2024 Yezdi Roadking 500 Launch Soon: Exciting Must-Know Aspects

The Roadking 500 will be based on an all-new platform from Yezdi 

• The Roadking 500 will pay homage to the original Yezdi Roadking from back in the 90s
• With the Roadking 500, Yezdi is going for a properly retro design, given the sheer amount of round elements on offer
• As for its engine, it will be a downsized version of the BSA Gold Star’s 650cc single-cylinder engine

 Yezdi has diligently pursued the revival of the iconic Yezdi Roadking moniker, and recent sightings of the Yezdi Roadking 500 and Yezdi Roadking 350 at a dealer's event indicate that they are edging closer to their goal. These motorcycles provide a glimpse into the eventual production models. Upon launch, the Roadking 500 will rival Hero Mavrick 440, Harley-Davidson X440, Triumph Speed 400, and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 450.

While detailed information on the Roadking 350 is available elsewhere, let's explore what we know about the Roadking 500 in the following sections:

Roadking 500 Design Language

The Yezdi Roadking 500 features a raked-out front, round LED headlight, circular LED indicators, and a twin-pod instrument cluster, all paying homage to the original Roadking. The console is expected to be an analogue unit with a digital inset.

The fuel tank, with its sharp lines, may appear somewhat boxy but maintains a sleek profile reminiscent of the original Roadking. Additionally, the design of the crankcase also nods to the aesthetics of the original model. 

That said, we doubt that the upcoming Roadking 500 or even the Roadking 350 will be as much of attention magnets as say its Royal Enfield rivals like the Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650 or even the Classic 350. They are all substantially bigger bikes than the Roadking 500 and will be much bigger attention grabbers when out on the road. That said, Yezdi bikes have never been attention magnets anyway. So if that is what you really want, you might want to actually consider the Royal Enfield bikes instead of Yezdis. 

Roadking 500 Engine

Both Yezdi and BSA are under the ownership of Classic Legends. Given that BSA already offers the Gold Star 650, it is logical for Yezdi to utilise that platform and develop a smaller-capacity bike, considering Yezdis are perceived as more accessible than premium BSA motorcycles. Considering this, the Roadking 500's engine could have a capacity of around 450-500cc. The engine is expected to be liquid-cooled, as evidenced by the prominent radiator in the video, with fins enhancing its retro appeal.

Given its large-capacity single-cylinder configuration, the engine is likely to deliver ample torque. It wouldn't be surprising if it produces around 40Nm, akin to the now-discontinued Royal Enfield Classic 500.

Roadking 500 Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

The 2024 Roadking 500 appears to be constructed on a dual-cradle frame and features a telescopic fork and monoshock suspension setup. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both ends, possibly equipped with dual-channel ABS. The bike is equipped with Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tyres, likely with a 110-section upfront and 130-section at the rear.

As for the dual cradle frame, we think it could be straight off the BSA Gold Star in order to accommodate such a large capacity single-cylinder engine. That said, we hope Yezdi tweaks the frame for it to suit the Roadking 500. And that is because the BSA Gold Star is essentially quite a heavy bike. So given how much less we expect the Roadking 500 to weigh, we hope that such tweaks are made so that the chassis does not end up being a rather stiff one for the Roadking 500. 

Roadking 500 India Launch Timeline

It is anticipated that the 2024 Yezdi Roadking 500 will be priced at around Rs 2.5 lakh ex-showroom and could be launched around late 2024. Why relatively high? Well, the Roadking 500 will eventually be Yezdi’s flagship bike for India, and hence the relatively high price tag. That said, when you factor in the fact that you get a 500cc bike for that money, it does not seem all that much more. Plus given how well bikes in this segment have been priced over the past couple of months, that is something that Yezdi will have to absolutely nail. 

The Yezdi Roadster will primarily compete against other roadsters in the market such as the QJ Motor SRC 500, Hero Mavrick 440, Harley-Davidson X440, Triumph Speed 400, and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 450, which was recently spotted testing. Interestingly, all the aforementioned bikes are brilliantly priced (as we mentioned earlier). So we hope Yezdi is also able to come up with a very competitive price tag.