Years after Yamaha RD350 was withdrawn from the Indian market it yearns to make a comeback soon, but with a different nameplate this time. The popular two stroke model from the Japanese two-wheeler manufacturer enjoyed zenith for long, before it was eventually phased out. Known to be a fast accelerating bike even today, the Yamaha RD350 was a credible model in its space.
As mentioned above, the company could apparently bring the defunct bike to life under a new nameplate. It is likely that the bike will be renamed Yamaha XSR300 and will be introduced in the 350-400cc segment. This could turn out to be another volume churner for the Japanese bike maker if it launches here. Yamaha FZ 25 Naked Streetbike – Picture Gallery
Back in 1970s, Yamaha collaborated with Rajdoot, to bring one of the most popular models from yesteryear into India. Claimed to be one of the fastest bikes in its segment, RD350 was tuned to deliver 40 horsepower unlike the India-spec model, putting out slightly less power. That said the engine was detuned to cope with the impurities in the fuel. The 31bhp Indian RD350 went on to be one of the most successful models in global markets including US, Europe and Japan.
Coming to the new-gen RD350, the bike will witness sea changes over the phased out model. In a bid to be more powerful, the bike will have to use the four-stroke twin technology. As for the engine, Yamaha’s 321cc in-line twin cylinder, liquid cooled fuel injected unit powering the R3 and MT-O3 can be used. Just so you know, the 321cc engine makes 41bhp at 10,750 along with 29.6Nm of torque. Although, there is yet no official word on the same from the bike maker. In terms of design and styling, the RD350 could take inspiration from the XSR900.
