The Yamaha Rajdoot 350, or RD350, is a legend from the ’80s that still gets Indian bikers all misty-eyed. Built from 1983 to 1990 by Escorts with Yamaha Japan, it was a souped-up RD350B tweaked for our bumpy roads. Not a sales champ—thirsty at 20-35 kmpl—but that screaming two-stroke and wild pull made it a cult icon. Whispers of a 2025 BS6 four-stroke comeback at Rs. 1.5-2.5 lakh have forums buzzing, but for now, it’s a vintage gem for riders chasing nostalgia over daily commutes.
Tough, Classic Look
This thing’s a lean beast—2000 mm long, 780 mm wide, 1100 mm tall, with a 1320 mm wheelbase that’s steady yet quick in traffic. At 170 kg and 150 mm clearance, it skips over potholes easy. The retro tank, round chrome headlamp, and RD badge scream old-school cool in red or black. Rolls on 19-inch alloys with 3.00-19 front and 3.50-19 rear tires—grippy enough for dry runs. The 780 mm seat fits most riders, but parking in tight spots takes some muscle.
Bare-Bones Cockpit
Hop on, and the wide seat (solo or dual) feels comfy, with upright bars and mid pegs for chill rides. Analog dials show speed and fuel—no fancy screens or Bluetooth here, just a trip meter for your hauls. Kickstart’s a ritual, and the 14L tank keeps lines clean. No storage, so pack light—it’s all about that raw, wind-in-your-face vibe for weekend cruises or cafe stops, with low vibes for easy chats.
Two-Stroke Thrill Ride
The 347cc air-cooled twin two-stroke pumps 30.5 bhp (HT) or 26.5 bhp (LT) at 6750 rpm, with 27 Nm torque—six gears shift snappy, hitting 100 kmph in 8-9 seconds, topping 150 kmph. Sips 20 kmpl in city (25-35 mixed), stretching 280-490 km per tank at Rs. 5-7/km back then. Telescopic forks and twin shocks handle bumps okay, but corners wobble a bit—loves straight blasts, with that pipe howl giving goosebumps. Chain clatter and smoke are pure ’80s.
Old-School Safety
Drum brakes—7-inch twin-leading front, single rear—stop decent, no ABS or discs. Halogen headlamp lights night runs, with a kill switch for smarts. Steel frame takes urban knocks like a champ—no traction aids, so wet roads need care. RD clubs mod for safety, but it’s got that vintage grit for careful riders—cult status keeps it alive.
Price and Hunt Game
Used RDs go for Rs. 40k-80k, mint ones Rs. 1-2 lakh on OLX or BikeWale for collectors. No new stock since ’90—check RD clubs for deals. Service at specialty garages runs Rs. 3k-5k yearly—hard to find parts, but resale’s nuts at 80-100% if restored. 2025 reboot rumors tease Rs. 1.5-2.5 lakh with modern brakes—fingers crossed.
Rider Love and Gripes
Old riders drool over the sound—“nothing beats that RD roar,” one Mumbai uncle says—but parts scarcity and fuel thirst bug newbies. Mechanics are rare outside cities, and smoke annoys in traffic. Vs. Bullet 350’s thump or Yezdi’s grunt, RD’s faster but less practical—pick it for pure thrill.
Quick Spec Hits
Ran 1983-1990, 347cc two-stroke, 30.5 bhp HT, 20-35 kmpl, drums all-round—India’s OG speed king. Hunt clubs for deals or watch for 2025 revival news.
