[RiGOD]

If you’re a motorbike lover, then you must have a thing (or two) about 2-strokes. Their raw power, exhilarating exhaust note and sweet smelling smoke made them a real treat for riders. Though now phased out due to strict pollution norms, let’s agree that they will always have a special place in our hearts and garages.

As the title suggests, I’m trying to lay down a common platform for us to cherish our two stroke memories and eventually vote for the bike which you think, was the most iconic 2 stroke bike released in India.

As for me, my vote goes to the Yamaha RX 100. Though I’m a hardcore RD 350 lover, the fact that the RX 100 could cater the need of the masses and still managed to be a brutal performer, made it a total game changer. Sure there were the 135’s after them, but the 100 did turn things around in the Indian motorbike industry back then.

So, which one gets your vote? And why?

PS : I’ve included most major players I am aware of in the poll. So if I happened to skip something, kindly pardon and share your experience under ‘Others’

[ashwinprakas]

Do we even need to think twice?

Its the Kinetic Honda.



That's Dilip Bam crossing the Sahara on one.

Do share of more such conquests done on 2T's, I do have a faint memory of reading about a Silk Road Escapade done on a bunch of Yezdi's, anything prominent about any of the other players i.e other than the emotional aspect of things?

[tchsvy]

Wow, it's hard one to vote, while there is no 2 stroke bike more 'Iconic' than the mighty RD, the RX100 presents its case, it was more successful, and nowadays the RX is commanding at least three times the price it was actually sold for. Heart says RD, so RD it is!

Thinking about the future, when the market is filled with eBikes, will there be iconic 4 stroke bikes from our era? CBZs, Pulsars, Karizmas etc. May be?

[2000rpm]

The RD 350 can be a super hit even in today's world, the interceptor has a lot of resemblance to the RD 350.

[ku69rd]

Hi,
For me its hands down the Twin from Yamaha stable. Gave us Indians a taste of what actual power means with those addictive machines. No wonder they still hold their forte and any good example fetches you anywhere from 300 to 400K. Quite a lot of money considering where it started from.

[srini1785]

As per initial exit polls result, the RD350 is winning it hands down. I did vote for Yezdi 250 because of its immediately recognizable shape (the older Jawa i mean) and also that exhaust note. The other bike that i would vote is the TVS Supra ( Power up model ). Though not as popular as the Yam Rx100, this one was a pocket rocket. I say this as i resurrected one.

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by srini1785

Though not as popular as the Yam Rx100, this one was a pocket rocket. I say this as i resurrected one.

Would you be kind enough to share the pictures please? I think there must be its workshop manual lying with me in hard copy.
Do let me know if you would need so that i can make a copy and send it across.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Would you be kind enough to share the pictures please? I think there must be its workshop manual lying with me in hard copy.
Do let me know if you would need so that i can make a copy and send it across.

Sure, i will post it over the weekend. I don't have them with me now. A hard copy of the workshop manual would be really great. Thanks.

[swissknife]

Voted for the RD350 since it had many USPs at that time, in India. Here are a few

- bike with a 2 stroke engine of over 250 cc

- dual cylinder and dual exhaust

- more than 4 gears

- able to do 160 kmph
The exhaust note is still something very unique.

[payeng]

RD350 might be for some.. but for me, Its the RX100: POWER TO THE MASSES.

(During 90s, my teen years) I remember growing up in Assam on Stories/Urban Legends on how the Indian Army used to crack down specifically the RX100 riders in its quest to hunt down Militants (during Presidents Rule in the State)

[am1m]

Ufff, what a poll, what memories!

Was lucky enough to go to college at a time when most of these bikes were still around, being used as daily rides, some of them were even still being manufactured and got to ride good examples of most of these.

The RD was hands-down the most exciting of the lot.

But 'iconic' to me means a bike that defined the era, not necessarily the best of the lot. So, even though I owned a Shogun and disliked the RX, have to grudgingly admit that iconic meant the RX-100.

This is a great contender too though:

Originally Posted by ashwinprakas

Its the Kinetic Honda.

The 'Kiney' was also everywhere, lot of people got 2-wheeled mobility and freedom through one.

I also have a question, what is the big deal with the RX-Z and the AX-100? Not trying to offend any owners, but I don't remember either of those being considered particularly exciting or desirable bikes back then.

[ashokrajagopal]

Granted RD 350 has more fans and is more worthy of applause. Granted Yezdis/Shoguns take people's breath away.

But there is only one bike which has been
a) mainstream for decades
b) in vogue for decades
c) durable and resilient for decades

To objectively answer this question, just look at the road.

[payeng]

Ahem.. how about this one. The Original CHETAK

It might not be a motorcycle but probably defined India in the 80's and 90's.

We had one in our family too.

[rohitoasis]

May i suggest the prime movers of the Rural India, TVS-50 and M-80 be also considered in the discussion. Many of us learned riding in those and still have cherished memories.

[srini1785]

Originally Posted by ashokrajagopal

Granted RD 350 has more fans and is more worthy of applause. Granted Yezdis/Shoguns take people's breath away.

But there is only one bike which has been
a) mainstream for decades
b) in vogue for decades
c) durable and resilient for decades

To objectively answer this question, just look at the road.

..even has its own movie franchise . (correct me if wrong).