Rajdoot 350

The Rajdoot 350, or RD 350, was a two-stroke Yamaha motorcycle made in India by Escorts group from 1983 to 1990.

It was a licensed copy of the Yamaha RD350B, modified to suit Indian conditions. Even though the production of the aircooled Yamaha RD350 had ended in Japan in the mid 1970s due to stringent emissions norms, it was a technically advanced motorcycle in the Indian market in 1983


HT and LT Models

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

    'High Torque (HT)'

    The HT was made from 1983 to 1985. It made a respectable 30.5bhp@6750 rpm, detuned from 39 bhp (29 kW) 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.

    'Low Torque (LT)'

    LT was made from 1985 to 1989. It only made 27 bhp (20 kW) 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 slightly tapered or conical ends. The build quality was poorer than that of the HT models.[citation needed] The only notable upgrades to the LT were Kokusan Denki electronic ignition in 1988 and slightly stiffer front forks in 1989.