Yezdi Roadster BS6.2 Road Test Review: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

When we first rode the Yezdi Roadster, we came back impressed and after putting it head-to-head with the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, the Yezdi’s intention was clear. If a relaxed seating posture, an easygoing engine and a chilled-out riding experience are what you are looking for, the Yezdi Roadster is not for you. It is for someone who’s looking for an engaging ride, for this bike loves keeping you on your toes. 

But even then, it had a chink in its armour: refinement. The Yezdi’s engine felt crude, clattery and robbed the joy of enjoying this motorcycle. Now with the BS6.2 version, Classic Legends has done more than just comply with the emission norms. But has that helped Yezdi’s case? Let’s find out.

Vibe Check

Right from the moment you thumb the starter, the Yezdi Roadster feels much more refined than the previous iteration. As the revs build, and they do so eagerly on this engine, vibrations do creep in from the footpegs, handlebar and after 6,000rpm become more pronounced. But the zealous engine and the engaging chassis doesn’t let you focus there. And what was even more surprising was that the clunkiness of the gearbox and crudeness of the powertrain was nearly gone.

But there’s a downside to that. The Yezdi Roadster is now a bit slower than it was before. Does it make a big difference on the go? Not really. And honestly, I’d rather compromise on the performance and have a refined, mechanically sound engine instead.

Yezdi has achieved this with a new geartrain, engine cover and piston which has reduced the mechanical clatter. Furthermore, the updated crankshaft, balancer shaft, cylinder block and crankcase have reduced the vibrations.

More Tractable Than Before? 

All the aforementioned changes have made the Yezdi Roadster a little composed between 2,000rpm to 3,000rpm. However, it isn’t more tractable than before. Would I have liked it to be? Well, not really. The Yezdi Roadster is a brat within, and chugging along at low rpm wouldn’t suit its personality.

Unleash The Brat Within

One thing that is still the same as the previous iteration is the Roadster’s brattiness. The tall, wide handlebar and the neutrally placed footpegs keep you in a very commanding posture. And it’s not just the ergonomics, but also how willing the bike feels to change direction. The peppy engine coupled with the capable chassis ensures that commutes aren’t mundane and you are keeping up with those modern-looking machines on the weekend sprints to the canyons.

The MRF tyres offer good grip in dry and even wet conditions. And braking too is a lot better now. However, do note that the improvement here is from the ABS system and subsequently the feedback from the lever.

Verdict

The Yezdi Roadster has had noticeable improvements from the previous iteration. It feels much more polished, and in a sense, a more complete product. That said, the Yezdi Roadster still has its work cut out for it. The refinement is still not as much as you’d expect from a product that costs Rs 2.08 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Then there are some small issues that could improve the riding experience a lot. For instance, the Roadster’s bar-end mirrors limit your arm movement, especially when you are cornering. Then there are the side panels that bulge out and in turn get your feet in an awkward, heel-out-toes-in position.

Yes, despite its appearance, it is far from a cruiser’s riding experience. But, if you are looking for a bratty bike with a retro charm, the Yezdi Roadster won’t disappoint.