Is Yamaha Rajdoot 350 Release News A Hoax?

Many bike fans have seen big headlines saying a brand-new Rajdoot Classic 350 will hit showrooms soon and cost very little. I grew up fixing an old RD 350, so the story grabbed me right away. After a careful check, I learnt the buzz comes from a doctored photo of a small Chinese cruiser, not from any maker’s plan. ZigWheels and other trusted outlets also call the rumor false.

How the rumor began

A bright red picture with a “Rajdoot” sticker popped up on YouTube and Facebook early this year. Some videos even shouted, “Finally launched—just ₹1 lakh!” The badge looked crooked, so I ran the image through Google Lens. It matched a Hi Speed Infinity 150 that sells in Pakistan. That was the first clue the photo was fake.

Tracing the real bike in the photo

I dug deeper and found a wholesale ad for the same cruiser on a Chinese trade site. The listing shows 200–250 cc bikes that cost more than those viral price claims. This proves someone simply pasted the Rajdoot name on a foreign bike to grab clicks.

Checking Rajdoot’s factory history

The true Rajdoot line shut down long ago. Escorts sold its motorcycle plant to Yamaha in 2001 and left the two-wheeler market. Since then, no firm has filed papers to restart the brand. India’s VAHAN homologation portal, where new bikes must register, shows no record for a fresh Rajdoot model.

Why a comeback is hard today

New rules and court orders have forced the old Rajdoot, which used a two-stroke engine, off Indian roads. It is now necessary to meet newer emissions requirements, which require four-stroke engines that are cleaner. Meeting these requirements would raise costs well above the Rs. 1 lakh rumour.

Expert voices agree

Reporters at ZigWheels say, “Simply put, no!” when asked about a 2025 launch. Rushlane also warns readers the hype is “pure conjecture” for now. Bike history writers note production of the famous RD 350 ended in 1990.

Disclaimer:
The content presented in this article is derived from publicly available sources, speculative media reports, and unofficial information. No official statement, specification, or confirmation has been released by the manufacturer at the time of publication. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as factual or final. Readers are advised to consult official communications and verified announcements from the manufacturer for accurate and up-to-date details. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any decisions made based on the information herein.