The Rajdoot 350 is not just a motorcycle– gypsy epithet and nostalgia icon for Indian motoc racer. One of the few cult bikes to have ever existed First tried in India by Escorts Limited in collaboration with Yamaha during 1970s for its robustness, unmatched performance and unusual look. This article takes you to know about Rajdoot 350, its design, performance and place in Indian biking history.
The Birth of Rajdoot 350
Inspired by RD350 which is a much loved global product (R for Race Created), from Yamaha. In 1973 the Rajdoot 350 was the first performance road bike of its kind when it was configured to India. The bike was a premium product aimed at the hordes of enthusiast eager for something a bit bigger than they were normally offered in their everyday commutes from those zip-less century hams.
This was built more for the adrenaline junky than said cut-throat economical and scoopy fuel thirsty bikes which are ruling the Indian roads. With her two-cylinder 2 stroke engine, it was way ahead of its time, offering unheard levels of speed and acceleration. However it paid high price,driven by consumer enthusiasts in a fuel economy obsessed market like India
Design & Engineering Proclivities
Design of the Rajdoot 350 was elegant and it was a very attractive one too. Round head lamp, meaty fuel tank and dual exhaust pipes were the rebellious look that hit every rider with it. Riding both for performance and off road the bike had a more solid build, even built for Indian roads by being sturdy.
Get set, the undercarriage of this Rajdoot 350 was a beast. It had a 347cc twin-cylinder air-cooled, two-stroke engine that the early models delivered a good kick of 30..5 bhp and then dulled down to about 27 for slightly improved fuel efficiency. Rajdoot 350 — the fastest motorcycle in its class with over 130 km/h top speed
In addition to its responsive sportsbike, this bike boasted telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers held at the rear for a comfortable ride. The sturdy chassis ensured longevity and unlike many that are ridden from their youth around the city, there are still plenty of running Rajdoot 350s even today showcasing their engineering superiority.
Rajdoot 350-Cult Status
Rajasthan 350 is still a favorite among the bike lovers even at present. It was freedom, a free for all adventure and the open road for those of us who lived thru the 70s and 80s.
Its speed and sound were enough to get your eyes up wherever it went.
The Rajdoot 350 (Rs.60000 when it was launched as Hindustan Raja Doot 350), the motorcycle which was never a commercial success due to its crazy price and fuel guzzling nature, came to be a status symbol for the section of society that could afford it. Years later, it developed a substantial following that loved the bike for its brute power and raw performance.
Challenges and Discontinuation
The Rajdoot 350 although famous in its day faced plenty of problems. Despite its very high fuel consumption and premium pricing, which had little or no compatibility in a market priced on low cost and mileage. Even more, future two-stroke engines started to become an issue for environment.
The Rajdoot 350 (350 cc; 50, CC) was discontinued in due course of time as early as by end 1987; due to very stringent emission norms and growing popularity of four stroke motorcycles. And, its legacy lived on with the collectors and enthusiast that considered its inherent character as special.
The Modern (enduring) Reasons it still sells
The Rajdoot 350 holds a very prized place, decades after its discontinuation. For motorcycle enthusiasts, it is a coveted collectable and vintage style bike with its charm and history. The various group and clubs for Rajdoot 350 keep alive the lifeblood through meetups, restoration projects, rides.
In the current times owning to say Rajdoot 350 is not only about riding a bit cycle it is more of intangible an (piece of motorcycle history in INDIA). These are high sale posted bikes, albeit restored models.
Conclusion
Rajdoot 350 The immortal of Indian motorcycling. Once it made its debut, the bike changed the biking culture of the country and pretty much broke new ground in performance and aesthetics. Although rare on the road today, its legacy lives on in riders who equally salivate over the raw spirit and mechanical wizardry that this bike embodies.
The Rajdoot 350 motorcycle is a motorcycle and also most important to be heritage, a tale of love and symbol of glorious days of motors in India.