The Yamaha RD350 – A Beast Ahead of Its Time

If there was ever a motorcycle that truly changed how we looked at speed, power, and madness on two wheels, it was the Yamaha RD350. Back in 1983, Escorts brought this machine to India under the Yamaha brand. But calling it just a "bike" would be an understatement—it was an untamed beast that thrilled, scared, and amazed riders in equal measure.

It felt less like a road bike and more like something that had escaped from a racetrack. Yet, despite being wild, it went on to rule Indian roads and earned its place as one of the most iconic performance bikes the country had ever seen.

India’s First True Speed Machine

Before the RD350 arrived, bikes in India were built to be simple and slow. Most had a modest 7–10 horsepower and were made for daily commuting. They got you from home to office, nothing more.

Then came the RD350—and everything changed.

With a 347cc, twin-cylinder, two-stroke engine, the RD pushed out 30.5 PS in the high torque (HT) version and 27 PS in the low torque (LT) version. While those numbers might sound average today, in the early '80s, they were explosive.

This bike could do 0 to 100 km/h in just 7 seconds, and its top speed crossed 140 km/h. That kind of performance was unheard of in Indian motorcycles back then—only high-end imported bikes or premium cars could even come close.

Why the RD350 Earned the Title ‘Widowmaker’

One of the RD350’s wildest traits was its powerband. Below 4,000 rpm, it was calm, almost gentle. But the moment it crossed 5,000 rpm, all hell broke loose.

It hit with a sudden, violent surge of power that could throw even experienced riders off guard. If you weren't ready, it would pull you back with such force that it could genuinely shake your confidence.

And then there was the sound—its twin exhausts screamed with a piercing roar that could be heard from blocks away. The RD350 didn’t just demand speed—it demanded respect, control, and serious riding skills. Lose focus for a second, and you could end up on the tarmac.

Its design screamed aggression too—muscular fuel tank, twin round dials, chrome-finished exhausts, and a low-slung sporty profile. Back then, nothing else on Indian roads looked or felt quite like the RD

Too Fast for Indian Roads

The sad truth? India just wasn’t ready for a bike like the RD350.

• It had terrible fuel efficiency (around 15–20 kmpl).

• It needed high-quality fuel and regular maintenance.

• The power was too much for casual or inexperienced riders.

Most Indian buyers wanted something practical—a no-nonsense ride for everyday commuting. The RD350, on the other hand, was a speed demon. As a result, it never really sold in huge numbers. By the late ’80s, Yamaha quietly pulled the plug.

But its story didn’t end there. It had already become a legend.

RD350 Today – The Collector’s Dream

Fast forward to today, and the Yamaha RD350 is one of India’s most sought-after vintage motorcycles.

• Restored RD350s can sell for ₹5–7 lakh or even more.

• Original parts are treated like treasure.

• It has an insanely loyal fan base, with riding clubs and meetups dedicated entirely to it.

The RD350 was ahead of its time. It raised the bar so high that it took other bikes decades to catch up.

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Ankit Kumar

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