The Yamaha RD 350 is not any ordinary bike; it is a legend. It was made with roaring twin cylinders, unmatched acceleration, and fierce character to dominate and rule Indian roads in the 1980s. This time with a modern design, clean power, and advanced technology, Yamaha is returning the nameplate to the RD 350 in 2025, two decades after the last RD 350 left our showrooms. Yet is the old beast still in the heart of it?
Specifications of the Yamaha RD 350 2025
Redesigned with the first-generation RD in mind
Dual cylinder manual, BS6 Stage-2 applicable
Retro-modern controls panel and LED light.
Made to cruise urban streets and blast on the highway
Suspension package, security package
The estimated cost is less than 4 lakh (ex-showroom).
1. A Flashback into the Heritage of RD 350: A Brief History
It would be appropriate to retrace the path back to the iconic one before knowing about the new model. In 1983, the RD 350 was introduced in India by Rajdoot under license with Yamaha Japan. The bike was called the Rajdoot Yamaha RD 350 and had a 347cc parallel-twin 2-stroke engine with a spectacular mercury 30+ bhp—the crazy indicator of that time.
But it was very demanding both in fuel performance and maintenance, which made it difficult for many users. However, it had much popularity among the fans because of its track performance and colossal power. It turned into a cult film and continues to have a huge following.
The future RD 350 of 2025 attempts to continue this spirit and be usable on current roads and with the emission regulations.
2. Design Classic Spirit that is futuristic.
Yamaha has done its best to ensure that the original soul of the RD 350 lives in the new model. Its silhouette has a retro look with a round headlamp design, sculpted tank, flat seat, and twin exhaust. But look deeper: the LED lights are complete, the digital/analog instrument panel, and they are as precise as possible in every curve.
The chassis is both stiffer and lighter than the older version and was aimed to be better in turn stability and high-speed stability. The spoke wheels are changed to alloys, and the tire profile is wider in order to have a better grip and control.
Color patterns such as metallic silver, metallic blue striping, matte black, and deep blue will go down well with the mature fans and with the next generation also.
3. The power and performance are current, twin, clean, and powerful.
It is presumed that the new Yamaha RD 350 will have its heart in a twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid- and fuel-injected engine. It either displaces 350 cc to 400 cc, and it should be tuned such that it balances the punch it should have on the highway with the ease of getting into the city.
Whereas the original 2-stroke engine was rough and noisy, the new unit is smooth and yet aggressive. The estimated horsepower is 42-45 bhp with a torque of 35 Nm, and this is probably the most powerful bike in its category.
It might make it to 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds, which is scorching fast on a mid-sized motorbike. Take notice of the 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch to make a smooth gear change.
The bike has been set up to be spirited, and long-distance touring has been added, which was not possible in the previous version of the RD because of the comfort and reliability issues.
4. Suspension, Chassis & Stopping.
To equate its performance, the new RD 350 has telescopic front forks and monoshock rear suspension. The arrangement provides a decent effort of both comfort and sportiness. Yamaha has been laboring on making it lightweight with a diamond frame that increases its agility and makes the bike stable at high speeds.
On the stopping front, there is a dual-head stop brake with ABS. The front disc should be of 300mm, and a 240mm at the back. The braking feel is sharp and progressive, which was badly required in a bike of this type of acceleration.
5. Technology and Characteristics
Yamaha has provided the RD 350 2025 with an intelligent commix of analog and digital innovation. One of the major features is Semi-digital console with gear position indicator, trip odometer, and range estimator
Complete LED lighting with DTLs and tail lamps
Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and call sign.
Another feature is the traction control system (TCS).
Different riding styles and ride modes (Eco, Sport)
The additions make the bike not only future-ready but also preserve the retro heart as well.
6. Forecasted Price and Options
According to some early estimations, the Yamaha RD 350 New Model 2025 could be rendered with a value of 3.5 lakh to 3.9 lakh (ex-showroom). It might be provided in two variants:
Basic version: street-oriented and all the basic features
Tourer version: With a small flyscreen, a rear rack, and a USB charger
It is priced in the middle, like the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and KTM Duke 390, and thus, it would prove a tough rival in the segment that focuses on performance with the twin-cylinder.
7. Competitors in the Indian Market
The RD 350 2025 is going to enter into a competitive segment. Opponents to it will consist of these:
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: The closest rivals in terms of physical appearance and straightforward twins.
KTM Duke 390: It is the model that has sophisticated features and a relatively aggressive power but features a single-cylinder engine.
Honda CB500X (in case of its introduction in the country): Lactic, with an all-round capability.
Jawa 42 Bobber and Yezdi Roadster: These can be brought in the single-cylinder retro style.
The largest opportunity for Yamaha is its tradition. The heritage of the RD 350 model cannot be owned by many brands, and this emotional aspect could appeal to vast numbers of buyers.
8. Real-World Usability and Mileage
The 2025 model is estimated to be more efficient, unlike the original, highly fuel-consuming RD. With the help of fuel injection and due to advanced electronics, actual mileage might be about 25-30 km/l, which are decent figures considering that it has a twin-cylinder engine.
The ergonomic sitting position, large handlebars, and smooth engine can be used to work in the city and spend the weekend with the bike. There is a respectable range of 13 liters in the fuel tank.
The cushioning between the seat and the pegs and the comfort of a pillion rider are also better, and this version is more usable than the former.
9. You know what enthusiasts are saying.
Bike buffs can hardly wait. The older owners of the RD 350 are hoping that the new model can live up to the name. The new riders who encounter legends about the RD only are enthusiastic to feel it with their own hands.
Tailoring possibilities also should be rather lively, with Yamaha giving us accessorizing packages such as windshields, tank grips, bar-end mirrors, and saddlebags.
10. Availability and Timeline of Launching
Yamaha has subtly indicated that they will introduce it sometime in the last months of 2025 and produce it by probably October/November. First it will sell in large cities that are demanding performance bikes; those include Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad.
It is likely to start test rides in November, and it will open booking a few weeks earlier. The deliveries can start in December 2025 or early in January 2026.
Conclusions: Does the RD 350 2025 Live Up to the Hype?
The Yamaha RD 350 badge is an emotional object. The 2025 model is not only a retro remake; it is a considered redesign that combines memories with current needs.
Should Yamaha succeed in providing a combination of raw power, usability in daily traffic, and price, the RD 350 would be the next hot element in the premium bike market in India. It could intervene in the segment and restore the twin-cylinder mania below 4 lakh.
This might be one of the most appealing motorcycles of 2015 to both the purists and the modern-day riders.
Yamaha RD 350 New Model 2025 FAQs
Q1: Will the Yamaha RD 350 be introduced back in India?
Yes, by the end of 2025, Yamaha is supposed to release the new RD 350 in India with new-age engine and design innovations.
Q2: Which engine will the new RD 350 use?
It is anticipated that it will have a 350-400cc twin-cylinder 4-stroke fuel-injected and liquid-cooled engine.
Q3. Will it be a 2-stroke engine as it was initially?
No. Emission norms will make the 2025 model of the RD 350 carry a 4-stroke, BS6-compliant engine.
Q4. How much will the price of the RD 350 2025 be?
The approximate ex-showroom price of the Xpetio is 3.5 lakh to 3.9 lakh.
Q5: Will it be great when it comes to long rides?
Yes. The new RD 350 will enhance its ergonomics, seat ergonomics, and suspension for touring use.
Note
All the specifications, the launching date, and the prices above are based on the available sources and initial reports. The official data will be validated after the yoga mat release announcement by Yamaha.
