Rajdoot 350

Infobox Motorcycle


boxcolor = darkgreen
name = Rajdoot 350
manufacturer = Escorts group
production = 1983 - 1989
class = Sports bike and Naked bike
platform =
engine = 347 cc Two stroke, Air-cooled,Parallel twin, twin carburetor, seven port with reed valves
transmission = 6-Speed
starting = kick start
ignition = CB points
length = 2045 mm
width = 835 mm
height = 1110 mm
dry_weight = 143 mm
wet_weight = 155 kg
wheelbase = 1320 mm
tires = Front: 3.00-18", Rear: 3.50-18"
fuel_capacity =16 Litres
suspension = Front: Telescopic fork, Rear: Swingarm
brakes = 180mm Drum brakes (TLS front)
turn_radius = 2300 mm
predecessor = Yamaha RD350
successor = Yamaha RD350 LC
aka = RD
related = Yamaha RD350LC
similar = Yamaha RZ350

The Rajdoot 350 was a two-stroke motorcycle made in India by Escorts group from 1983 to 1990. It was a licenced copy of the very popular Yamaha RD350B, modified to suit Indian conditions. It is arguably the best two-stroke ever made in India. Even though the production of the aircooled Yamaha RD350 had ended in Japan in the mid 1970s due to stringent emissions, it was a technically advanced motorcycle in the Indian market in 1983. It had 7-port two stroke parallel twin engine, Yamaha's patented "Torque Induction" system using reed valves, 6-speed transmission, Autolube system, mechanical tachometer,12V electrics and 0-60km/h in less than 4 seconds. In the interest of cost, the front disc brake of the RD350B was substituted with a 7" Twin leading shoe drum brake from Yamaha RD250.

It was primarily targeted at the venerable Royal Enfield Bullet 350 which was the biggest capacity bike in India at the time. The Yezdi Roadking 250 was another formidable competitor. However, Rajdoot 350 was not a commercial success due to its poor fuel consumption in a cost-conscious Indian market. High purchase price, poor availability of expensive spare parts and lack of trained personnel for service did not help either. After the runaway success of its smaller sibling Yamaha RX 100 introduced in 1985, Rajdoot 350 was kept in production merely as a flagship, and production ended in 1990. The last bikes were reported to be sold in 1991.

HT and LT Models

The Yamaha RD350B was substantially modified before productionizing in India as Rajdoot 350. The engine was detuned, the carburetors were rejetted for fuel economy rather than performance, front disc brake was substituted for a cheaper 180 mm TLS drum brake, the instruments were copies of the older Yamaha R5, the alternator had lesser output and the tank graphics spelled "Rajdoot" and not "Yamaha". The only Yamaha script was on either side of the engine. The early bikes had high Japanese part content, but Escorts India indigenized most of the parts in less than 3 years.

Rajdoot 350 was made in two models - High Torque (HT) and Low Torque (LT).

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*High Torque (HT)

The HT was made from 1983 to 1985. It made a repectable 30.5bhp@6750 rpm, detuned from convert|39|bhp|abbr=on by restricting the exhaust ports of the Yamaha RD350B. The carburetors had smaller jets. Most HTs had the left engine cover casting marked "Made in Japan". The mufflers had flatter ends. HT exhausts made the raucous "RD growl" compared to the more toned-down LT beat. Nevertheless one can even today make out an Rd going past the next block whether HT or LT.

*Low Torque (LT)

LT was made from 1985 to 1989. It only made convert|27|bhp|abbr=on since the exhaust ports were restricted even further. Carburetors were jetted small in the interest of fuel economy. All LTs had the left engine cover marked "Made in India". The mufflers had tapered or conical ends. The exhaust note noise was more of a "pitter-patter" at idle compared to the monstrous sound of the HT exhaust. The build quality was known to be shoddy compared to the HT models. The only notable upgrades to the LT were the Koskusan Denki electronic ignition in 1988 and slightly stiffer front forks introduced in 1989.

The Other Side

There were some issues which greatly marred the sales of RD350 in India. Maintenance of an RD350 was not an easy task as Escorts service network was not so good in those days. Procuring Parts was difficult and expensive. Fuel consumption on HT was 22km/ltr (Urban)16 (Mixed) LT 26km/Ltr and that was considered quite an uphill task as most of the population was middle class and couldn't afford the running costs. There were not enough trained mechanics available who could handle its engine.

But in all, for a true Indian, this was the first adrenaline pumper a true achiever and a complete feel of a thrill and thats the reason the bike is so popular in India even today. In other words you can say it as "A Dead King".It has gone but still its absence is felt.

See also

* Yamaha RD350
* List of Yamaha motorcycles

External links

* Complete Specifications : [http://www.bikeszone.com/content/view/79/40/ Click Here]
* Bangalore Yamaha RD 350 club meet (Report and Photographs): [http://www.bikeszone.com/content/view/544/35/ Click Here]