Rajdoot 350: In a move that has sent waves of nostalgia and excitement through India’s motorcycle community, the iconic Rajdoot brand has made a stunning comeback with an all-new 350cc motorcycle. Unveiled at a grand event in Delhi, the revived Rajdoot 350 represents a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern engineering that pays homage to its legendary predecessor while meeting the expectations of contemporary riders.
A Heritage Reborn
The original Rajdoot, manufactured by Escorts Group under license from Yamaha during the 1960s through the 1990s, was a cultural phenomenon that transcended its status as a mere mode of transportation. Particularly revered was the Rajdoot RD350, India’s first true performance motorcycle, which became the stuff of legends among enthusiasts for its raw power and distinctive two-stroke character.
“The Rajdoot name isn’t just a motorcycle brand—it’s a slice of Indian motoring history,” explained the Chief Executive during the unveiling ceremony. “Today, we’re not simply introducing a new motorcycle; we’re reviving a legacy that holds tremendous emotional value for generations of Indian motorcyclists.”
This revival comes after the rights to the Rajdoot name were acquired following lengthy negotiations with the Escorts Group. The new venture represents a collaboration between Indian investors and experienced motorcycle engineers, many of whom previously worked with major global manufacturers.
Design Philosophy: Respectful Reimagination
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 demonstrates remarkable restraint in its design, successfully capturing the essence of the original while incorporating contemporary elements. The silhouette is instantly recognizable with its teardrop-shaped fuel tank, round headlamp, flat bench seat, and spoke wheels—all quintessential Rajdoot design cues executed with modern manufacturing techniques.
Available in four distinctive color schemes—Heritage Red, Midnight Black, Royal Blue, and Chrome Silver—each variant includes carefully considered details such as hand-painted pinstripes, metal tank badges, and period-correct graphics that evoke the motorcycle’s rich heritage.
The attention to detail extends to components like the brushed aluminum engine cases, the leather-wrapped handlebar grips, and the classically styled analog instrument cluster with subtle digital integration. Chrome accents on the fenders, exhaust, and headlamp bezel add touches of period authenticity.
“Our design brief was clear—create a motorcycle that would make original Rajdoot owners feel an immediate connection, while still appealing to younger riders who may be discovering the brand for the first time,” noted the Head of Design. “It’s not a replica or a retro pastiche, but a respectful reimagination of what made the Rajdoot special.”
Engineering Excellence: Modern Heart, Classic Soul
Beneath its nostalgic exterior, the new Rajdoot 350 houses thoroughly modern engineering. Powered by a newly developed 348cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, the motorcycle produces 30 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 32 Nm of torque at 5,000 RPM.
This four-valve SOHC powerplant features a counterbalancer shaft to minimize vibrations—addressing one of the few complaints about the original Rajdoot’s sometimes rough character. The engine is paired with a five-speed transmission and includes a slip-and-assist clutch for lighter lever action and smoother downshifts.
The engineering team has paid particular attention to the engine’s sound and character, designing an exhaust system that produces a distinctive thump reminiscent of classic British singles while meeting modern emissions standards. Two riding modes—Heritage and Dynamic—allow riders to select between a more relaxed throttle response for casual riding or a sharper mapping for spirited journeys.
Chassis and Handling: Blending Eras
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 is built around a traditional double-cradle steel frame that provides an ideal balance between stability and feedback. Suspension duties are handled by conventional telescopic forks with 130mm of travel up front and twin shock absorbers with 5-step preload adjustment at the rear.
While these suspension components may seem conventional, they’ve been developed with modern internals and damping characteristics that provide significantly improved ride quality compared to the original motorcycle. The result is a ride that feels classically authentic without the harshness that often characterized motorcycles of that era.
Braking performance comes from a 300mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper, both managed by a dual-channel ABS system that can be switched to single-channel mode for off-road excursions. The 18-inch wire-spoke wheels are shod with purpose-developed tires that combine period-correct tread patterns with modern rubber compounds for superior grip.
With a kerb weight of 175 kg and a seat height of 800mm, the Rajdoot 350 is accessible to riders of various heights and experience levels. The ergonomics have been designed to provide a comfortable, upright riding position ideal for both urban commuting and longer journeys.
Technology Integration: Subtle Modernization
In perhaps its most delicate balancing act, the Rajdoot 350 incorporates modern technology without compromising its classic character. The circular instrument panel, while resembling a traditional analog unit, incorporates a small LCD screen that displays trip information, gear position, fuel level, and service reminders.
LED lighting is used throughout, although the headlamp retains a classic shape and warm color temperature that mimics halogen illumination. A USB charging port is discreetly integrated beneath the seat, while a simple Bluetooth module connects to the rider’s smartphone for basic navigation alerts through a dedicated mobile application.
These technological additions have been implemented with remarkable restraint, ensuring they enhance functionality without detracting from the motorcycle’s period-correct appearance. There are no obvious screens or digital displays that would disrupt the classic aesthetic.
Market Positioning and Target Audience
With a price tag of ₹1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the Rajdoot 350 positions itself as a premium offering in India’s rapidly growing retro motorcycle segment, where it will compete with established models like the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Jawa 42, and Honda CB350.
The primary target audience spans three distinct demographics: older riders seeking to reconnect with the motorcycling experiences of their youth, middle-aged enthusiasts looking for a characterful weekend ride that stands apart from mass-market offerings, and younger riders attracted to the growing neo-retro motorcycle culture and the authenticity the Rajdoot name represents.
“We recognize that the Rajdoot 350 is as much an emotional purchase as it is a rational one,” explained the Marketing Director. “This isn’t just another commuter motorcycle—it’s a statement piece for riders who appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, and the distinctive character that modern mass-produced motorcycles often lack.”
Production and Availability
The Rajdoot 350 will be manufactured at a newly established facility in Manesar, Haryana, with a strong focus on quality control and craftsmanship. The initial production capacity is set at 2,500 units per month, with plans to scale based on market response.
Dealership deliveries are scheduled to commence in September, though pre-bookings opened immediately following the unveiling event, with a token amount of ₹10,000. The company has also outlined plans for a comprehensive ownership experience, including dedicated service protocols, a curated range of accessories, and riders’ community events to foster brand loyalty.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Motorcycle
The return of the Rajdoot name represents more than just another entry in India’s competitive motorcycle market—it symbolizes the maturing of Indian motorcycling culture, where heritage and authenticity now command genuine value.
As the motorcycle industry continues its inevitable march toward electrification and increasing technological complexity, the Rajdoot 350 offers a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrates the fundamentals of motorcycling: the direct connection between rider and machine, the mechanical character of a well-designed engine, and the simple pleasures of the open road.
Whether this resurrection of a beloved Indian motorcycle icon will translate into commercial success remains to be seen, but the Rajdoot 350 has already accomplished something significant—it has reignited conversations about India’s rich motorcycling heritage and created a bridge between generations of enthusiasts who, despite their different eras, share a common appreciation for motorcycles with soul, character, and an authentic story to tell.