[praveen_sathaye]

I was recently watching the Republic Day Parade from 1984 and saw that the Motorcycle Escort given to the then PM Mrs. Indira Gandhi consisted of ROyal Enfield motorcycles and a special escort of 2 crisply dressed Sikh guards on white Japanese looking superbikes probably of 1978-79 vintage as was evident from their twin-pod instrumentation and overall look. Does anyone have any more information on whether the Indian Army or the Government used Imported motorcycles for ceremonial parades and such escort duties? Attaching a few images for reference which I could capture from the video.

[dinu2506]

Unable to see clearly, but it resembles the iconic Rajdoot RD350. The shape of the crash/leg guard is identical to the one that used to be on the RD350. The spread of the handlebar also seems to be a giveaway apart from the separation of the twin pods (can't see the small pod for the telltale lights between the pods as its not clear enough).

To me it looks like the Rajdoot RD350 which is also aligned to the 1984 time frame

[srini1785]

I would guess that they are not Japanese at all but Italian. From the pics looks like the cylinder head is sticking out. Moto Guzzi is famous for its transverse V twin engines which project before the rider's leg. Something like this?.



PS : I must admit, I am not able to see the cylinder heads on either sides.

[corvus corax]

From the pics looks like the cylinder head is sticking out.

Looks like a siren attached to the crash gaurd.

[tchsvy]

I believe they are the legendary RD350s. I found these two pics on google, and surprisingly our Police were provided with these menacing machines back then.
Note: Image copyrights to the respective owners.

[Indian2003]

When I was in India in 1970 the biggest bikes I saw were the 350s with the odd Nortons and Triumphs There were many CZs in Madras. I think they were the 250 cc. I remember these bikes as very noisy, single cylinder bikes with twin exhaust pipes and 2 spark plugs.

In Kerala saw a few Enfields being used for farming. I think these bikes in the pictures are Enfields or other Indian makes.

The biggest bike I saw in India was a 1969 Honda 750 ridden by a couple from the US. The bike was parked at Conought Place and there was a huge crowd around the bike. They had ridden the bike overland from Germany.

Then there were the Harley Davidson 750 3-wheeler taxis ridden by Sikhs.

[SnS_12]

Originally Posted by dinu2506

Unable to see clearly, but it resembles the iconic Rajdoot RD350. The shape of the crash/leg guard is identical to the one that used to be on the RD350. The spread of the handlebar also seems to be a giveaway apart from the separation of the twin pods (can't see the small pod for the telltale lights between the pods as its not clear enough).

To me it looks like the Rajdoot RD350 which is also aligned to the 1984 time frame

It is definitively the RD 350, but the US spec. The design of the speedometer, taillight and biggest being front disc brake. This is one rare pair of RD's which don't smoke when ridden so slow.

Twin pipes..



Can see the front disc brake MC..

[Dry Ice]

Oh the nostalgia!

I still remember when I was a kid (~1990s) the parade used to be such an event. Everyone would be hooked onto their tv sets for the entire duration of the event. These bike formations were always awe inspiring (were they referred to as daredevils?). I can almost hear the Hindi commentary .. aur agli pankti mein manch ki or badhte ye jaanbaaz ..

I always loved the tableaus different states used to put up, each highlighting a unique aspect of the particular region.

A lot has changed now in the era of on-demand entertainment. I guess not a lot of folks sit through the event now apart from, maybe, the elders of the house.