Even though the production of the air-cooled Yamaha RD350 had ended in Japan in the mid-1970s due to stringent emissions norms, it was a technically advanced motorcycle in the Indian market in 1983.

However, the Rajdoot 350 was not a commercial success due to its relatively high fuel consumption in a cost-conscious Indian market.

High purchase price, poor availability of expensive spare parts and lack of trained service personnel did not help either.

The HT's fuel consumption is 20 km/L (urban) 25 (mixed), that of the LT is 35 km/L - figures considered quite steep by most[citation needed] of the population at the time.

According to reports, Yamaha is planning to reintroduce their iconic RD350 motorcycle in the coming months, unveiling a fresh variant called the XSR300.