The legendary name in India’s biking history, the Yamaha Rajdoot 350, is making news again. The Rajdoot 350 which was predominantly popular for its hardcore performance and screaming twin-cylinder engine is back with a bang by virtue of its smart engineering, modern features and signature styling that’s reminiscent of a golden era of biking.
A Legend from the 80s
The RD350 was the first performance-oriented motorcycle in India and was won as a lottery by few low prices during that time. Manufactured by Escorts Group, it was far ahead of its time—providing raw power, unparallelled pickup, and a distinctive exhaust note that’s imprinted in the memories of the car-crazy. It was powered by a 347cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine and could achieve speeds that Indian two-wheelers of the time could only fantasise of.
There were two versions of the bike – High Torque and Low Torque – available in 27-30.5bhp outputs. It was paired with a 6-speed transmission and screamed past the 140 km/h mark.Without a disc brake or an ABS to its credit, it was appreciated by riders for its heart-thumping ride experience and cult following.
2025 Comeback: Nostaliga + Technology
Now, Yamaha is set to revive the name with the launch of the Rajdoot 350 in a new-age version. The next iteration will be geared towards today’s riders, with an emphasis placed on performance, comfort, safety, and style— while maintaining the old-school soul of the old one.
Predicted changes in the 2025 model are as follows:
- New 348cc air-cooled or liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine
- Power will be 19-21 bhp and torque will be around 25-28 Nm.
Smoother riding experience than other bikes in its class, courtesy of a fuel-injection system that provides more miles per gallon and produces fewer emissions
- 5-speed or 6-speed gearbox
- Front disc brake with ABS, rear drum OR disc brake
- Better suspension with telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks
This new edition won’t just comply with BS6 emission regulations, however, it will satisfy the refinement and smoothness that is anticipated from a motorcycle in today’s day and age.
The new standard for the everyday rider
The upcoming Yamaha Rajdoot 350 should come with a good blend of old-school aesthetics and practical tech under its skin including:
- LED headlights and tail lights (R)
- The instrument cluster is semi-digital.
USB charging port
When driving can connect to Navigation and Telephone via bluetooth
- Side-stand engaging cut-off engine system
- Starts electrically with kick backup
- Dual-channel ABS on top-spec trims
- Tubeless tires on aluminum or wire wheels
These are the alterations which make the Rajdoot 350 competent and commuter-friendly for both the normal and the casual rider.
Retro Design That Stands Out
Even though there is a ton of modern tech on-board, Yamaha is maintaining the old-school charm of the Rajdoot 350. It will feature a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, lots of chrome, twin exhausts and retro paint schemes. The seat should be long and flat too for both the rider and the pillion.
Colour choices would likely be Vintage Red, Matte Black, Classic Blue and Olive Green – for that ol’ 80s feel with a hint of modern!
Price and launch date Rumoured Price: $1,999 (approx Rs 2,2975) Release Date: Jul 21, 2020
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is likely to be introduced in India by the end of 2025. Priced in the range of ₹1.95 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh, the Meteor 350 will fight against the likes of Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa 350, and Honda CB350.
That price point makes it appealing to classic motorcycle lovers who also want reliability, economy, and 21st-century tech.
Who is the Target Audience for the New Rajdoot 350?
Typical Use of New Rajdoot 350 :
- Those who enjoy old bikes and are looking for a new-retro exp.
- Riders who like a comfortable, clean-looking cruiser for daily and weekend use
- Himalayan owners and Jawa enthusiasts in need of something new but old
Final Verdict
It’s a motorcycle that makes sense nowadays – a motorcycle completely in defiance of those that don’t. Sprinkle in that Moto Guzzi has combined a brawny yet efficient Big Block engine with evergreen good looks and a suite of modern tech, and this bike is ready to run roughshod over a stamina-sapped retro-bike segment all over again. With a machine inspired by legacy and crafted for the modern age, whether you grew up riding on the original or today is you’re first day learning the legend, the 350 will transport you to a new world.
