Rajdoot 350: The Classic Bike That Defined an Era
Undeniably, Rajdoot 350 is one of the most iconic motorcycles in the Indian world of motorcycling history. The motorcycle, from the Escorts Group, dominated Indian roads during the 1970s and 1980s, earning appreciation in terms of rugged construction, powerful engine, and simple design. Even after decades, the Rajdoot 350 can still be considered a symbol of nostalgia that many enthusiasts embrace as a legacy.
In this blog, we are going to discuss a brief history, features, performance, and pricing of the Rajdoot 350 and why it stays a favorite classic in the hearts of motorcycle aficionados.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Rajdoot 350
Introduced to the Indian market in the early 1980s, the Rajdoot 350 was based on the Polish SHL M11, which had earned a reputation for its rugged build and reliability. For this Indian version, it used the 347cc two-stroke sources of power. Thus, it was one of the most powerful motorcycles of that time in India.
In the context, motorcycles meant not only transportation but also a statement of power and prestige. It didn’t take much time for the Rajdoot 350 to be popular among young cyclists and enthusiasts seeking a highly powerful machine for long-distance touring.
Engine and Performance
The Rajdoot 350 came with a 347cc, two-stroke, air-cooled, twin-cylinder engine. It was an excellent performer, reportedly providing a power of around 16 bhp at 5,500 RPM. Even by today’s standards, this might seem paltry for a motorcycle, but back in the day, the Rajdoot 350 would have almost seemed like an invader on the roads.
The bike could manage a high speed of up to about 120 km/h, which was in fact pretty impressive for the time.
It consumed fuel to the level of about 25-30 km/l, which was quite tolerable in relation to the power and size of its engine.
It created an impressive torque of approximately 27 Nm, giving this bike the qualitative pull and accelerative properties.
Transmission: It had a 4-speed gearbox and had plenty of smooth shifts and decent performance on Indian roads.
The Rajdoot 350 was designed for performance-loving riders, and it didn’t disappoint on keeping up with that very aspect. The power delivery, hence acceleration, was very smooth, and the engine was strong enough to sustain hard-wearing Indian roads.
Design and Styling
The Rajdoot 350 was a simple and bold design. It was rather directly and unapologetically classic and no-frills, quite strong on durability and functionality. Its somewhat rugged lines turned out to be quite charming, and it became the favorite of riders looking for a reliable machine that could really handle rough conditions.
Classic Fuel Tank: It featured a classy and flowing fuel tank that could take in as much as 13 liters of fuel. On the tank, it proudly sported the symbol of ‘Rajdoot’, which made it look like a classic piece.
Round Headlamp: The motorcycle sported a round-shaped headlamp, which actually gave it a vintage feel but was adequate for night riding at least.
Wide Handlebar: The wide handlebar ensured a comfortable riding posture with excellent handling, particularly on long rides.
Steel Frame: The steel frame provided durability to this bike – strong enough to support even the toughest riding conditions.
Rajdoot 350 was surely not one of those showy designs that motorcycles sport in modern days. The approach was definitely minimalistic – to provide reliability, reflected in the design.
Comfort and Handling
The Rajdoot 350 was a soft ride. It was a heavy machine, yet it handled very well on both city roads as well as highways.
Suspension: Telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers made this motorcycle absorb all humps and bumps and give a comfortable ride even over uneven roads.
Seat: Both the rider and pillion could sit quite comfortably on the long and wide seat of this machine. It was cushioned well enough to keep out the pain from extended rides.
Handling: For a heavyweight, Rajdoot 350 handled pretty well, especially on straight roads. Its wide handlebars provided quite good control on straight roads, and one could handle it even in saturated traffic.
The Rajdoot 350 had a reputation for being very stable and taking long distances without getting fatigued. It was designed to be comfortable rather than speedy, and that was what it did best: it was very popular among touring enthusiasts.
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This bike became the symbol of power and prestige at the time it was introduced. Many people also started referring to it as “Indian Bullet” because it was toughly built and projected an authoritative presence on the roads. It gained immense popularity across northern and central India, especially when many appreciated the bike’s capacity to handle crank roads and long journeys.
A cult following developed for the Rajdoot 350 over the years. Many collectors and motorcycle enthusiasts are still seeking this classic motorcycle to include it in their collections. In all places where motorcycle science advanced much further, the Rajdoot 350 remains a favorite, with huge emotional value for those who grew up during its time.
Price of the Rajdoot 350
A very rare machine, the brand new Rajdoot 350 at the time of launch cost about ₹10,000-₹12,000, which was a premium motorcycle price for those times. Today, as an old-time collector’s item, the Rajdoot 350 is highly sought after.
Prices of completely restored Rajdoot 350: ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh depending upon its condition and originality and availability of spare parts.
Vintage Market: For collectors, the Vintage Market is where prices are not convergent. The models that are in mint conditions or rare to come by shall attract a higher price, mainly among collectors.
The demand for Rajdoot 350 will continue rising with time because of its status and nostalgic value.
Conclusion
The Rajdoot 350 is more than a mere motorcycle; it is part of Indian motorcycling history. While characterized by rugged construction, powerful engines, and simple design, the Rajdoot 350 left an etching mark on Indian roads, one that, for a very long time, thrived when the motorcycle was at its peak. Even today, many enthuse over restoring or owning this Rajdoot 350.
Whether you are a vintage motorcycle collector or merely an enthusiast of motorbikes and the history of its beauty, the Rajdoot 350 remains an iconic model that defines, in the very essence, an era of adventure and power, built to last – a true and dependable classic for the Indian motorcycle.
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