Yamaha Rajdoot 350 holds an important place in India’s heritage of motorcycling. To those who remember the early days of performance and to new generations who admire these legendary models, the Rajdoot 350 personifies the raw power, strength and performance that you would expect from a high-performance motorcycle. With a history in two-stroke development and now due for an exciting modern revival, it will continue to be one of the most legendary motorcycles associated with our Indian roads.
Birth of Yamaha Rajdoot 350
Yamaha launched Rajdoot 350, which was an Indian version of the Yamaha RD350B, in India in the early 1980s under license. Unlike many motorcycles at the time, which were focused on economy and ease of use, Rajdoot 350 was one of the first motorcycles to be designed primarily for performance. It introduced Indian motorcycle riders to unprecedented levels of speed, acceleration and the excitement of riding.
Production of Rajdoot 350 was assigned to Escorts Group, which manufactured Rajdoot motorcycles. As a result, the Rajdoot 350 quickly became known as the fastest, most powerful motorcycle of its time. It was not only the fastest but also produced an unmistakable sound from its exhaust, which made it a dream for enthusiasts and a mark of distinction when ridden on Indian roads.
Price
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350’s price will be set competitively within the Indian retro motorcycle market. Yamaha still hasn’t officially released prices, but motorcycle experts anticipate prices will fall within the range of ₹2.00 to ₹2.30 lakhs (excluding taxes). The price range would put the Rajdoot 350 in line with other top-selling retro-style bikes, plus you get the benefit of Yamaha’s high-quality standards.
Engine and Performance
The main engine of the original RajDoot 350 motorcycle was a two-stroke 347 cc parallel-twin engine with air cooling. The engine had a 7-port torque-boosting induction system and produced approximately 30 bhp; an exceptional level for that era. This high-performance engine coupled with a five-speed manual transmission enabled the bicycle to reach 0-60 km/h in less than four seconds (excellent for its time) to be an outstanding performance motorcycle. In addition, while the engine provided incredible high-end power and immediate response to the throttle, these attributes were offset by excessive fuel consumption and a high degree of required maintenance.
Features and Technology
Compared to other motorcycles of its era, the Rajdoot 350 was a technologically superior machine. It had a 12-volt electrical system, a mechanical tachometer, and a durable engine. Although it was fitted with disc brakes in many foreign markets, Indian models were produced with drum brakes to save on manufacturing costs resulting in a small decrease in braking capability.
Even with the brakes being less effective than those found on many foreign motorcycles, the Rajdoot 350 was still known for its exceptional engineering workmanship and use of high-quality materials. To many riders, owning a Rajdoot 350 was about expressing their passion for motorcycling rather than for any practical purposes.
Legacy, Challenges, and Discontinuation

The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 achieved the status of performance benchmark in India, comparable to iconic bikes such as the Royal Enfield Bullet; nevertheless, due to various impediments to its practicality, it did not maintain that level of success. The high cost of ownership caused by fuel consumption; unavailable or costly spare parts; lack of familiarity with servicing Yamaha products; and government-mandated emission standards had an eventual negative effect on selling the Yamaha Rajdoot 350 into the future.
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 ceased its production run in 1990, but it still remains a motorcycle that riders hold closely to their memories. Today collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay above market prices for Yamaha Rajdoot 350s that have been kept in good condition throughout their lifetime.
The Anticipated Modern Revival
Over the last few years, there has been a growing interest in retro-style motorcycles and this has led to many people speculating about the possibility of Yamaha’s return to the Rajdoot 350. The 2025 model is likely to resurrect the classic name and provide a modern-retro motorcycle featuring the look of a vintage bike coupled with advanced technology.
Instead of the original two-stroke engine, the new Rajdoot 350 is likely to have a more modern 350cc engine that provides smoother delivery of power and more low-end torque. The new engine is intended to appeal to riders in cities, cruising on highways and commuting every day. Also, it is designed to comply with modern emissions requirements.
Classic Meets Modern
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350, set for release shortly, is expected to be naturally and naturally nostalgic through design cues featuring similar design features as a round headlamp, flat seat, sculpted fuel tank, and chrome trim. In addition to its nostalgic appeal, the Yamaha Rajdoot 350 will be enhanced with modern paint finishes, improved build quality and premium materials within the structure itself.
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is designed to provide a comfortable riding position with an upright riding posture in addition to wide handlebars and a cushioned seat suitable for daily commuting and long rides.
Modern Features and Riding Comfort
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 has a vintage appearance while also incorporating modern features. One of the improvements expected is an enhanced brake system. The brake system will probably be based on the Antilock Braking System or ABS as it is known. Other modern technologies expected in the Rajdoot include advanced lighting systems, an improved overall design, and a Semi-Digital Instrument Console display in place of a standard gauge. The focus on refinement and reliability by Yamaha’s engineers has sharpened performance so all riders can enjoy the ride smoother with fewer vibrations, better cooling performance and more efficient rider controls.
Market Position and Competition
The expected Yamaha Rajdoot 350 will go head-to-head with the Royal Enfield Classic 350 for the retro cruiser category of motorcycles. Since Yamaha has engineering experience as well as strong emotional attachments to their historic Rajdoot brand, this motorcycle may appeal to riders looking for something different than what the typical heritage motorcycle has to offer.
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Final Thoughts
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is one of the defining bikes of Indian motorcycle industry history, and was a game-changer in terms of performance standards when it was first released; even today, it still has a loyal following. Today, with the anticipated release of a new version, Yamaha has the chance to revive this classic motorcycle for modern-day riders.
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FAQs
Q1. What is Yamaha Rajdoot 350 famous for?
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is famous for its powerful 2-stroke engine, quick acceleration, and legendary performance that redefined Indian motorcycling in the 1980s.
Q2. Is Yamaha Rajdoot 350 coming back in 2025?
Yamaha is expected to revive the Rajdoot 350 as a modern-retro motorcycle in 2025, combining classic styling with modern engineering.
Q3. What engine did the original Rajdoot 350 have?
The original Rajdoot 350 featured a 347cc air-cooled, 2-stroke parallel-twin engine producing around 30 BHP.
Q4. Will the new Rajdoot 350 be a 2-stroke bike?
No, the 2025 Rajdoot 350 is expected to use a modern 4-stroke engine to meet current emission norms.
Q5. Which bike will Yamaha Rajdoot 350 compete with?
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is likely to compete with retro motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

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