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{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2011}}
{{See also|rajdoot RD350}}
{{Infobox Motorcycle
{{Infobox Motorcycle
| name = '''Rajdoot 350'''
| name = Rajdoot 350
| manufacturer = [[Escorts Group]]
| manufacturer = [[Escorts Group]]
| production = 1983 - 1989
| production = 1983–1989
| class = [[Types of motorcycles#Standard|Standard]]
| class = [[Types of motorcycles#Standard|Standard]]
| platform =
| platform =
| engine = {{Convert|347|cc|abbr=on}} [[two-stroke engine|two stroke]], [[air-cooled engine|air-cooled]], [[Straight-twin engine|parallel twin]], twin [[carburetor]], 7 port torque induction with [[reed valve]]s
| engine = {{Convert|347|cc|abbr=on}} [[two-stroke engine|two stroke]], [[air-cooled engine|air-cooled]], [[Straight-twin engine|parallel twin]], twin [[carburetor]], 7 port torque induction with [[reed valve]]
| transmission = 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| transmission = 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
| ignition = CB points
| ignition = CB points (Core: Kokusan Denki AR 3345 Points: Daiichi)
| length = {{convert|2040|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|2040|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|835|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|835|mm|in|abbr=on}}
Line 17: Line 16:
| wheelbase = {{convert|1320|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|1320|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| tires = Front: 3.00-18"(4 ply rating), Rear: 3.50-18"(4 ply rating)
| tires = Front: 3.00-18"(4 ply rating), Rear: 3.50-18"(4 ply rating)
| fuel_capacity = {{convert|16|l|abbr=on}}
| fuel_capacity = {{convert|16|L|abbr=on}}
| suspension = Front: [[Motorcycle fork#Telescopic|telescopic]] fork, Rear: [[swingarm]]
| suspension = Front: [[Motorcycle fork#Telescopic|telescopic]] fork, Rear: [[swingarm]]
| brakes = [[Drum brake|180mm drum brakes (TLS front)]]
| brakes = [[Drum brake|180mm drum brakes (TLS front)]]
| turn_radius = {{convert|2300|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| turn_radius = {{convert|2300|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| predecessor = [[Yamaha RD350]]
| predecessor = [[Yamaha RD350]]
| successor = RD Delux
| successor =
| aka =
| aka =
| related = [[Yamaha RD350LC]]
| related = [[Yamaha RD350LC]]
|image=1986 Rajdoot 350.jpg}}
}}


The '''Rajdoot''', also known as the '''RD''', is a [[two-stroke]] [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]] motorcycle made in India by [[Escorts group]] from 1983 to 1989. RD stands for 'Race derived' , in India promoted by Rajdoot in collaboration with Yamaha Japan.
The '''Rajdoot 350 ''', also known as the '''RD''', was a [[two-stroke]] [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]] motorcycle made in India by [[Escorts group]] from 1983 to 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Momin |first=Aamir |date=2021-07-10 |title=Yamaha RD350: The Icon, the legend, and the rumours |url=https://www.evoindia.com/features/bike-features/yamaha-rd350-indias-first-performance-bike |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Evo India |language=en}}</ref> RD stands for 'Race derived' , in India promoted by Rajdoot in collaboration with Yamaha Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Live |first=A. B. P. |date=2023-03-27 |title=राजदूत तो मॉडल का नाम था... मगर इसे कौनसी कंपनी बनाती थी? मारुति, यामाहा या फिर कोई और? |url=https://www.abplive.com/gk/rajdoot-bike-details-know-what-is-company-of-rajdoot-and-story-of-rajdoot-check-here-all-details-2368393 |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=www.abplive.com |language=hi}}</ref>


It is a licensed copy of the [[Yamaha RD350]]B, modified to suit Indian conditions. Even though the production of the air-cooled 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.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} It has a 7-port [[two stroke]] [[Straight-twin engine|parallel twin]] engine, Yamaha's patented ''Torque Induction System'' using [[reed valve]]s, 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] [[Motorcycle transmission|transmission]], autolube system, mechanical tachometer, 12 volt electrics and 0-60 km/h in less than four seconds.{{cn|date=March 2017}} In the interest of cost, the front [[disc brake]] of the RD350B was substituted with a 7" [[twin leading]] shoe drum brake from the Yamaha RD250.
It is a licensed copy of the [[Yamaha RD350]]B, modified to suit Indian conditions. Even though the production of the air-cooled 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Momin |first=Aamir |date=2021-07-10 |title=Yamaha RD350: The Icon, the legend, and the rumours |url=https://www.evoindia.com/features/bike-features/yamaha-rd350-indias-first-performance-bike |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=Evo India |language=en}}</ref> It has a 7-port [[two stroke]] [[Straight-twin engine|parallel twin]] engine, Yamaha's patented ''Torque Induction System'' using [[reed valve]]s, 6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]] [[Motorcycle transmission|transmission]], autolube system, mechanical tachometer, 12 volt electrics and 0-60 km/h in less than four seconds.{{cn|date=March 2017}} In the interest of cost, the front [[disc brake]] of the RD350B was substituted with a 7" [[twin leading]] shoe drum brake from the Yamaha


It was primarily targeted at the [[Royal Enfield Motors|Royal Enfield]] [[Royal Enfield Bullet|Bullet]] 350, which was the biggest-capacity motorbike in India at the time. The [[Yezdi Roadking]] 250 was another competitor. However, the Rajdoot 350 was not a commercial success due to its relatively high fuel consumption in a cost-conscious Indian market. High purchase price, poor availability of expensive spare parts and lack of trained service personnel did not help either.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} After the runaway success of its smaller stablemate [[Yamaha RX 100]] introduced in 1985, the Rajdoot 350 stayed in production as a flagship model, and production ended in 1990. The last bikes were reported to be sold in 1991.
It was primarily targeted at the [[Royal Enfield Motors|Royal Enfield]] [[Royal Enfield Bullet|Bullet]] 350, which was the biggest-capacity motorbike in India at the time. The [[Yezdi Roadking]] 250 was another competitor. However, the Rajdoot 350 was not a commercial success due to its relatively high fuel consumption in a cost-conscious Indian market. High purchase price, poor availability of expensive spare parts and lack of trained service personnel did not help either.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} After the runaway success of its smaller stablemate [[Yamaha RX 100]] introduced in 1985, the Rajdoot 350 stayed in production as a flagship model, and production ended in 1990. The last bikes were reported to be sold in 1991.


== HT and LT Models ==
== HT(Stock)/LT(LETI) and CUSP Model ==
The Yamaha RD350B was substantially modified before it was produced in India as the Rajdoot 350. The engine was detuned, the carburettors were rejetted for fuel economy rather than performance, the front disc brake was substituted for a cheaper 180 mm TLS drum brake, the instruments are copies of the older [[Yamaha R5]], the alternator has less output and the tank graphics are re-badged "Rajdoot" and not "Yamaha". The only Yamaha branding is on either side of the engine. The early bikes have high Japanese part content, but Escorts India localised most of the parts in less than three years.


Rajdoot 350 was made in two models - 'High Torque (HT)' and 'Low Torque (LT)'.
*'High Torque (HT- Stock Engine)'
⚫
: The HT was made from 1983 to 1985 (until 1989 for the Government). It develops a respectable 30.5bhp @6750 rpm, detuned from {{convert|39|bhp|abbr=on}} by restricting the exhaust ports of the Yamaha RD350B. Some HTs have mufflers with flatter ends. HT exhausts make the raucous "RD growl" compared to the more toned-down LT beat. Initial bikes had KOITO Headlights. Engine number of HT Starts with 1A1.51.******
*'High Torque (HT)'

⚫
: The HT was made from 1983 to 1985 (until 1989 for Government). It develops a respectable 30.5bhp@6750 rpm, detuned from {{convert|39|bhp|abbr=on}} by restricting the exhaust ports of the Yamaha RD350B. Some HTs have mufflers with flatter ends. HT exhausts make the raucous "RD growl" compared to the more toned-down LT beat.
*'Low Torque (LT)'
*'Cusp Model (HT/LT Switchable)'
: This model cosmetically resembled HT, with left side engine cover marked "Made in Japan".Exhaust with flatter ends. The barrels of this cusp model had a removable plate for the exhaust port. With the plate installed exhaust port will be on Leti specification and once removed its HT spec. Headlights were changed to Stanley Japan. Engine number of Cusp Model starts with 00**** THERE IS NO CUSP MODEL BECAUSE THE HEAD FOR THE LT AND HT MODELS WERE DIFFERENT WITH DIFFERENT PART NUMBERS. THE EARLIER LOT LTs CAME WITH THE RESTRICTOR PLATES, BUT DID NOT COME WITH THE HT HEADS.
⚫
: LT was made from 1985 to 1989. It develops only {{convert|27|bhp|abbr=on}} because the exhaust ports are restricted even further. [[Carburetor]]s are jetted small in the interest of fuel economy. All LTs have the left engine cover marked "Made in India". The mufflers have slightly tapered or conical ends. The build quality is inferior to that of the HT models.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} The only notable upgrades to the LT in 1988 was slightly stiffer front forks in 1989.We can Identify whether it is HT or LT By looking at the starting of engine number. Engine number of HT Starts with 1A1 and LT Starts with 00


*'Low Torque (LETI - Low End Torque Induction)'
⚫
: LT was made from 1985 to 1989. It develops {{convert|26.5|bhp|abbr=on}} (+/- 10%) because the exhaust ports are restricted even further. LETI bike was the fastest accelerating RD up to 100&nbsp;km/h due to its low-end power delivery compared to HT. All LTs have the left engine cover marked "Made in India". The mufflers have slightly tapered or conical ends. The only notable upgrades to the LT in 1988 were slightly stiffer front forks in 1989. We can Identify whether it is HT or LT By looking at the starting of the engine number.Towards the end of production, most of the parts were localised.Headlights changed to Lumax. Engine number of LT Starts with 00****


== The other side ==
== The other side ==
A variety of issues hindered the sales of RD350 in India. Maintenance of an RD350 was not an easy task as Escorts service network was not so good in those days, and there were not enough trained mechanics who could handle its twin-cylinder engine. Spare parts were neither readily available nor very affordable. The HT's fuel consumption is 20 km/l (urban) 25 (mixed), that of the LT is 35 km/l - figures considered quite steep by most{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} of the population at the time.
A variety of issues hindered the sales of RD350 in India. Maintenance of an RD350 was not an easy task as there were not enough trained mechanics who could handle its twin-cylinder engine. Spare parts were neither readily available nor very affordable. The HT's fuel consumption is 20 km/L (urban) 25 (mixed), that of the LT is 35 km/L - figures considered quite steep by most{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} of the population at the time. According to reports, Yamaha is planning to reintroduce their iconic RD350 motorcycle in the coming months, unveiling a fresh variant called the XSR300.


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Yamaha RD350]]
* [[Yamaha RD350]]
* [[List of Yamaha motorcycles]]
* [[List of Yamaha motorcycles]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


{{Two wheelers in India}}
{{Two wheelers in India}}

Latest revision as of 14:30, 30 November 2024

Rajdoot 350
ManufacturerEscorts Group
Production1983–1989
PredecessorYamaha RD350
ClassStandard
Engine347 cc (21.2 cu in) two stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin, twin carburetor, 7 port torque induction with reed valve
Ignition typeCB points (Core: Kokusan Denki AR 3345 Points: Daiichi)
Transmission6-speed manual
SuspensionFront: telescopic fork, Rear: swingarm
Brakes180mm drum brakes (TLS front)
TiresFront: 3.00-18"(4 ply rating), Rear: 3.50-18"(4 ply rating)
Wheelbase1,320 mm (52 in)
DimensionsL: 2,040 mm (80 in)
W: 835 mm (32.9 in)
H: 1,110 mm (44 in)
Weight143 kg (315 lb)[citation needed] (dry)
155 kg (342 lb)[citation needed] (wet)
Fuel capacity16 L (3.5 imp gal; 4.2 US gal)
RelatedYamaha RD350LC

The Rajdoot 350 , also known as the RD, was a two-stroke Yamaha motorcycle made in India by Escorts group from 1983 to 1989.[1] RD stands for 'Race derived' , in India promoted by Rajdoot in collaboration with Yamaha Japan.[2]

It is a licensed copy of the Yamaha RD350B, modified to suit Indian conditions. Even though the production of the air-cooled 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.[3] It has a 7-port two stroke parallel twin engine, Yamaha's patented Torque Induction System using reed valves, 6-speed manual transmission, autolube system, mechanical tachometer, 12 volt electrics and 0-60 km/h in less than four seconds.[citation needed] In the interest of cost, the front disc brake of the RD350B was substituted with a 7" twin leading shoe drum brake from the Yamaha

It was primarily targeted at the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, which was the biggest-capacity motorbike in India at the time. The Yezdi Roadking 250 was another competitor. However, the Rajdoot 350 was not a commercial success due to its relatively high fuel consumption in a cost-conscious Indian market. High purchase price, poor availability of expensive spare parts and lack of trained service personnel did not help either.[citation needed] After the runaway success of its smaller stablemate Yamaha RX 100 introduced in 1985, the Rajdoot 350 stayed in production as a flagship model, and production ended in 1990. The last bikes were reported to be sold in 1991.

HT(Stock)/LT(LETI) and CUSP Model

[edit]
  • 'High Torque (HT- Stock Engine)'
The HT was made from 1983 to 1985 (until 1989 for the Government). It develops a respectable 30.5bhp @6750 rpm, detuned from 39 bhp (29 kW) by restricting the exhaust ports of the Yamaha RD350B. Some HTs have mufflers with flatter ends. HT exhausts make the raucous "RD growl" compared to the more toned-down LT beat. Initial bikes had KOITO Headlights. Engine number of HT Starts with 1A1.51.******
  • 'Cusp Model (HT/LT Switchable)'
This model cosmetically resembled HT, with left side engine cover marked "Made in Japan".Exhaust with flatter ends. The barrels of this cusp model had a removable plate for the exhaust port. With the plate installed exhaust port will be on Leti specification and once removed its HT spec. Headlights were changed to Stanley Japan. Engine number of Cusp Model starts with 00**** THERE IS NO CUSP MODEL BECAUSE THE HEAD FOR THE LT AND HT MODELS WERE DIFFERENT WITH DIFFERENT PART NUMBERS. THE EARLIER LOT LTs CAME WITH THE RESTRICTOR PLATES, BUT DID NOT COME WITH THE HT HEADS.


  • 'Low Torque (LETI - Low End Torque Induction)'
LT was made from 1985 to 1989. It develops 26.5 bhp (19.8 kW) (+/- 10%) because the exhaust ports are restricted even further. LETI bike was the fastest accelerating RD up to 100 km/h due to its low-end power delivery compared to HT. All LTs have the left engine cover marked "Made in India". The mufflers have slightly tapered or conical ends. The only notable upgrades to the LT in 1988 were slightly stiffer front forks in 1989. We can Identify whether it is HT or LT By looking at the starting of the engine number.Towards the end of production, most of the parts were localised.Headlights changed to Lumax. Engine number of LT Starts with 00****

The other side

[edit]

A variety of issues hindered the sales of RD350 in India. Maintenance of an RD350 was not an easy task as there were not enough trained mechanics who could handle its twin-cylinder engine. Spare parts were neither readily available nor very affordable. The HT's fuel consumption is 20 km/L (urban) 25 (mixed), that of the LT is 35 km/L - figures considered quite steep by most[citation needed] of the population at the time. According to reports, Yamaha is planning to reintroduce their iconic RD350 motorcycle in the coming months, unveiling a fresh variant called the XSR300.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Momin, Aamir (2021-07-10). "Yamaha RD350: The Icon, the legend, and the rumours". Evo India. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  2. ^ Live, A. B. P. (2023-03-27). "राजदूत तो मॉडल का नाम था... मगर इसे कौनसी कंपनी बनाती थी? मारुति, यामाहा या फिर कोई और?". www.abplive.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 2023-06-14.
  3. ^ Momin, Aamir (2021-07-10). "Yamaha RD350: The Icon, the legend, and the rumours". Evo India. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
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