The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 was launched in India in 1983 by the Escorts Group in collaboration with Yamaha. It was one of the most powerful and fastest motorcycles in its class. It was introduced in two variants – High Torque (HT) and Low Torque (LT), which focused on performance and fuel efficiency, respectively. Its production continued until the early 1990s.
Key Features of Yamaha Rajdoot 350:
This bike still holds a unique identity among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Engine and Performance:
Two-Stroke, Parallel-Twin Engine: The heart of the Rajdoot 350 was a 347cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, parallel-twin engine. It was renowned for its quick revs and robust power output.
High Torque (HT) Variant: This variant produced approximately 30.5 bhp (brake horsepower). It was known for its rapid acceleration and top-end speed.
Low Torque (LT) Variant: This was slightly less powerful, producing around 27 bhp. It was tuned for better fuel efficiency and everyday use.
5-Speed Gearbox: Both variants featured a 5-speed manual gearbox, providing smooth gear shifting.
Fast Acceleration: It was very popular for its fast acceleration and was considered India’s first “sports bike.”
Design and Build Quality:
Classic Roadster Design: The design of the Rajdoot 350 was quite modern and sporty for its time. It had a classic roadster style, including a long fuel tank, round headlamp, and a simple instrument cluster.
Robust Chassis: It had a strong double-cradle chassis that provided good stability even at high speeds.
Heavy Build: Despite its powerful performance, its weight was approximately 155 kg (kerb weight), making it a heavy bike.
Suspension and Braking:
Telescopic Front Forks: The front had telescopic suspension, making the ride comfortable.
Twin Shock Absorbers: Twin shock absorbers were fitted at the rear.
Drum Brakes: Early models featured drum brakes on both the front and rear. Later, some models also had an optional front disc brake, improving braking performance.
Other Notable Features:
Twin-Carburetor: The engine was equipped with two carburetors, optimizing the fuel-air mixture.
Chrome Exhaust: Chrome-plated exhaust pipes on both sides enhanced its sporty look.
Fuel Efficiency: Due to its performance, its fuel efficiency was not considered very good, which was also one of the reasons for its discontinuation. The HT model gave approximately 15-20 km/liter and the LT model approximately 25-30 km/liter.
Sound: Its distinctive two-stroke exhaust note (especially at high speeds) was loved by many.
Yamaha Rajdoot 350 Legacy and Current Status:
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 remains a cult classic in India even today. It is often restored and enjoyed by vintage bike collectors and enthusiasts. Finding its spare parts is quite difficult now, but some specialized shops and online communities still assist. Its resale value is also quite good, especially for bikes in good condition.
This bike was an important part of Indian motorcycle history that created a new awareness for performance biking.