These have been a spate of pictures and reports doing the rounds online which claim to say that India’s iconic bike, Rajdoot 350, is coming back in a cruiser bike form. According to rumors circulating online, the modern version would boast a 350cc single-cylinder engine and an astonishing mileage of 80 kmpl. Shockingly, it is said it will hit Indian roads by 2025 with an expected starting price of Rs 1 lakh. But all that sounds pretty dubious to my mind. And here’s the reason why the reports may be too good to be true.
No Official News
The very first red flag would be no word coming from any recognized manufacturer in the way of official confirmation regarding this move. The Rajdoot 350 was originally a joint venture between Escorts Group and Yamaha. Neither of these companies nor any motorcycle company has said anything about reviving the name of Rajdoot. Traditionally, such major launches are accompanied by teasers or official statements or patents, which don’t seem to be on the cards in this case.
Dubious Claims of Engine and Mileage
The new Rajdoot 350 will, it is claimed to sport a single-cylinder 350cc engine giving as many as 80 kmpl of mileage. That is quite improbable because the progress that has been undertaken by the engine over the years apart from any other deficiency, makes such high mileage terms almost impossible to believe in this category. Most 350cc bikes for example would be offering fuel efficiency ranging between 30-40 kmpl as offered by Royal Enfield Meteor or Honda H’ness CB350. The 80 kmpl, therefore sounds doubtable.
Crazily Low Price
The news that the new Rajdoot 350 cruiser would be tagged at Rs 1 lakh is another reason to doubt. Since entry-level motorcycles with lesser engines are already available in this price tag, and it is a cruiser 350 cc with proper modern inclusion, it is highly improbable to think that this bike would come so low. This 350cc engine capacity bikes are priced well above Rs 2 lakh in India, comparatively.
No Tangible Evidence
All the pictures one can find on the internet seem to be some sort of renderings or electronically touched-up pictures of some existing cruiser models. With no credible leak or confirmation on the prototype, it would be hard to believe that the bike is really being developed.
Sentiment and Nostalgia
That of course, says the Rajdoot 350 is an iconic motorcycle in Indian motorcycle history, so definitely, its revival would rally all the right passions for the enthusiasts. However, such a project needs every respect from the legacy of the bike and its performance-appeal-ratio. The rumored price and mileage claim does not seem to go with the way one would like to revive the legacy brand like Rajdoot.
Conclusion
Of course, it is very tempting, but too good to be true are the claims regarding the new Rajdoot 350 cruiser bike. True authenticity would come when the rumors get official word from the manufacturers or industry insiders. A legitimate re-launch of Rajdoot 350 would hit the market with much more down-to-earth features and price than it is today.
