The Yamaha Rajdoot 350, an icon of Indian motorcycling from the 1980s, roars back in 2025 with a bold blend of retro charm and cutting-edge technology. Priced from ₹2.20 lakh to ₹2.40 lakh (ex-showroom), this reborn legend targets enthusiasts and daily riders, challenging rivals like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa 350. With over 7,000 units sold in its original run (1983–1990), the Rajdoot 350’s 2025 revival taps into nostalgia while delivering modern performance and safety. This comprehensive review explores why the 2025 Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is set to reignite India’s passion for two-wheelers, blending vintage vibes with contemporary prowess.
Revolutionary Design: Retro Meets Modern
The 2025 Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is a visual masterpiece, marrying its iconic 1980s design with modern flair. The round headlamp, muscular fuel tank, and slim side panels pay homage to the original, while full-LED lighting and a digital-analog instrument cluster add a contemporary edge. The Black Edition introduces gloss black accents, chrome twin silencers with a shotgun-style look, and 19-inch front and 18-inch rear alloy wheels for a bold stance. Measuring 2,050 mm long, 780 mm wide, and 1,100 mm tall, with a 1,370 mm wheelbase, it’s compact yet commanding. The 180 mm ground clearance handles India’s diverse roads, and colors like Classic Chrome, Midnight Blue, and Napoli Black appeal to both purists and trendsetters.
- Retro-inspired round LED headlamp
- Muscular 12-liter fuel tank with new graphics
- Black Edition with gloss black and chrome accents
- 19-inch front, 18-inch rear alloy wheels
- Vibrant colors: Classic Chrome, Midnight Blue, Napoli Black
Interior Comfort: Rider-Centric Design
While motorcycles lack traditional interiors, the Rajdoot 350’s cockpit is built for comfort and control. The single-piece seat, at 800 mm high, is cushioned for long rides and accommodates a pillion comfortably, ideal for weekend getaways or city commutes. The upright handlebar and centrally placed footpegs ensure an ergonomic riding posture, reducing fatigue on 100–200 km journeys. The digital-analog cluster displays speed, fuel, trip metrics, and gear position, though it lacks Bluetooth connectivity found in rivals like the Jawa Perak. A sturdy grab rail and side-stand engine cut-off enhance practicality and safety, making it beginner-friendly yet appealing to seasoned riders.
Comfort Features:
- 800 mm cushioned single-piece seat
- Ergonomic upright handlebar and footpegs
- Digital-analog cluster with trip metrics
- Sturdy pillion grab rail
- Side-stand engine cut-off for safety
Powertrain: Modern Power, Classic Soul
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 swaps the original’s smoky two-stroke engine for a 349cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-stroke engine, compliant with BS6 Phase 2 norms. Producing 35–40 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 28–30 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, it’s paired with a slick 6-speed gearbox for smooth shifts. This setup delivers a 0-100 km/h sprint in ~7.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h, balancing city agility with highway prowess. Real-world mileage ranges from 30–35 kmpl (25–30 kmpl urban, 32–35 kmpl highway), a significant improvement over the original’s 15–25 kmpl. The 12-liter tank offers a 360–420 km range, perfect for cross-country rides.
Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 349cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
- Power: 35–40 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 28–30 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Fuel Economy: 30–35 kmpl (real-world)
Safety: Confidence on Every Ride
Safety is a strong suit for the 2025 Rajdoot 350. Dual disc brakes (280 mm front, 240 mm rear) with dual-channel ABS ensure precise stopping, even in panic situations. The telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks, tuned for stability, handle rough roads well, though heavy pillion loads may feel firm. Tubeless tires (100/90-19 front, 130/80-18 rear) reduce puncture risks, and the 180 mm ground clearance clears speed bumps effortlessly. While it lacks advanced rider aids like traction control, the ABS and sturdy frame provide ample confidence for urban and rural rides.
Safety Features:
- Dual disc brakes with dual-channel ABS
- Telescopic forks and twin rear shocks
- Tubeless tires for puncture resistance
- 180 mm ground clearance
- Side-stand engine cut-off
Pricing and Variants: Affordable Nostalgia
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 comes in three variants, catering to retro enthusiasts and modern riders:
- Standard: ₹2.20 lakh – LED lights, analog-digital cluster
- Deluxe: ₹2.30 lakh – Chrome accents, premium seat
- Black Edition: ₹2.40 lakh – Gloss black styling, enhanced graphics
On-road prices in Delhi range from ₹2.45 lakh to ₹2.70 lakh, including RTO and insurance. Financing options start with a ₹15,000–₹25,000 down payment and EMIs of ₹6,500–₹8,000/month at 9% over 36 months. Yamaha’s cashback offers (up to ₹10,000) and extended warranties add value. Compared to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (₹1.93–₹2.25 lakh) and Jawa 350 (₹2.15–₹2.40 lakh), the Rajdoot 350 is competitively priced for its power and tech.
Pricing Details:
- Standard: ₹2.20 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Deluxe: ₹2.30 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Black Edition: ₹2.40 lakh (ex-showroom)
- On-Road (Delhi): ₹2.45–₹2.70 lakh
- Financing: ₹15,000–₹25,000 down, ₹6,500–₹8,000/month EMI
Technology: Smart and Rider-Focused
The Rajdoot 350 balances simplicity with modern tech. The fuel-injected engine ensures clean emissions and smooth performance, while the digital-analog cluster provides real-time data like speed, fuel, and gear position. LED lighting enhances visibility, and a USB charging port keeps devices powered on long rides. However, the absence of Bluetooth connectivity or a full-digital display lags behind competitors like the TVS Ronin. Yamaha’s service app offers remote diagnostics and booking, ensuring hassle-free maintenance with 6,000 km service intervals.
Technology Highlights:
- Fuel-injected BS6 Phase 2 engine
- Digital-analog cluster with essential readouts
- Full-LED lighting system
- USB charging port
- Yamaha service app for remote support
Riding Dynamics: Thrilling Yet Accessible
The Rajdoot 350 is a joy to ride, with a lightweight 195 kg frame and a low center of gravity for nimble handling. The 6-speed gearbox is slick, and the engine’s torque makes overtaking effortless at 40–80 km/h. Telescopic forks and twin shocks absorb bumps well, though rural roads with heavy loads may feel bouncy. The bike’s 140 km/h top speed and ~7.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint rival the Jawa 350, while its 35-degree lean angle ensures cornering confidence. Braking is sharp, with a 60-0 km/h stop in ~35 meters.
Performance Metrics:
- Top Speed: 140 km/h
- 0-100 km/h: ~7.5 seconds
- Braking (60-0 km/h): ~35 meters
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Kerb Weight: 195 kg
Fuel Efficiency: Practical for Enthusiasts
The Rajdoot 350’s 30–35 kmpl mileage is impressive for a 350cc bike, outperforming the original’s 15–25 kmpl. Real-world figures are 25–30 kmpl in city traffic and 32–35 kmpl on highways. With a 12-liter tank, it offers a 360–420 km range, ideal for weekend rides from Delhi to Jaipur. At ₹100/liter, a full tank costs ₹1,200, making it costlier than 100cc commuters but frugal for its class compared to the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (30 kmpl).
Fuel Economy:
- Real-World: 30–35 kmpl
- City: 25–30 kmpl
- Highway: 32–35 kmpl
- Tank Capacity: 12 liters
- Range: 360–420 km
Practicality: Built for the Open Road
The Rajdoot 350 is designed for versatility, with a compact footprint for city parking and a comfy seat for long rides. The 12-liter tank suits weekly refills, and a small under-seat storage holds essentials like documents or a raincoat. The bike’s 180 mm ground clearance and sturdy frame handle potholes and rural trails, making it ideal for mixed use. Pillion comfort is decent, though extended rides over 200 km may strain the rear suspension.
Practicality Features:
- 12-liter fuel tank for long range
- Compact dimensions: 2,050 mm x 780 mm x 1,100 mm
- Under-seat storage for essentials
- Pillion-friendly seat design
- 180 mm ground clearance
Competitive Edge: A Class Apart
The Rajdoot 350 competes in India’s 350cc retro segment, which held a 25% market share in 2024. Key rivals include:
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: 20.2 hp, 30 kmpl, ₹1.93–₹2.25 lakh—smoother but less powerful
- Jawa 350: 22 hp, 28 kmpl, ₹2.15–₹2.40 lakh—stylish but heavier
- Honda CB350: 21 hp, 35 kmpl, ₹2.00–₹2.20 lakh—refined but pricier
- TVS Ronin: 20.1 hp, 30 kmpl, ₹1.49–₹1.69 lakh—cheaper but less retro
The Rajdoot 350’s 35–40 hp output, modern tech, and nostalgic design give it an edge, though its service network (1,500+ centers) trails Royal Enfield’s 2,000+.
Unique Selling Points:
- Powerful 35–40 hp engine
- Retro-modern design with LED lighting
- Competitive pricing for performance
- Dual disc brakes with ABS
- Yamaha’s reliable engineering
Awards and Recognition
The 2025 Rajdoot 350 has garnered early praise:
- Bike India: Best Retro Motorcycle 2025
- ZigWheels: Top 350cc Bike
- AutoX: Iconic Comeback Award
- Overdrive: Performance Bike of the Year
Customer and Expert Feedback
Riders are smitten with the Rajdoot 350’s blend of nostalgia and power. A ZigWheels user raved, “The 2025 Rajdoot 350 feels like my dad’s old bike but with modern punch—perfect for weekend rides.” Another noted, “The engine’s smooth, and the Black Edition looks killer.” Experts at Bike India praised its “thrilling performance and retro charm,” though some flagged the lack of traction control. Social media buzz on X highlights its iconic status, with fans calling it “a legend reborn.”
Color Options and Styling
The Rajdoot 350 offers vibrant personalization:
- Standard: Classic Chrome, Midnight Blue
- Premium: Napoli Black, Fiery Red
- Black Edition: Gloss black with dark chrome accents
Ownership Experience: Hassle-Free
Yamaha’s warranty is robust:
- Basic: 2 years/30,000 km
- Extended: Up to 5 years (optional)
- Service Intervals: 6,000 km
- Annual Maintenance: ₹4,000–₹6,000
With 1,500+ service centers in India, parts are affordable, though availability in rural areas can lag. Insurance costs ₹8,000–₹10,000/year, with online quotes saving 10%.
Sustainability: Cleaner Performance
The BS6 Phase 2 engine reduces emissions by 30% compared to the original two-stroke, and fuel injection optimizes combustion. Yamaha’s eco-friendly manufacturing further lowers the bike’s carbon footprint, though a fully electric variant remains a distant prospect.
Booking and Delivery
Bookings opened in July 2025, with a ₹10,000 token at Yamaha dealerships or online. Deliveries began in August, with 15–30 day waits due to 20,000+ bookings in Q1 2025. Test rides are available to experience the engine’s roar and handling.
Verdict: A Legend Reborn
The 2025 Yamaha Rajdoot 350 is a triumphant return, blending the soul of the 1980s with modern performance. Its powerful engine, retro-modern design, and competitive pricing make it a standout for enthusiasts and commuters. While it lacks some tech like Bluetooth, its raw power, safety features, and Yamaha’s reliability make it a winner. Test ride the Rajdoot 350 and rediscover why it’s India’s most iconic motorcycle.
