If you love bikes that roar with power and bring back memories, you’ve probably heard of the Yamaha Rajdoot 350. In 2025, this legendary machine is making a comeback – not just as a bike, but as a symbol of raw power and classic style.
Let me walk you through what makes the new Rajdoot 350 so special.
Engine and Performance That Still Gives You Goosebumps
Back in the 80s, the Rajdoot 350 shocked Indian roads. It came with a 347cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, parallel-twin engine. Sounds like a mouthful? Let’s break it down.
There were two versions:
- HT (High Torque) version – it gave around 30.5 bhp, which was massive for that time.
Both versions had a 6-speed manual gearbox, and when I say it was fast, I mean really fast. It went from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7 seconds, with a top speed close to 140 km/h. Back then, bikes didn’t even dream of this kind of speed in India.
Riding Experience: Simple, Raw and Real
Even today, if you get a chance to ride it, you’ll feel the thrill. It had:
- Dual carburetors for better throttle response
- Autolube system, so no need to mix oil and petrol manually
- Telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks for a smoother ride
- Twin silencers with a unique shotgun-style look
But there was one major drawback — no disc brakes. It had drum brakes on both wheels, which wasn’t ideal for a bike that fast. Still, it gave excellent stability at high speeds. If you ask any old-school rider, they’ll tell you – the Rajdoot felt like a beast you had to tame.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance – The Hard Truth
Let’s be honest — it wasn’t cheap to run.
The fuel average was just 15–25 km/l, and it needed high-octane petrol to perform well. Spare parts were expensive, and not every mechanic knew how to handle it. That’s one reason why it didn’t sell in big numbers.
But for riders like me, who loved speed and sound more than savings, it was totally worth it.
Short Life, Long Legacy
The Rajdoot 350 was made in India by Escorts Motors between 1983 and 1990. Only around 7,000 units were ever built. It was ahead of its time, and most people weren’t ready for it – too fast, too costly, and too complex.
But even if the sales were low, its impact was huge.
A Legend That Refuses to Die
Ask any vintage bike lover in India — the Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is more than just a motorcycle. It’s a collector’s dream. Many bike lovers still keep it alive through clubs, events, and auto expos. I’ve seen people lovingly restore it, piece by piece, just to hear that old-school two-stroke roar once again.
Even today, it inspires the new generation of performance bikes in India. That’s how deep its mark is.
Final Words: A Bike That Changed the Game
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 wasn’t made for everyone — it was made for those who wanted more. It wasn’t just a machine. It was India’s first real taste of power biking. It showed us that bikes could be wild, fast, and full of soul.
In 2025, if this legend truly returns in a new form, I know one thing for sure — the road will feel alive again.
Because the Rajdoot 350 isn’t just a bike…
It’s a feeling.
