Yezdi Roadking Scrambler: What To Expect?

Yes, Yezdi is all set to make a comeback. Here’s what we expect from its first modern motorcycle

The legendary Yezdi Roadking is all set to be resurrected albeit in a scrambler form. The motorcycle was recently spotted testing for the first time in the country. From expected pricing to features and launch details, here’s what we expect from the upcoming retro-modern motorcycle:

Expected pricing and launch timeline:

Yezdi motorcycles have always been relatively more affordable than Jawa bikes, so expect the brand to follow the same philosophy for its upcoming bike as well. The entry-level Jawa Forty Two is priced at Rs 1.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), so expect the Yezdi Roadking Scrambler to retail at around Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

The bike is likely to be launched in early 2022. By then, the Jawa Forty Two would’ve crossed the Rs 1.70 lakh mark, so the price gap between the Yezdi Roadking Scrambler and the Jawa Forty Two will widen even further.

Will pack Jawa’s potent powertrain:

The Yezdi Roadking Scrambler is powered by the same 293cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as the Jawa. While the engine head is similar to the Czech bike, the crankcase design is different. In fact it looks quite similar to the Yezdis of the yore. The motor churns out 27.33PS and 27.02Nm, paired to a 6-speed transmission. Expect the Roadking to have a slightly different tune, presumably with more low-end torque to suit its trail-friendly nature. 

A closer look at the secondary catalytic converter reveals it has been shaped somewhat similar to the expansion chamber of the two-stroke Yezdis for that crucial nostalgic effect. The twin upswept exhausts look quite crude in the test mule, but expect their design to be refined in the production version.

Trail-friendly underpinnings:

Yezdi has equipped the Roadking Scrambler with a raked out front fork with gaiters to prevent dust from entering the fork seals. The bike also has a fork offset (front wheel axle is located slightly ahead of the fork leg), which results in a slightly more stable steering while riding on the trails. The rear uses a pair of gas-charged shock absorbers with a reasonable amount of travel to take on rough terrain. 

The test mule appears to have a slightly larger front spoke wheel and a smaller rear for optimum off-road handling. Judging by the tread on the tubed tyres, they are likely to be MRF Zapper Kurve units -- same ones that the Honda CB350RS uses. The front disc rotor looks different from the 282mm unit in the Jawa. It could be slightly larger to go with the bigger front wheel. The rear is likely the same 240mm unit as the Czech retro bike. Expect a dual-channel ABS to be offered at least as an option.

Neo-retro design:

The Yezdi Roadking Scrambler gets a classic circular headlamp, simple-looking tear-drop fuel tank and a high-set rear fender with a ribbed single-piece seat. The number plate-integrated rear tyre hugger should keep the muck at bay. The sleek bullet indicators look minimalistic, and the bike also comes with a handlebar clamp-mounted key slot for extra convenience.

There’s no instrument cluster in the test mule, but we reckon the production version will have a semi-digital instrument cluster, just like the Jawas. The riding position is pretty upright thanks to the easy-to-reach handlebars. That said, the footpegs are slightly rear-set. 

Rivals:

The Yezdi Roadking Scrambler will be a more affordable alternative to the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250. It will also go up against the upcoming Yamaha XSR 250. Other notable choices in the Rs 1.60 lakh bracket include the Bajaj Dominar 250 and the Royal Enfield Classic 350.