Rajdoot 350 : Ever since the news of the return of the iconic Rajdoot 350 surfaced, the internet has been rife with excitement.
So, after months of speculation and teasers, Panerai has now announced the actual watch release date, which means that the world’s Paneristis now have a firm date on their fitness for when they can purchase this innovative update of an iconic timepiece.
This is not merely a new product launch; it is the re-birth of an iconic brand which has always been a reserve of the bikers of a bygone era.
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Rajdoot 350 Launch Timeline Confirmed
The new Rajdoot 350, as per official communication issued by the company, will be globally revealed at a dedicated event to be held on the 15th August 2020, which is the Independence Day in India.
The date was symbolic, highlighting the motorcycle’s ancestry and legendary status. After the symbolic launch, the company has planned a phased introduction for the dealers in the entire nation.
The first phase of availability will be across metropolis and showrooms in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore will see stock arriving by the 1st of September.
The mid-tier cities will join suit by the mid of September and the launch will be nationwide latest by the first week of October, suitable for the festive season.
“We spent a great deal of time planning this rollout so that we could satisfy demand without sacrificing quality control,” told Rajiv Sharma, the marketing manager behind the launch.
“The Rajdoot name has immense history and it’s important that we maintain the same level of prestige for each and every motorcycle that rolls out from our factory.
Rajdoot 350 Booking Process and Dates
The company has also put in place an organized booking process for early birds buyers. Online pre-bookings will commence on the 20th of July on the official Rajdoot website as well as some e-commerce sites for a refundable deposit of ₹10,000.
Early orders will have priority delivery slots and unique inaugural benefits such as a limited-edition merchandise package and extended warranty coverage.
Dealer-based walk-ins will start from the 20th of August for customers who would like to see display models before putting down a reservation.
The company has been stressing that display units would be available for public viewing in all its authorized showrooms roughly one week prior to the start of bookings.
Analysts observe that this phased booking is a response to learning from other new motorcycle launches where a flood of demand led to longer waiting periods and frustration with the customers.
“They are very clearly trying to manage expectations and delivery timelines from day one,” said automotive journalist Priya Menon. Smart move, considering the demand for that iconic nameplate.
The New Rajdoot 350: Legend Reborn
The new 350 has been completely revamped from scratch, while retaining the visual DNA that made the Rajdoot iconic at first glance. The motor may be estimated to churn out around 20bhp and 28Nm of torque and it is an air-cooled, new 350cc single-cylinder motor. This limited output retains the character of the original engine while including modern emissions and reliability with increased performance.
Classic look but modern construction: Double-cradle frame, traditional front forks and dual rear shock absorbers with gas-charged with modern damping technology.
For braking, the bike gets a 280mm front disc paired with a two-piston caliper and a 230mm rear disc, and dual-channel ABS is offered as standard across the range.
“We didn’t want to just do a modern bike that looks retro,” said chief engineer Anand Prakash. “The new Rajdoot had to be all about the original — the simplicity, and that unique note of the exhaust, and the comfortable riding position — but it had to perform to the standards that had been raised by today’s riders.
Rajdoot 350 Variant Design and Pricing Schemes
The new Rajdoot 350 will be offered in three different trims, catering to three different needs from prospective buyers. The base “Heritage” model is simple, straightforward, and affordable with single-color paints and modest slathers of chrome.
Second in line, the mid-tier “Classic” model features two-tone paint options, more chrome accents, and a plushier seat pattern. The top-spec “Legend” comes in two premium paint options with hand-applied pinstriping, leather seat choices and further comfort features.
Though pricing will be revealed only at the time of launch, sources within the company hint that the lowest Heritage could come for around ₹1.55 lakh ex-showroom, thus keeping it in line with rivals in the retro motorcycle space.
The range-topping Legend variant will likely be priced at about ₹1.85 lakh making the entire range affordable for the customer base it’s targeted towards.
“Our pricing decision is a way of our showing our dedication to giving the Rajdoot experience to the biggest pool of riders,” Sharma said. “This was never meant to be a premium-only product – the Rajdoot was a motorcycle for the common man, and we wanted to celebrate that legacy.”
Rajdoot 350 Capacities and Anticipated Time until Available for Production
Initial production will start at 8,000 units per month with the ability to ramp based on demand. The company hierarchy admits that waiting periods are expected, especially for individual colour and top-spec variants, however there is a surety of transparent communication process for delivery schedules.
“We’re projecting 4-6 weeks lead times after ordering for the Heritage model and as much as 8-10 weeks for the Legend based on specification and color,” distribution chief Vikram Rathore explained. “We will provide updates on expected delivery dates both through our website and dealer networks on a weekly basis so our customers are informed.”
The Pune plant has been extensively modernised to produce the new model with new quality assurance processes and semi-automated lines that can ensure uniformity without losing the craftsmanship that the brand is known for.
Rajdoot 350 Market Positioning and Target Market
Anyone in a corporate job, the research found, can be a potential use-case for them. Hopes were high for nostalgia among older riders, but a number of surveys also showed young riders were excited about the quirky-looking model and its manageable performance.
“We found there were three main customer segments,” Sharma said. First there are the heritage buyers – usually 45+ who has an emotional connect with the original Rajdoot. Next, there are the urban youth looking for the authentic and different from the big names.
Finally, there is a practical group lured in by the blend of timeless looks and contemporary dependability for an affordable price.”
This broad appeal has weaved its way through everything from how the fund is structured to how it reaches different groups with different messages across different media.
Rajdoot 350 Dealer Setup and Experience
To help facilitate the launch, the company has made major investments in dealer readiness, including focused training programs and showroom preparations.
Dedicated Rajdoot show sections are being set up at dealerships that already exist, with elements of heritage and interactive displays showing the history of the model.
Service training has been provided for the new platform with certification programs already done before the first customer deliveries. Furthermore, there is also a digital service scheduling system to make sure there are already available maintenance slots as the owner community expands.
Rajdoot 350 Conclusion
The resurrection of the Rajdoot 350 is more than just yet another player in the increasingly crowded retro-motorcycle space. For countless others, it heralds the return of a bonafide motorcycling legend that once ruled the roost in Indian automobile sector before falling off the radar in a phased manner.
As bookings open next month and deliveries will start in September, potential soon-to-be owners have a date in the calendar to circled.
Be it nostalgia, or the sweet spot that the classic looks clubbed with modern engineering creates, the new gen Rajdooters have a few more weeks to wait to experience this reimagined legend with their own eyes!
