Yezdi Roadking To Return In A Scrambler Avatar

An early prototype of the Yezdi Roadking Scrambler has been spotted testing for the first time

• The test mule’s crankcase design is distinctly similar to the original Yezdi Roadking.
• Features a raked-out front fork, spoke wheels, and block pattern tyres.
• Also gets scrambler-like braced handlebars, chopped rear fender, and dual exhausts.
• Launch likely early next year.

Looks like a resurrected version of the legendary Yezdi Roadking will soon hit the roads. An early-stage prototype has been spotted testing for the first time and going by the pictures, the Roadking will be taking a scrambler avatar. It could be named Yezdi Roadking Scrambler. 

A closer look at the engine crankcase reveals its shape is quite similar to the original Roadking while the engine head is similar to the one on the Jawa. So this motorcycle will use the same 293cc BS6-compliant single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as the Jawa, albeit packaged differently. In the Czech bike, it produces 27.33PS and 27.02Nm, but we’d love to see it tuned differently in the Roadking Scrambler to match its trail-friendly nature. The secondary catalytic converter seems to be designed to look like an expansion chamber for a nostalgic two-stroke look.

The motorcycle uses a raked-out front fork with an offset fork for a more stable steering to handle the trails. It is linked to a spoke wheel, which appears to be slightly larger than the one at the rear. The motorcycle uses a pair of gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. The block pattern tyres are oddly similar to the MRF Zapper Kurve unit on the Honda CB350RS. The bike uses disc brakes at both ends, with standard ABS.

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The motorcycle gets several scrambler-like elements. The tall handlebar is braced for extra rigidity. This, coupled with the neutral-set footpegs and bench seat, should make it comfortable to ride on the roads less travelled. The high-set rear fender is chopped for an off-road friendly look, but the bike does get a tyre hugger with an integrated number plate holder for practicality. You can’t deny how crude the dual upswept exhausts look, but we’re sure the final design will be much more aesthetically pleasing. The keyslot is also located near the handlebar clamp as opposed to the headstock-mounted unit in the Jawa.

Expect Yezdi to launch the motorcycle early next year. Since Yezdis were usually more affordable versions of Jawa bikes, expect the upcoming Yezdi Roadking Scrambler to be priced at around Rs 1.60 lakh (ex-showroom). To give you a perspective, the base Jawa Forty Two starts from Rs 1.68 lakh at the moment, but we reckon the price will cross the Rs 1.70 lakh barrier by the time the resurrected Roadking comes into the picture. 

This motorcycle will essentially be a more affordable, retro-themed alternative to the premium Husqvarna Svartpilen 250.

Image Credit: Kunal Bairagi (unroadrunner)