The Yamaha Rajdoot 350, fondly known as the RD, remains a near-mythic presence in India’s motorcycling lore. Born in 1983 under the Escorts-Yamaha collaboration, it was a locally adapted version of the legendary Yamaha RD350B—and India’s very first performance motorcycle.
Heritage Rooted in Racing
RD doesn’t stand for ‘Rapid Death’—as colloquially rumored—it stands for “Race Derived”, a nod to its racing pedigrees like the TZ350 and its numerous international victories. The Indian Rajdoot 350 inherited the same twin-cylinder, two-stroke heart, reed-valve intake, and six-speed gearbox.
From Supra-Sport to Street Ready (But Not Quite)
Although inspired by the Japanese RD350B (which produced around 39 bhp), the Indian version was purposefully detuned. The High Torque (HT) version delivered roughly 30.5 bhp, and later the Low Torque (LETI) version dropped to about 27 bhp for better initial response and fuel economy.
For cost reasons, the front disc brake of the original was swapped out in India for a twin-leading shoe drum brake. Modest design tweaks were made to suit local conditions, but the raw spirit of performance remained intact.
A Brief But Brilliant Run
Produced between 1983 and 1989 (with some sales extending into 1990–91), the Rajdoot 350 never achieved mass-market success. It was expensive, fuel-thirsty, and complicated—difficult to maintain in a market that prized economy and ease of service. But it wasn’t ignored—its rarity and soul-stirring performance made it an overnight cult classic.
Cult Following: From Obscurity to Reverence
What the Rajdoot 350 lacked in units sold, it made up for in legend. For many, hearing the twin-pipe roar, feeling the two-stroke kick in, and noting the tell-tale powerband shift delivered a visceral experience no 21st-century bike could match. Enthusiasts across India project-restore these machines, often investing heavily to return them to original glory.
Today, restored Rajdoot 350s can fetch prices comparable to premium motorcycles—testament to the emotional and historical value that has only grown since its discontinuation.
Why It Still Matters Today
- Sensory Immersion: The sight, sound and smell of a two-stroke twin opening up still gives goosebumps—something modern bikes, however advanced, rarely offer.
- Pioneering Spirit: As India’s first performance bike, it set a precedent and laid the emotional groundwork for future sport-focused motorcycles.
- Restoration Passion: The community and craftsmanship surrounding this bike keep its spirit alive—even decades after it left showrooms.
- Timeless Design: Clean and muscular, the Rajdoot’s silhouette still resonates—its twin exhausts and stripped aesthetic exude character.
The Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is far more than a vintage machine—it’s a vibrant chapter in India’s motorcycling story. It symbolizes an era when raw two-stroke power met dreamers unwilling to settle for ordinary. Whether you ride one, restore one, or simply know its legacy, the RD350 continues to ignite the imagination.
