Return of the classics

Zagrav Benipal

Owning these bikes meant subscribing to a distinct lifestyle altogether. A regime that centered around adventure, freedom, speed and, above all, beauty

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The Indian bike market of 2020 is a whole other beast when rivalled against the Indian bike market of the 1970s and 1980s. Unlike in the past, present-day buyers are spoilt for choice owing to companies like Ducati, Triumph and KTM opening their doors to India. India’s bike market offerings then were limited, imports hard to come by and these bikes were awfully costly at best. It is this inadequacy of choices that gave rise to a few classics bikes that are now limited in supply but remarkable in their demand. Equal parts complex and equal parts simple, these gems were the mechanical interpretations of the time, the yesteryear works of motor art if you will. Ask any petrol head, and they will tell you that these bikes were much more than simple modes of transport; owning one meant subscribing to a distinct lifestyle altogether. A regime that centered around adventure, freedom, speed and, above all, beauty. Having said that, let’s take a closer look at some of these highly prized classics, which are still available in the second hand market.

Rajdoot Bobby (GTS 175)

A bike with a staunch cult follower base till today, the Rajdoot GTS 175 attained further more fame when it appeared in the movie Bobby, featuring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, and as a direct upshot the name ‘Bobby’ stuck and became synonymous with the bike. It was often times referred to as the ‘monkey bike’ due to its diminutive stature and the hunched seating position one needed to adopt to be able to ride it. Delving straight into the history of the bike, India in the late 1960s and early 1970s was still a budding economy and Rajdoot recognised that the best way to set foot in the two-wheeler Indian market was through scooters. At the time, scooters were the ticket to the middle-class biker (motorbikes were too exorbitant yet as this is before the onset of India-Japanese dominators that were ushered in the 1980s). Rajdoot’s first endeavour at the scooter — the Rajdoot Rajhans nosedived terribly in the market, and Rajdoot unexpectedly found themselves sitting on a giant pile of redundant parts, these sat alongside more spares from another Rajdoot flop — the Ranger. Rajdoot then worked with their disposable pile of inventory and contrived the Grand Tourismo Sports 175 or GTS 175.

This pocket-bike that was launched in the beginning of the 1970s and was sold until 1984, came with a 2-stroke173 cc, air cooled engine with the power being transferred to the rear wheel through a 3-speed transmission. A lively little number, the rather sizeable engine gave the two and a half feet bike a tremendously energetic performance. For the people who recognise the Rajdoot Bobby, they will always identify it as a truly endearing and adorable motor, a one-of-its-kind jewel in the crown of Rajdoot. For those wanting to buy this gem can get it in the range of Rs40,000 to Rs1.3 lakh according to the condition of the bike.

Specifications (Rajdoot)

• Original price Rs5,000-Rs7,000 (approx)
• Bike type Mini Moto
• Dry weight 93 kg
• Top speed 130 kmph
• Max power 7.5 bhp @ 5000 rpm
• Max torque 1.3 kgm @ 3500 rpm

Yamaha RD350

In a country like ours where mileage is valued over performance, there was never really any requirement for performance-oriented bikes, however, one outlier, well ahead of its time, revolutionised the game. Thought to be the most powerful motorcycle of its time in India, Yamaha RD350 was highly regarded for its lightning fast acceleration and blinding speed thanks to its two-stroke 347cc, twin cylinder engine that churned out 30.5 BHP (Indian version). The Japanese had luck favouring their side as their version of the RD350 was good for 39 BHP! Couple that with a measly weight of 155 kg, and it was surely the current equivalent of the KTM 390 Duke at the time. Such was its performance that the RD350 could touch the 100km/h mark in less than six seconds, and if pushed hard, it could cross the 150km/h threshold. Consequently, it earned the moniker of ‘Rapid Death’ machine, derived from the abbreviation RD, (when expanded correctly, RD stood for ‘Race Developed’ or ‘Race Derived’ as opposed to ‘Rajdoot’ as some mistakenly referred to it as).

Production of RD350 commenced in 1983 and came to a halt in 1989 and was built in an association between Rajdoot and Yamaha. It cost about Rs18,000 ex-showroom, a significant sum for the time, then again, one must also take into consideration that this was a time when touching high speeds on a bike was an unmapped experience for most Indians. This then is a bike that time has forgotten but motorbike enthusiasts never will. For those who wish to experience the thrill of riding this masterpiece can find this on sale on various online websites in the range between Rs1.5 lakh and Rs3.5 lakh, depending on how well it has been maintained.

Specifications (Yamaha)

• Original price Rs18,000
• Bike type Cruiser
• Kerb weight/Wet weight 155 kg
• Top speed 150-170 kmph
• Max power 30.5 bhp @ 6750 rpm
• Max torque 32.3 NM @ 6500 rpm

Yezdi Roadking 250

If the word ‘classic’ was ever used to describe a bike, it would surely be more fitting on the Yezdi Roadking than any other. To comprehend why speed freaks were, and still are, clamouring over this bike, a quick peek at its heritage will give you all the answers you seek. The Yezdi Roadking was based on the CZ 250 motocross (type 980.5) that was ridden by Jaroslav Falta to the runners-up spot in the 1974 Motocross World Championship. So, any motor that derives its inspiration from a bike battling to win the Motocross World Championship should have solid pedigree, right? That is exactly what the Yezdi Roadking had, and boy, it had it in abundance! The Roadking won many a road race and Indian rally competitions in its time, a part reason for its super stardom.

The Czechoslovakian bike was manufactured in India by Ideal Jawa from 1978 to 1996 in Mysore, Karnataka and is, perhaps, the most iconic 2-stroke motorbike ever to be made in India. The Roadking is serviced by a 250cc, air-cooled engine, a semi-automatic clutch, dual exhaust pipes that are capable of playing quite the harmonica and Jawa’s trademark integrated gear shifter. Such is the receptiveness and attractiveness of this motorcycle that even four decades, it is still drubbing up brilliant business in the second-hand bike market. It is available in the range of Rs75,000-Rs1.4 lakh.

Specifications (Yezdi)

• Original price Rs5,000-Rs7,000 (approx)
• Bike type Classic Roadster
• Dry weight 134 kg
• Top speed 120 kmph
• Max power 16 bhp@ 5000 rpm
• Max torque 2.43kgm@ 4250 rpm

A buyer’s guide

If you find yourself wanting to own a classic motorbike of your own, keep some of the following pointers in mind when purchasing one:

• It’s always better to carry out the visual inspection during the day time as the natural light will help reveal every nook and cranny of the bike.
• Do your bike specific research, as some bikes are more susceptible to certain faults, knowing exactly what culpabilities to look out for in a bike can be a big boon.
• Test the tautness of the clutch, study how the clutch lever behaves when tightened and when let go of. It should ideally be effortless.
• Make sure to test out the front and back brakes, check for age of the brake pads and for smooth operation.
• Methodically examine the chassis for dents, scratches or fresh paint as that is an indicator of the bike having been in an accident.
• Try to detect any rust on the surface of the bike, particularly on the frame. Deep rust can be a cause for concern as it suggests that the bike has not been well looked after.
• Inspect the tread pattern on the tyres, healthy tires should have plenty of tread all the way around. Keep an eye out for uneven wear and tear.
• Always request for the service history of the motorbike, search keenly for any oil leakages. On a dirty bike the leak should be visible straight away, in a washed bike, any shiny surfaces are indicative of a leak. Check the engine area thoroughly.
• To test the battery, turn the bike lights on or any other electricals to make sure they work.