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The Indian motorcycle market has grown to be the largest in the world. While these statistics only tell us how big our market is in terms of sales, the real evolution of our motorcycle market finds its roots in certain bikes from the yesteryear. And, these motorcycles are respected even today. It would be rare to find someone who likes motorcycles and has never heard of the RD350. We're celebrating these legends today for they gave rise to the motorcyclists in India.
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One of the most powerful sub-250cc motorcycles of its time, Suzuki Shogun may be the most popular two-stroke in India. The two-stroke 108cc engine managed 14 bhp, which his an impressive number for a small pot like this. The Shogun was an instant hit with young riders craving speed. It had mad acceleration that helped beat the Yamaha RX-G and the RX135. (Photo: Cartoq)
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Yezdi was one of the few motorcycle brands to have introduced motorcycling in India. Many have grown up with a Yezdi being their first motorcycle or one that was owned by their dad or grand dad. Yezdi Roadking 250 delivered on a top speed of 120 km/h which was mighty impressive in the early 90s. Pictured here is a vintage advert for the Yezdi 175-D. Yezdis are still alive in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts through clubs and are a collector's delight. (Image: Yezdi)
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Made in India from 1983 to 1989, Yamaha RD 350 is by far the first performance motorcycle ever to have graced the Indian motorcycle market. It came with a 349cc two-stroke, parallel-twin, air-cooled engine. While the RD350 was a great hit around the world, the version that came to India did not feature the 10.5-inch disc brake, which made it difficult for it to stop from 140 kph. And soon the RD moniker was mocked as 'Rapid Death'. Yamaha eventually stopped its production as the emission norms were tightened. Today, it is a collector's motorcycle, with enthusiasts willing to pay five times over its original price. (Image: TeamBHP)
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Launched in the mid 80s and produced until 1996, Yamaha RX100 succeeded the RD350 which was deemed too powerful for the Indian market realising that smaller displacement motorcycles would work better in India, especially after considering Suzuki AX-100's success. However, the RX100 was not a regular 100cc bike, it had Yamaha's racing DNA and was quite powerful, something that appealed to motorcycle enthusiasts. (Image: Maxabout)
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Kawasaki RTZ 125 was launched in competition against the famous Yamaha RX series and the Shogun. Powered by a 125cc 2-stroke engine, the RTZ 125 put out about 12 bhp at 7250 rpm. What set the RTZ apart fro its rivals was its handling and hence it also grew popular for those who were very new to motorcycling. (Pictured here is a KB100, courtesy: TeamBHP)

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