Rajdoot 350: The Rajdoot 350, affectionately known as the “Rajdoot RD” or simply “RD 350,” holds a special place in Indian motorcycling history as one of the most beloved performance motorcycles of its era.
Introduced through a collaboration between Escorts Group and Yamaha in the 1980s, this two-stroke legend created an enthusiast culture that continues to thrive decades after production ceased.
Rajdoot 350: Historical Significance
The Rajdoot 350 emerged from a technical collaboration between India’s Escorts Group and Japan’s Yamaha Motor Company.
Essentially a rebadged version of the internationally acclaimed Yamaha RD350, the motorcycle was manufactured at Escorts’ Faridabad facility from 1983 to 1989.
It represented a significant leap in performance capabilities compared to other motorcycles available in the Indian market at that time.
What made the Rajdoot 350 particularly significant was its introduction during India’s closed economy period, when import restrictions limited access to international motorcycles.
For many Indian enthusiasts, the RD350 offered their first experience of genuine performance motorcycling, creating an entire generation of riders who developed their skills on this demanding yet rewarding machine.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Two-stroke, air-cooled, parallel-twin |
| Displacement | 347cc |
| Bore × Stroke | 64mm × 54mm |
| Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 (HT) / 7.0:1 (LT) |
| Maximum Power | 30.5 bhp @ 6750 rpm (HT) / 27 bhp @ 6750 rpm (LT) |
| Maximum Torque | 32.3 Nm @ 6500 rpm (HT) / 30.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm (LT) |
| Carburetion | Twin Mikuni VM24SS |
| Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh |
| Frame | Steel tubular double cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
| Rear Suspension | Dual shock absorbers with 5-step adjustment |
| Front Brake | 230mm disc (later models) / 150mm drum (early models) |
| Rear Brake | 150mm drum |
| Wheelbase | 1365mm |
| Ground Clearance | 150mm |
| Kerb Weight | 153kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 liters |
| Top Speed | 150+ km/h |
Model Variants and Evolution
The Rajdoot 350 was offered in two primary variants throughout its production run:
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High Torque (HT) – The initial version closely resembling the international Yamaha RD350, featuring the full 30.5 bhp output and targeted at enthusiasts who prioritized performance.
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Low Torque (LT) – Introduced later with detuned engine specifications (27 bhp) to improve fuel efficiency and reliability while making the motorcycle more accessible to a broader audience.
Both variants maintained the distinctive parallel-twin, two-stroke engine configuration that gave the motorcycle its characteristic exhaust note and power delivery.
Early models featured drum brakes front and rear, while later iterations received a front disc brake upgrade that significantly improved stopping power.
Performance and Riding Experience
The Rajdoot 350’s performance capabilities were unprecedented in the Indian market of the 1980s.
The motorcycle could accelerate from 0-60 km/h in approximately 3.6 seconds and achieve top speeds exceeding 150 km/h—figures that remained impressive even by modern standards for decades after its introduction.
The two-stroke engine delivered power in a distinctive manner characterized by a relatively tame low-end followed by an exhilarating mid-range surge that continues to define the RD experience.
This power band required skillful riding and gear selection, creating a more engaging and interactive riding experience compared to the more linear power delivery of four-stroke engines.
Handling dynamics were equally impressive, with the lightweight chassis and well-tuned suspension providing responsive cornering capabilities.
The motorcycle’s balanced weight distribution and intuitive steering geometry inspired confidence in experienced hands while providing a platform for developing riders to enhance their skills.
Key Highlights:
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First genuine performance motorcycle manufactured in India
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Distinctive two-stroke parallel-twin engine with characteristic exhaust note
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Exceptional power-to-weight ratio for its era
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Served as a training ground for a generation of Indian motorcycle enthusiasts
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Created a cult following that continues decades after production ended
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Pioneered a performance motorcycle culture in India
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Exceptional straight-line acceleration capabilities
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Responsive handling that rewarded skillful riding
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Mechanical simplicity allowing for home maintenance and modifications
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Iconic status as the “Yamaha RD” despite the Rajdoot branding
Cultural Impact
The Rajdoot 350’s influence extended far beyond its technical specifications. The motorcycle fostered a vibrant enthusiast community that shared maintenance tips, performance modifications, and riding experiences.
Owners formed clubs dedicated to preserving these machines, organizing regular meets and restoration projects that continue to this day.
The motorcycle also earned various affectionate nicknames including “Smoking Gun” (referencing the characteristic two-stroke exhaust smoke) and “India’s first superbike” despite not technically qualifying for that category by displacement.
Its reputation as a challenging yet rewarding motorcycle created a rite of passage among enthusiasts, with mastering the RD considered a mark of riding proficiency.
Legacy and Current Status
Though production ceased in 1989, the Rajdoot 350 maintains a dedicated following among collectors and enthusiasts.
Well-maintained examples command premium prices in the vintage motorcycle market, often selling for many times their original price.
Restoration has become a specialized niche, with experts dedicated to sourcing rare parts and preserving these motorcycles for future generations.
The motorcycle’s influence can be seen in subsequent performance models introduced to the Indian market, with many riders citing their RD experience as formative in their motorcycling journey.
Its legendary status has even prompted calls for a modern reinterpretation, though the two-stroke engine configuration faces significant challenges meeting contemporary emission regulations.
Rajdoot 350:
The Rajdoot 350 represents more than just a motorcycle model—it embodies a pivotal moment in Indian motorcycling history when performance and handling took precedence over mere transportation utility.
Its demanding yet rewarding character created a generation of skilled enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its legacy decades after the last example rolled off the production line.
For those fortunate enough to have experienced the distinctive power delivery, characteristic exhaust note, and responsive handling of this two-stroke legend, the Rajdoot 350 remains the benchmark against which other performance motorcycles are measured—a testament to its enduring impact on motorcycle culture in India.