Available for only a few years in the 1980s, the Yamaha RD350 occupies a special place in Indian motorcycle culture. But in India, it became as much about the attendant rebellion and freedom this generation of riders ascribed to the Vmax as it was about performance stats. More than just transportation, coming of the bike in India, coincided with that time of economic, cultural change. The sound of its distinctive two stroke engine, the way it accelerated so quickly and the fact that it was so difficult to ride well all helped make it a legend. Still today, the RD350’s influence on Indian motorcycling continues, with restored examples fetching high prices and young bike riders still dreaming of having one themselves. What made the Yamaha RD350 from India go from being just another motorcycle to become an enduring icon?