Motorcycling has changed a lot over last two-three decades but there are some names that still manage to stir some nostalgia and respect in the world of two wheels. One of those names is Yamaha RX100.
Introducing the RX100 stuff was first in 1985 and RX100 name was already popular in India, the bike literally swept motorcyclists away by how it looks AND how performant for its budget priced class.
It wasn’t a motorcycle (it had more freedom, youth at the time.) The RX100 was, for college students and young professionals (and even later in life we think romantics just want it often) a lengthy wishfulfilled compact sparkling ray.
However afterwards in the 1990s it stopped production, the RX100 slowly died away into the pages of history. Even though from even before it had been looted form the shelves of stores, its legacy being but a memory now — enthusiasts can still find and preserve an original form of the classic RX100. Yamahas has at last revealed it, as it has launched the RX100 — a return of long dormant motorcycle history from Indian waters.
What should we expect from the new Yamaha RX100 though? Will it evolve into the vintage appeal we know, or will it live without vintage character?
In this article, we will review the reincarnation of Yamaha RX100 and how it came about from its past to its present status till finally coming back with a new brand of the modern version of this legendary bike. Like you an older fan of the RX100 or maybe a newbie to motorcycles, in this feature we take a deep dive into what we need to know about the Yamaha RX100 relaunch.
RX100: A classic from days gone by
Yamaha RX100, THE PIONEER
Yamaha RX100 was launched in India way back in 1985 when Indian Two Wheeler market was a hitters mixer two-thumbs up product categories bike. Since most motorcycles were conceived around efficiency and usability not as much performance, thrill. Still Yamaha though had the big picture
RX100 was meant to be an elite sports bike in economy category, and that was the desire from Yamaha. The RX100 was powered by a 98cc, air-cooled and two-stroke yielding only 11 horsepower, but it was as light on the gas on country roads. RX100 was a Jewish revelation in this age most motorcycles were sluggish machines (¼ of a mile per hour is considered fast). It delivered a refined, muscular performance between 2000 and 100 km / h which was very high for the segment then.
However, it was not just the raw power of the RX100 what set it apart. The bike was a precision machined minimalist cockpit about style and nimbleness In every royal sunset’s line, straight fuel tank and the headlamp were making RX100 a presence on the road. The balance of weight and sporty design was perfect for city traffic but also allowed it to have a surprisingly stiffley frame and handle bars for highway & backroads rides.
RX100: Popularity and Legacy
RX100 was widely loved, especially with younger riders. It quickly became known as a city kid favorite in urban hubs like Mumbai, delhi and Bangalore, where the youth culture was just taking shape and riding a motorcycle resembled initiation.
What really set it all apart was the bike’s performance. RX100 had a two stroke engine which was whip-snappy through the throttle, delivering to the RX100 pure joy performance. It was in perfect equilibrium between the powertrain and nimbleness needed to maneuver through tight city mazes or anything longer without feeling tired.
RX100 was not a streetwise in your urban areas; it was almost unforgettable to rural India. Farmers, small business people and anyone else out in the wilds with a need for a motorcyle that would ride rough and close your wheel just as well was at home on the Dyna.
Although limited to sale in the early 90s, the RX100 would have influence down the line. The RX100 in particular is one of the most highly-regarded, if not the most, iconic motorcycles ever produced and can be one of the talking points (along with last but not least) on the burner in 2025. They restore and modify RX100s, so the bike lives on for new generations.
Yamaha RX100 — The rider that got away and now is back…
Echoing Current & Changing Times/Consumer Needs
In the present times steered by a fast changing Indian motorcycle market, Yamaha is relaunching its RX100. It’s not just another means of transport, it is motorcycling. Current riders demand performance from their motorcycles, but expect style and technology as well with some connectivity. Yamaha also sees an interesting chance to re-introduce the RX100 by borrowing modern technology with this change in demand for consumers.
The first RX100 was a two-stroke engine (not surprisingly, it was discontinued around the time of increasingly stringent emission regulations) so naturally the newest RX100 is going to have a better-balanced four-stroker which should satisfy any modern emission norms. By way of this new age rider stock, the RX100 also becomes as appropriate for it’s modern environmentally conscious riders as it was when originally released.
Retro Motorcycling: A Reminiscence
One of the most important reason for bringing back Yamaha RX100 to the road is due to niche chasing retro motorcycles. Over the last few years a rising collectibles industry has brought out more than just road machines: riders seeking something old but made with modern touches. Bikes like Royal Enfields Classic 350, Jawa 42 and Honda CB350 has told the world that retro has covered motorcycle is needed the most. Bringing the RX100 back in style, Yamaha was heavily nostalgic with a smattering of modern technology.
Using Yamaha Brand Name
Yamaha has had a great history with their powerful motorcycles. Whether it is the Rz15 or the FZ, Yamaha has always been associated with performance, cutting edge technology and solid build quality. Instead bringing RX100 back, Yamaha used its powerful image and reputation in Indian market. The RX100 is laden with history that will enchant the brand’s die-hards and an army of new customers seeking a different motorcycle.
Nostalgia and Emotional Appeal
The re-release of RX100 is a nostalgic for those who had it during the old days. Remember the RX100, and to dream owning a Yamaha RX100 was the dream. RX100 was more than just a bike, it was freedom with vibrations and adventure they said… Yamaha have revived the RX100 to do it all according to these sentiments and reignite a whole generation’s love affair with two wheels.
The Future of the Improved Yamaha RX100
The new Yamaha RX100 is expected to take what made the old design such a boon, and synthesize it with contemporary engineering and design. Although the fundamental DNA of these bikes will stay almost the same, there will be tons of bolt-ons for it to be a very competitive proposition on the market.
Engine and Performance
The original RX100 worked on a 2-stroke engine which was eventually retired system due to being environmentally unfriendly and emission regulations. It is very likely that the RX100’s engine is 4-stroke and conforms to current emission standards yet still offers pure thrills for riding. It will be fine-tuned to be able to deliver a good mix of performance and economy, to get you around town and on those long miles.
The new RX100 will have about 11-12 horsepower, which places it well in the 100cc-125cc segment as direct competitor to the Honda CB Shine, the Bajaj Pulsar 125 and TVS Raider. To make it less fuel thirsty, and fuel oriented; have a fast response throttle (or give it the application of an exhaust-system).
Design and Styling
The new RX100 will be more of a contemporary version of the original in styling terms, while still retaining its retro (andcool)minded essence which appealed so much to early adopters. You can expect a fuel tank that is likely going to be more angular and muscular with give the bike a finer stance as standard. Expect to see a modern exhaust system, new alloy wheels and graphics to add some new life to the bike whilst not forgetting the heritage of the classic entity.
The RX100 will be updated with new LED lighting as well such as the LED headlights and tail lamps, both of which will serve visibility yet looks to add flare to the bike. The digital instrument cluster should look pretty neat, displaying to the rider everything they need (speed, fuel left & trip information).
Advanced Features
The next Yamaha RX100 will be a compliant baby of the original model, set to include some advanced features that are just impossible today. Some of these features may be like:
- Digital instrument cluster: similar to above but maybe more information such as the trip details (altitude, power consumed) live telemetry from KZ240.
- Other: LED lighting (headlights, taillights and turn indicators They are energy savers and look cool! )
Yamaha can possibly add Bluetooth for smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to pair their phones with the bike for features such as navigation, music and call notifictions. - ABS (Anti-lock Braking System.: As the new RX-100 may feature inside-ABS, the wheels will remain to a full lock during the hard breaking (for safer performance on difficult conditions)
Suspension and handling
Since the RX100 is going to be a refined than its predecessor according to reports this range-topper might come with even better handling focused suspension system. Equipped with the latest front, telescopic forks and a twin shock absorber chaper on bike handles city traffic or bumpy-roads. The goal is to please the ride more while keeping its sporty handling that made the RX100 so addictive to ride.
Pricing and Availability
How the new Yamaha RX100 will pan out largely depends on pricing, which seems a very important element in the success of the motorcycle. As you can surmise from its nomenclature RX100 is expected to be an at affordable but performance oriented bike targeted at the young rider crowd. The bike will likely cost
₹90,000–₹1.10 Lakhs : And the product will be fairly competitive at this price level from 100cc-150cc segment.
For starters, the new RX100 is likely to make initial waves on limited select cities infrastructure and then am able to normalise its availability across India. There will be some color options from Yamaha that riders can pick if they wish to have a version with a look that they feel may suit better.
A Brief Review on Resurgent Icon – A Legacy of Eternity.
More than just a motorcycle — the Yamaha RX100 is a real-life icon. The resurrection of this classic bike is a monumental event in the annals of Indian motorcycling. We all know the RX100 had a rare combination of performance, style and affordability & it was one motorcycle which bound so many hearts and with the new version Yamaha is set to do it again.
From retro styling to modern features, strong performance power the new RX100 off to good start in Indian two-wheeler market. Whether you are a traditional RX100 fan of the old school or just entering this joy, I believe Yamaha RX100 launch will be one of interesting new chapter for Motorcycle World.
Hrm… So you up for reliving the good ol days of Yamaha RX100? Tell us in the comments what you think of this TOPIC REBIRTH (Motorcycle) and your reaction.