Executive Summary: The Phoenix of a Cruiser

The updated Yezdi Roadster has emerged as a significant contender in the competitive Indian motorcycle market, not merely through incremental product improvements but by leveraging a fortuitous confluence of engineering refinement and macroeconomic policy. Originally a promising but understated model, the Roadster has been strategically repositioned to become a genuine market disruptor. The transformation is driven by two primary forces: a series of thoughtful design and mechanical upgrades by the manufacturer and, more critically, a seismic shift in India’s tax policy that has redefined the two-wheeler segment. This report posits that the Yezdi Roadster is no longer simply another option; it is now the benchmark for value and performance in the sub-350cc cruiser category, offering an unparalleled blend of classic aesthetics, modern technology, and a rare pricing advantage that re-aligns the entire competitive landscape.

Part I: The Market Crucible – A Catalyst for Disruption

The Price Revolution: A Deconstruction of GST 2.0

The recent overhaul of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure, referred to as GST 2.0, has acted as a powerful external catalyst for the Yezdi Roadster’s market positioning. This policy revision, which took effect from September 22, 2025, fundamentally changes the tax framework for two-wheelers. Previously, all motorcycles were subject to a uniform 28% GST, with a 3% cess on larger, premium models. Under the new two-tiered system, motorcycles with an engine capacity up to and including 350cc now attract a significantly reduced GST rate of 18%.¹ Conversely, bikes with engines exceeding 350cc are now taxed at a punitive 40%, a dramatic increase from the earlier effective rate of 31%.¹

The direct consequence of this policy is a mass-market price reduction. Popular commuter bikes and mid-range motorcycles, which constitute approximately 98% of all two-wheelers sold in India, have seen price cuts ranging from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 20,000.¹ The Yezdi Roadster, with its 334cc engine, falls squarely into this category, benefiting directly from the 10% tax reduction. The user’s query notes a price drop of nearly Rs. 16,000, bringing the ex-showroom price below the critical Rs. 2 lakh psychological barrier. On the other hand, high-performance and premium motorcycles with larger displacements, such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 or the KTM 390 Duke, now face substantial price hikes of Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 70,000 or more.¹ This creates a bifurcated market that heavily favors the Roadster’s segment.

Strategic Pricing & Positioning: A Tale of Two Tiers

The price reduction on the Yezdi Roadster is not merely a numerical drop; it is a strategic repositioning that addresses a critical psychological threshold for Indian consumers. The ex-showroom price falling below Rs. 2 lakh makes the motorcycle an incredibly attractive proposition, particularly for first-time buyers or those upgrading from smaller displacement bikes. It suddenly makes the Roadster financially accessible to a wider, more budget-conscious audience that was previously on the fence.

This pricing strategy creates a compelling dynamic within the competitive landscape. The tax policy has created an inverse causal relationship, where the Roadster’s value proposition is amplified by the misfortunes of its aspirational counterparts. The motorcycles that were once only just out of financial reach for the target consumer, such as the KTM 390 series or the Royal Enfield 650 Twins, have now moved even further away due to the 40% GST bracket.¹ This makes the Yezdi Roadster, which benefits from the tax cut, a significantly more logical upgrade. The direct competition is now limited to other sub-350cc bikes, where the Roadster’s technical specifications and features provide a decisive edge, as detailed in the following sections.

Motorcycle Model	Engine Capacity (cc)	Price (Ex-Showroom, Post-GST)	Price Change (Post-GST)
Yezdi Roadster (Updated)	334	Under Rs. 2 lakh	Approx. Rs. 16,000 cut [User Query]
Royal Enfield Classic 350	349	Rs. 1.97 lakh 4	Significant cut 1
Royal Enfield Meteor 350	349	Rs. 2.08 lakh 4	Significant cut 1
Honda H’ness CB350	348.36	Rs. 2.10 – 2.16 lakh 5	Significant cut 1
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450	452	New, Higher Price	Price hike up to Rs. 70,000 1
KTM 390 Duke	399	New, Higher Price	Price hike up to Rs. 70,000 1

Part II: The Rebirth of a Legend – Design & Engineering Evolution

Aesthetic Refinement: Subtlety with an Impact

The updated Yezdi Roadster showcases a meticulous approach to design evolution. While the front end retains its familiar neo-retro appearance with a round LED headlamp and telescopic forks, the most significant changes are found at the rear. The tail section has been completely redesigned with a “chopped” rear fender, lending the bike a more aggressive, bobber-inspired stance.⁶ This alteration is complemented by a relocation of the number plate to a new swingarm-mounted tyre-hugger unit and a lower-set tail lamp.⁶ These seemingly minor adjustments have a major visual impact, giving the Roadster a sleeker and more proportionate silhouette that the user noted as a major improvement.

The refreshed visuals are further enhanced by the introduction of five new paint schemes, including Stealth of Shadow Black, Shark Skin Blue, Blood Rush Maroon, Savage Green, and Smoke Gray.⁹ These new colors, combined with the blacked-out treatment of the engine and exhaust, create a modern-retro persona that is both subtle and distinctive. Furthermore, the Roadster is being positioned as a platform for personal expression, a reflection of the brand’s “Born Out of Line” philosophy.¹⁰ It offers a wide range of factory-backed customization options, including six custom kits and over 50 plug-and-play accessories.⁶ This includes modular seating that allows for a quick switch from a solo seat to a dual-seat configuration, different handlebars, and various windscreens and cowls, establishing the Roadster as a truly customizable cruiser directly from the factory.⁸

Powertrain & Performance: The Alpha 2 Engine

At the heart of the updated Roadster is the refined 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled Alpha 2 engine. On paper, the power and torque figures are a robust 29.5 bhp and 29.9 Nm, respectively.⁸ However, the most critical upgrades are not in peak output but in the engine’s usability and refinement. Yezdi has implemented revised mapping, an improved torsional damper, and the addition of an assist and slipper clutch.⁷ These technical modifications directly address the bike’s previous issues, resulting in the smoother operation and better-controlled NVH levels observed during the ride.

A particularly telling engineering change is the installation of a bigger rear sprocket with two extra teeth.⁷ This seemingly small detail has a profound effect on the bike’s low-speed rideability. A larger rear sprocket increases the gear reduction, providing a higher torque output at the rear wheel in lower gears. This makes the bike significantly more tractable and comfortable for “pottering around in lower gears” in urban environments, a direct technical explanation for the user’s real-world riding experience. The engine’s high-strung nature, while a source of its spirited performance, is also the root cause of the minor vibrations that can be felt at higher revs. This represents a classic engineering trade-off between outright performance and a more relaxed, refined ride.

Further enhancing the powertrain’s versatility are the two new riding modes, City and Highway, which are not mere gimmicks.⁷ The City mode electronically caps the top speed at 100 kmph and provides a smoother, more progressive throttle response, making it ideal for navigating traffic and prioritizing fuel efficiency. In contrast, the Highway mode allows the engine to breathe freely, delivering a crispier acceleration and enabling effortless cruising past the 100 kmph mark [User Query]. This dual-mode functionality genuinely tailors the bike’s character to different riding environments, a thoughtful feature for a motorcycle designed for both daily commutes and touring.

Riding Dynamics & Ergonomics: A Fine-Tuned Cruising Experience

The Yezdi Roadster’s handling has been significantly improved through targeted chassis and component upgrades. A new swingarm has been fitted to accommodate a fatter 150-section rear tire, which provides a larger footprint and enhances stability.⁶ This is complemented by a new, wider handlebar that increases rider leverage, making the 184 kg motorcycle feel remarkably nimble and agile, particularly when navigating city traffic or carving through winding roads [User Query]. The riding position strikes a good balance, being relaxed enough for comfort on long rides while still feeling commanding. The suspension setup, while leaning towards the stiffer side, effectively prevents bottoming out, a benefit for heavier riders, though it may be somewhat firm for lighter riders on sharp road imperfections [User Query]. The overall ride quality, therefore, manages to keep fatigue at bay on short to medium journeys.

Part III: Features, Flaws, and Finesse

Feature Rundown: Modern Touches for a Classic Appeal

The updated Yezdi Roadster is well-equipped with a host of modern features that contribute to a premium feel and enhanced safety. Dual-channel ABS, a near-standard in this segment, provides confidence under braking.⁷ The multifunctional turn indicators are a neat touch, and the semi-digital instrument console now comes with adjustable brightness, a crucial update that addresses a previous issue of poor readability in bright sunlight.⁶ The presence of a slipper and assist clutch ensures smooth gear shifts and prevents wheel hop during aggressive downshifts, a valuable addition for a performance-oriented motorcycle.¹² Finally, the Roadster comes with a robust ownership assurance package, including a 4-year or 50,000 km standard warranty that can be extended to six years, providing peace of mind to prospective buyers.⁸

Critique and Honest Appraisal: Acknowledging Imperfections

Despite the significant improvements, the Yezdi Roadster is not without its imperfections. The user noted a few shortcomings, including occasional fueling issues that caused jerky responses at lower revs on the test unit. While this may be an isolated issue with a specific unit, it points to the need for consistent quality control across the production line. Additionally, the motorcycle’s high-strung engine, which is a key contributor to its superior acceleration and mid-range surge, is also the likely source of the vibrations that creep in at higher revs, particularly around the handlebar and footpegs. This is a characteristic of a performance-focused engine, representing a trade-off that buyers must consider. Finally, while the braking performance is decent in everyday conditions, a noticeable lack of feedback and bite during prolonged high-speed runs was also observed [User Query]. These issues, along with a general need for improved fit and finish, are areas where Yezdi can further refine the product to stand out in a highly competitive market.

Part IV: Head-to-Head – A Data-Driven Comparison

A direct comparison of the Yezdi Roadster with its main rivals reveals its distinct technical and performance advantages.

Motorcycle Model	Engine Displacement (cc)	Max Power (PS)	Max Torque (Nm)	Cooling	Transmission	Kerb Weight (kg)	Rear Tire Size	Clutch Type
Yezdi Roadster	334	29.5 [User Query]	29.9 10	Liquid 12	6-speed 12	184 [User Query]	150/70-17 12	Slipper/Assist 12
Royal Enfield Classic 350	349	20.2 13	27 13	Air/Oil 12	5-speed 13	195 13	120/80-18 13	Wet Multiplate 13
Honda H’ness CB350	348.36	21.07 5	30 5	Air 5	5-speed 5	181 5	130/70-18 14	Slipper/Assist 5

The data clearly illustrates the Roadster’s performance superiority. It boasts a substantial power advantage, with its engine producing nearly 50% more horsepower than its Royal Enfield rival and over 40% more than the Honda H’ness CB350.⁵ The Roadster is also the only motorcycle in this comparison to feature a 6-speed gearbox, a significant advantage for highway cruising as it allows the engine to operate at a lower, more relaxed RPM for sustained periods.⁸ The liquid-cooling system is another key differentiator, providing superior thermal management for high-performance riding compared to the air-cooled engines of its competitors.⁵ While the Honda H’ness CB350 has a slight weight advantage and offers a slipper clutch like the Roadster, the Yezdi’s wider rear tire and more powerful engine give it a considerable edge in both handling and performance.

Part V: The Final Verdict & Recommendations

The updated Yezdi Roadster is a compelling case study in the power of a combined product and market strategy. The manufacturer’s thoughtful refinements—from the refined Alpha 2 engine with its dual riding modes and a slipper clutch to the redesigned rear end and customizable aesthetic—have transformed the Roadster into a significantly more competent and desirable motorcycle. These internal improvements have been validated by the user’s positive riding experience, which confirmed a smoother engine, enhanced handling, and a flexible power delivery suitable for both city and highway use.

However, the true masterstroke in the Roadster’s revival is an external one: the GST policy revision. The fortunate circumstance of the bike’s 334cc displacement places it in a tax bracket that has made it exponentially more attractive to a broad consumer base. It has not only become a more affordable option but has also become a more compelling value proposition when compared to its newly more expensive, larger-displacement rivals. This unique market position, where it is simultaneously more accessible than premium bikes and more technically advanced than its direct competitors, makes the Yezdi Roadster the undisputed value king in the sub-350cc cruiser segment.

This motorcycle is a highly recommended choice for a discerning individual seeking a blend of modern performance and classic charm. It is a motorcycle for the consumer who values a comprehensive feature set—including a 6-speed gearbox, liquid-cooling, and a slipper clutch—that its rivals lack. The Roadster is a versatile machine, well-suited for both daily commuting and spirited weekend escapes. The GST revision has simply made the decision easier, providing a rare opportunity to acquire a performance-oriented motorcycle at a price point that offers exceptional value for money. The Yezdi Roadster is no longer just a motorcycle for those who “ride their own way” ⁹; it is a motorcycle positioned to lead the way in a newly defined and highly competitive category.

Sources

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