the Rajdoot name Official details and specs of such a motorcycle are sketchy at best but they reaffirm our hope that a new rider may be the saviour we all are hoping for sooner than later.
Some automotive journalists have even called the authenticity of some of the images circulating the internet, claiming to be the “new Rajdoot 350” into question, speculating them to be doctored images of other bikes riding up and down the streets.
Rajdoot 350 What it could look like in a Modern Rajdoot
So let’s indulge our fantasy for a bit; if—if now being the operative word—the Rajdoot brand were to be revived, how would a modern iteration of this legendary motorcycle take shape?
And any modern reboot would have to strike a balance between retro design sensibilities and contemporary technological standards and regulatory safety requirements.
A new Rajdoot would almost certainly eschew its ancestor’s two-stroke engine for a cleaner four-stroke unit.
Emission regulations, of course, have changed dramatically since the original Rajdoot’s prime, and a modern version will need to meet BS6 (or subsequent) levels of its time.
A 350 cc single with Fuel Injection is expected, which should be a mix of performance and efficiency.
Design wise, the styling would definitely be inspired by the original with the new model also getting dual exhausts – regardless of functionality, a meaty fuel tank and the timeless round headlamp.
But modern LED lighting, digital-analog instrument panel, and maybe even connected features could finally drag the bike into the 21st century.
New models would, of course, come with safety amenities that the originals lack, including disc brakes and antilock braking systems.
It would also considering the classic concept, the powertrain will be suspended on telescopic forks upfront and twin shock absorbers at the rear allowing for better comfort and ride weight management.
Rajdoot 350 Market positioning and competition
Should it see the light of day, the new Rajdoot 350 would come at a time when the retro-modern motorcycle market has never been so competitive.
It would go on to rival the likes of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda H’ness CB350, as well as the Jawa range, among others.
In order to succeed as a revival, a reimagined Rajdoot would have to bring something fresh to the table—a possible performance bump, for example, nodding to the legend that was its speed demon predecessor, or design elements which draw on the nostalgia factor while avoiding becoming a kitschy throwback to the bike of old.
And its pricing would be critical to its success in the marketplace. The original Rajdoot 350 was marketed a as premium bike and an upcoming variant would reflect that as well.
The price benchmark should be somewhere in the range of ₹2.0-2.5 lakh (ex-showroom), letting Honda sit it at a higher position while keeping it under the supersede barrier in the retro motorcycle genre.
Rajdoot 350 The Voice of Enthusiasts
It might be the enthusiasts that seem to be the most compelling case for the revival of the Rajdoot, more than even overall market analysis or industry trends, for they are the ones who single-handedly keep alive alive and loved, the original Rajdoot.
Old owners’ clubs exist for the Rajdoot 350 in India and old enthusiasts bring back and maintain these increasingly hard-to-find bikes.
But the Riding Rajdoot group could be the perfect target audience for any planned relaunch: a league of brand evangelists at the command that can endow a new generation with the lore of the Rajdoot.
Their professional and personal interests might offer insights for any manufacturer contemplating a relaunch of the label.
There is lots of chatter on social media on the revival of the Rajdoot, with vintage motorcycle groups sharing restoration stories, restoration tips and fond memories of the bike growing up.
What survives, despite the passing of the physical motorcycles, is the Rajdoot’s cultural relevance, which is kept alive in this digital community.
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As much as there is an emotive pull in seeing the Rajdoot brand resurrected, cynical economic force will decide whether it can be a viable proposition at all.
The original Rajdoot 350 was a licensed version of a Yamaha, and any revival would face potential intellectual property issues, especially if the brand name, and/or the proportions and layout of the bike closely resembled the original.
Especially outlets and service setups wòuld be màmdatory for a new comer to bike business.
On of the shortcomings of the original Rajdoot was its after-sales service, and this was a lesson that any revival would have to take into account.
Another key factor to consider is the manufacturing capacity. Production facilities would need to be available to the producer which can produce motorcycles of a contemporary quality at competitive costs to provide competitive pricing.
Rajdoot 350 The Road Ahead
Whether the Rajdoot 350 finally returns to our streets in 2025 or continues to be an exalted memory, it will certainly be remembered as one of the most charismatic Indian motorcycle of all times.
If a renaissance of the engine is in fact under way, it would add to a growing wave of motorcycle resurrections that have combined history with modern engineering.
Meanwhile, fans will keep reminiscing on the legendary machine that is the Rajdoot 350, be it through restoration projects or vintage bike meets, trying to keep its spirit alive.
And maybe, one day, the signature growl of a new iteration of Rajdoot motorcycles would once again reverberate on Indian roads, connecting an illustrious past and a promising future.
Back in the heyday of the Rajdoot, the Indian motorcycle market was one-dimensional but it has evolved, and riders want something that gives them more than just a lift from A to B—something that has character, heritage, a story to tell.
Not many prospective revivals would be able to serve up these characteristics in the volumes a properly reimagined Rajdoot 350 could.
Official news is awaited, but as happens with most of such other re launches, Rajdoot 350’s return is still in the realm of possibility.
In classic-motorcycle land, however, the fly down the winding road can be almost as good as the sweet destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Made in India Rajdoot 350 launched?
The Rajdoot 350 was first produced by the Escorts Group of India in collaboration with Yamaha from 1983 to 1989, and the last of the lot were reportedly sold in the year 1991.
The bike was a licensed version of the Yamaha RD350B in a revised form suited to Indian riding conditions and unique preferences.
Why was Original Rajdoot Very Special in its time?
The most popular of its kind, the Rajdoot 350, featured a 347cc two-stroke parallel twin engine, capable of churning out 27-30.5 bhp (varied with the model).
For its time, it was extremely fast, capable of reaching a speed of 150 km/h and its rate of acceleration was valuable.
On Indian roads, its trademark two stroke note and unique twin exhausts also made sure that this performance machine was not lost in the crowd.
Why did the first Rajdoot 350 get discontinued?
Various reasons led to discontinuation of the Rajdoot 350, starting with its 20-25 km/l, somewhat high for the Indian market, fuel consumption, expensiveness of the product (both in purchase and maintenance areas), easier shortage of spare parts, and the fact that the two stroke engine had begun to be seen as polluting.
And the rising demand for motorcycles with better fuel efficiency such as the Yamaha RX100 turned the tide.
Rajdoot 350 is official now?
As of early 2025 no manufacturer has confirmed that it is to revive the Rajdoot brand or the launch of a new Rajdoot 350 bike.
Rumours about its return are circulating, but until there is an official announcement consider this just speculation.
What would be the probable engine for a modern Rajdoot 350?
Any modern-day revival would likely ditch the two-stroke engine and replace it with a more modern four-stroke engine to comply with emissions standards.
That would be some sort of 350cc single-cylinder liquid- or air-cooled lump with fuel injection, a compromise that offers performance without too much regulatory hangover.
If Rajdoot 350 is re-launched in 2017, what should be its price?
Given the retro-modern motorcycle’s positioning, a new Rajdoot 350 could be priced between ₹2.0-2.5 lakh, ex-showroom.
This would make it a flagship device, while coming in at a very competitive price point with other players in the market today.
If a new Rajdoot is made which, new features will you expect?
Of course all the modern safety and comfort equipment would be necessary, ie: disk brakes, ABS, LED lighting, a dash panel digital or digital-analog. As well as fuel injection, electric start and better ergos those riders would also demand.
