I have had this bike for a lil over 3 yrs now and when someone asks me how much real estate it can cover on 1 lt of petrol I feel like telling them ’’If you want 50kmpl go buy a boxer’’. This is NOT a bike for commuting to work (you could though)and definitely not for someone who doesnt invest time in his/her motorcycle. Its for those selected few who understand the true spirit of riding.
Technically I think this bike is very simple and a marvel. Unfortunately, due to unavailability of spares and idiot mechanics the bike has earned the distinction of a white elephant.A RD is fairly simple to maintain and with a lil effort you can do it most of the things yourself.
This bike can cruise at 60 or burn rubber at 130, equally well, thanks to a 6 speed gearbox. The acceleration is something to the tune of 0-60kmph under 4 seconds, and that is saying something. Top whack should be around 130-140 kmph. I have managed only 130 on mine for I dont have the courage to ride faster on our trusted roads. It handles fairly well and brakes arent bad though they could have been better. The tyres are good, though a lot of ppl think otherwise. They corner well too and if the bike is balanced well, and is free from any accident deformations, it is quite a decent handler. Sadly most second hand RD’s have a rotten accident history along with which comes small but dangerous damages to the chassis which render the machine potentially dangerous and unsafe for speeds over 100 or so kmph. SO buying a second hand RD has to be done very carefully.
If there is a good head on the shoulders of the rider, this machine is a fantastic source of riding thrill, but if riding isnt your forte, dont get cute with this machine, its nasty at the best of times but with a bad rider....now you know why its nicknamed ’’YAMDOOT’’...Not a bike for the faint hearted.
The RD was timed badly when introduced in india, as ppl were still coping (with difficulty) with a 3 bhp rajdoot. Hopefully, bikes in the class of the RD will eventually hit our market, untill then the RD350 is still queen, king and supreme dictator of the urban jungle.