Rajdoot 350 : In a purely RE dominated Indian market, it seems a legendary name from the past is all set to make a grand comeback, the Rajdoot 350.
Formerly known as India’s original muscle bike, Rajdoot 350 was popular in 1980s and early 90s for its raw power and loud exhaust note.
But with the tide turning in the country’s motorcycle market and popularity of retro modern cruisers soaring like never before, the Rajdoot 350 is now set to return and challenge Royal Enfield’s dominion in the classic motorcycle segment.
Leveraging on cutting-edge technology and an inheritance of designing excellence, the all new Rajdoot 350 is a unique synthesis of the retro feel with an attitude to let loose.
Here, I try to find out what this legendary motorcycle could offer and why it could potentially become the next big thing on Indian roads.
Stylish Design Inspired by the Past, Built for the Future
The Rajdoot 350, that is set to come soon will continue to ride high on the old-school nostalgia that once promised daily bread to the masses.
The sporty, street-based bike’s round headlamp, wide handlebar, teardrop fuel tank, and flat seat setup will carry the original bike’s classic DNA. But it won’t be a mere copy-paste from the past.
The new-gen iteration will get the boots with LED lighting, digital-analog instrument cluster, alloy wheels, and matte or dual-tone paint schemes.
Sporting good looks with muscular lines, the throwback will be an aggressive looking, yet refined, bike for those riders who want to taste the past on a more contemporary machine.
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Considering that the original Rajdoot 350 was designed from Yamaha RD350 with a twin-cylinder 2-stroke engine, the new iteration is said to receive a 350 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke motor which is tuned to perform well both in the city and also on the highway.
It will likely produce in the ballpark of 20-25 PS of power and 27-30 Nm of torque – numbers we have come to accept from Royal Enfield.
The engine will meet BS6. 2 emission standards and could come with fuel injection, oil cooling and 5-speed gearbox.
While it may not bark like the 2-stroke version, it for sure will have a throaty, grumbling exhaust note, as well as strong low-end torque and soft riding dynamics — perfect combo for long rides and weekend getaways.
Riding Comfort and Handling
To Indian riders, comfort is everything especially if you plan on taking it for longer rides, or everyday commuting.
The Rajdoot 350 could be tuned for a comfortable riding stance with mid-set footpegs, wide handlebar and a well-cushioned seat for the rider as well as the pillion.
The bike could get telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, giving a balanced ride over rough roads.
With plus-size tyres and a hefty frame, the handling will be solid and confident at any speed. It is likely to be heavier than most bikes, but that sturdy build will only add to its cruiser charm.
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Features and Technology
While it will be aesthetically retro, the upcoming Rajdoot 350 is most likely to get ADEQUATE!!! modern features like;
Gear position, clock, tripmeter (count up
Dual-channel ABS
LED headlamp and taillamp
Side-stand engine cut-off
USB charger (on higher variants)
This update should make the Rajdoot at par with today’s standards yet retain the bike’s heritage.
What’s Good About the Forthcoming Rajdoodt 350
Retro design over-ear headphones, Housing; A mix of classic design and retro elements
Bullet Rival: Will go squarely at Royal Enfield for looks, for power, and for the space in the segment.
Good Brand Recall: Flutter it with Nostalgia and 80s/90s generation will make a huge beeline.
Comfortable Cruiser configuration: Perfect for long rides and smooth performance
Contemporary Feature: Can be expected to come with ABS, LED lamps, and a digital console.
Disadvantages of New Rajdoot 350
Unreliable Modern Reliability: There’s a new revival of the brand after thousands of years
Heavier Body: Too big for some beginners and short users
Small Service Network to Start: Unlike RE there could be too few services to start with.
Should Get?: Yes (if priced well or in dream budget without much expectations) Unknown Pricing: May not be affordable like other 350’s.
Performance Unknown: High expectations; Real world performance will be important
Rajdoot 350 Conclusion
The launch of Rajdoot 350 signifies revival of more than a motorcycle but bringing to life the legend of a time when it ruled the Indian roads.
It looks classic, has good bottom-end torque (important for our road conditions), and if they get the other features right, it could be an interesting alternative to Royal Enfield’s Bullet or Classic, for that matter.
So if you’re the kind that pines for a little bit of retro character, muscular road presence and smooth ride, the Rajdoot 350 could end being a favorite soon. If done right, it won’t just challenge – it could revolutionize – the 350cc segment.