Yezdi Roadster Review: Pros and Cons

Gallery Introduction Pros Cons Conclusion

Introduction

The iconic motorcycle brand Yezdi made its comeback in India earlier this year with three motorcycles - Scrambler, Adventure, and Roadster. As is clear from the names, these bikes bring three different flavours to the table. What we are focusing on here is the neo-retro Roadster which was with us for a short duration in February, and you can read the first ride review here. Meanwhile, for the potential buyers who want a more concise summary of the review, here are the things we liked and disliked about the bike.

Pros

Pleasing aesthetics

The Yezdi Roadster is a very proportionate, neatly sculpted, and handsome-looking motorcycle. Some conventional old-school visual bits like a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and large and swooping fenders. However, it boasts a couple of special elements that enhance its road presence like blacked-out components throughout, fork gaiters, flat track-style handlebar, bar-end mirrors, and a pair of peashooter exhausts.

Sporty engine performance

The engine of the Yezdi Roadster has a sporty character which is more inclined towards spirited riding, unlike most old-school offerings with a relatively lazier and longer-stroke engine. It is powered by a 334cc, liquid-cooled engine that produces 29.23bhp and 28.95Nm. This unit likes to be revved and delivers a strong punch after crossing 4,000rpm. It is accompanied by a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox with short gear ratios which add to the engaging riding experience.

Easy to ride

The Roadster weighs (kerb) 184kg and it can’t be deemed as light weight. However, the seat height of 790mm is more accessible than a majority of bikes out there, thus making the Roadster very easy to mount on and flat-foot. Also, it boasts compact bodywork and dimensions which only adds to the sense of ease of riding and manoeuvring it. This is accompanied by a strong bite from the brakes, especially from the front disc. While the slow-speed handling is also decently agile, it doesn’t feel very connected and poised when pushing hard around corners.

Neutral ergonomics

During my short stint with the Roadster, I was relentlessly admiring the ergonomics it offers. The motorcycle feels quite comfortable due to the neutral riding stance it facilitates. You sit with your back upright and the wide handlebar is easy to reach. Further, adding a dash of sportiness are the slightly rear-seat footpegs. Even the cushioning of the seat feels dense and pampering but the final word on that can only be given after a long ride.

Cons

High NVH levels

While the engine performance of the Roadster is likeable in terms of acceleration, the presence of high vibrations spoils the party to some extent. There’s a noticeable buzz creeping in on the handlebar and pegs beyond 5,000rpm which keeps on increasing with the revs. Also, the engine feels considerably noisy in the higher revs which robs you of the fun this unit offers.

Low quality levels

The Roadster is undoubtedly an attractive motorcycle on the visual front. However, it could do with the better overall build quality. The test unit had multiple unfinished welds and bolts, the engine cooling fins had rough cuts, and some of the components like the rear grab rail were loose and shaky. Moreover, the paint quality in some areas felt slightly substandard.

Conclusion

The Yezdi Roadster is an attractive package for those who want a modern-classic motorcycle which offers great visual appeal, sporty engine performance, comfortable ergonomics, strong brakes, decent handling dynamics, and some modern features. And if Yezdi manages to iron out some of the issues we mentioned, the Roadster’s desirability will go several notches higher. The prices of the Roadster start from Rs 2.01 lakh and go up to Rs 2.09 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the colour option.