Rajdoot 350 Returns: In a development that has sent waves of excitement through India’s motorcycle community, the iconic Rajdoot brand is making a triumphant return to Indian roads with an all-new Rajdoot 350 for 2025. This resurrection of one of India’s most beloved motorcycle nameplates comes through a strategic collaboration between Classic Legends (the company behind the Jawa and Yezdi revivals) and the Escorts Group, which originally manufactured the legendary machine that captured the hearts of an entire generation of Indian riders.
A Heritage Resurrected
The original Rajdoot, particularly the RD350 variant produced under license from Yamaha in the 1980s, achieved legendary status in India’s motorcycling history. Nicknamed the “Rocket,” it was India’s first true performance motorcycle and developed a cult following that persists to this day. Production ceased in the early 1990s, but the motorcycle’s reputation for raw power, distinctive two-stroke character, and unmistakable exhaust note has kept its memory alive among enthusiasts.
“The Rajdoot name represents a significant chapter in India’s motorcycling heritage,” explained Classic Legends’ CEO during the unveiling ceremony in Delhi. “Our mission at Classic Legends has always been to revive iconic Indian motorcycling brands and reintroduce them to contemporary riders. After Jawa and Yezdi, Rajdoot was the natural next step in our journey to preserve and celebrate India’s rich motorcycling legacy.”
This revival comes after two years of development following Classic Legends’ acquisition of rights to the Rajdoot name from Escorts Group, which has moved away from the two-wheeler segment to focus on agricultural equipment and construction machinery.
Design Philosophy: Authentic Nostalgia
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 strikes an impressive balance between nostalgic design elements and modern engineering necessities. The silhouette immediately evokes the original RD350, with its distinctive fuel tank shape, side panels, flat bench seat, and twin-shock rear suspension. However, closer inspection reveals thoughtful modern touches that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
“We approached the design with tremendous respect for the original,” noted Classic Legends’ Design Director. “Our guiding principle was to create a motorcycle that would immediately be recognized as a Rajdoot while incorporating necessary modern elements in a way that feels natural and unforced.”
Available in four color schemes that pay homage to the original—Inferno Red, Midnight Black, Racing Blue, and the iconic Competition Yellow—each variant features carefully considered details like hand-painted pinstripes, period-correct badges, and chrome accents that capture the essence of the original while feeling appropriately premium for a modern motorcycle.
The circular LED headlamp is housed in a classic chrome bucket, complemented by traditional round turn indicators and taillight that incorporate modern LED technology behind vintage-inspired lenses. The dual exhaust pipes—a signature element of the original RD350—have been faithfully reproduced but with modern internals to meet current emission standards.
Engineering: Modern Heart, Classic Soul
Under its nostalgic exterior, the 2025 Rajdoot 350 features thoroughly modern engineering developed specifically for this application. Powering the motorcycle is a newly developed 348cc parallel-twin engine with four valves per cylinder and liquid cooling. This powerplant produces 40 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 35 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM—modest by modern superbike standards but substantial for a retro-styled roadster.
While purists might lament the absence of the original’s two-stroke configuration, the engineering team explains that creating a compliant two-stroke engine for today’s emission standards would have resulted in a motorcycle that was prohibitively expensive and compromised in character. Instead, they focused on tuning the four-stroke twin to deliver the responsive, rev-happy character that made the original Rajdoot so engaging.
“We wanted to capture the spirit of the original rather than creating a literal reproduction,” explained the Chief Engineer. “Our goal was to deliver that same exciting, engaging riding experience but in a package that meets modern expectations for reliability, emissions compliance, and maintenance intervals.”
The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission featuring precisely calculated ratios to maximize both acceleration and comfortable cruising. A slip-and-assist clutch provides light lever action and reduces rear wheel hop during aggressive downshifts—a modern safety feature that enhances the sporting potential of the machine.
Perhaps most importantly for enthusiasts, the exhaust system has been meticulously engineered to produce a distinctive, charismatic sound that, while different from the original two-stroke’s ring-ding, has its own compelling character that sets it apart from other modern motorcycles.
Chassis and Dynamics: Honoring the Original
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 is built around a tubular steel double-cradle frame developed specifically for this application. The geometry has been carefully calculated to provide the quick, responsive handling that was a hallmark of the original while incorporating modern standards for stability and predictability.
Suspension components represent a significant upgrade from the original, with 41mm upside-down forks handling duties up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear featuring gas charging and 5-position preload adjustment. Both ends provide 130mm of travel, striking a balance between ride comfort and sporting capability.
Braking performance comes from a 320mm front disc with a four-piston radial-mount caliper and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston floating caliper, both equipped with dual-channel ABS that can be switched to a less intrusive mode for spirited riding. The 18-inch wire-spoke wheels are shod with tubeless tires in a 110/80 front and 140/70 rear configuration, offering modern grip levels while maintaining period-correct proportions.
With a kerb weight of 175 kg and a wheelbase of 1,370mm, the Rajdoot 350 promises agile handling that honors the nimble character of its predecessor while incorporating the stability expected of a modern motorcycle.
Technology: Tastefully Integrated
The technology integration in the Rajdoot 350 demonstrates remarkable restraint, incorporating necessary modern features without compromising the motorcycle’s classic aesthetic. The circular instrument cluster features an analog tachometer with a small LCD panel displaying essential information including speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip data.
LED lighting is used throughout but designed to mimic the warm glow of incandescent bulbs. A USB charging port is discretely integrated beneath the seat, while a simple Bluetooth module connects to a smartphone app providing basic navigation prompts, service reminders, and riding statistics.
The electrical system features modern conveniences including an immobilizer, hazard lights, and self-canceling turn signals, but these elements have been implemented in a way that doesn’t detract from the vintage experience. There are no riding modes, traction control, or other electronic aids that might dilute the pure, direct connection between rider and machine that defined the original Rajdoot experience.
Market Positioning and Target Audience
With prices starting at ₹2.25 lakh (ex-showroom) for the standard variant and extending to ₹2.45 lakh for the fully-loaded model, the Rajdoot 350 positions itself as a premium offering in the mid-capacity retro motorcycle segment. This pricing places it in direct competition with established players like Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 and Interceptor 650, Jawa, and Honda’s H’ness CB350.
The primary target audiences span three distinct demographics: older riders who may have owned or aspired to own an original Rajdoot in their youth, middle-aged enthusiasts seeking a characterful weekend ride with heritage appeal, and younger riders attracted to the growing retro motorcycle culture and distinctive styling.
“The Rajdoot 350 isn’t designed for everyone,” admitted Classic Legends’ Marketing Director. “It’s for riders who appreciate motorcycling heritage, who value character and distinctiveness over ultimate performance or cutting-edge technology. Our research indicates there’s substantial demand across age groups for motorcycles that offer an emotional connection and a sense of individuality.”
Production and Availability
The Rajdoot 350 will be manufactured at Classic Legends’ facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh, alongside the company’s Jawa and Yezdi models. The initial production capacity is set at 3,000 units per month, with the ability to scale based on market demand.
Dealership deliveries are scheduled to commence in October 2025, though pre-bookings will open in August with a token amount of ₹10,000. Classic Legends has announced plans to establish dedicated Rajdoot showrooms in major cities, while also leveraging its existing Jawa-Yezdi dealer network to reach wider markets.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Revival
The return of the Rajdoot name represents more than just another entry in India’s increasingly crowded retro motorcycle segment—it symbolizes the preservation of an important piece of Indian motorcycling heritage that might otherwise have faded into obscurity.
By reimagining this iconic nameplate for contemporary riders, Classic Legends has created a motorcycle that serves as both a tribute to India’s motorcycling past and a compelling option for today’s enthusiasts seeking something with character and heritage in a market increasingly dominated by feature lists and specifications.
Whether the 2025 Rajdoot 350 will achieve the legendary status of its predecessor remains to be seen, but its arrival has already succeeded in rekindling interest in an important chapter of India’s motorcycling history and creating a bridge between generations of enthusiasts who, despite their different eras, share a common appreciation for motorcycles with distinct character and authentic heritage.