Yamaha RX 100: A Legendary Motorcycle Making a Comeback in 2025

Yamaha RX 100

Tech

Author: Hriday Verma

Published: December 27, 2024

The Yamaha RX 100 is a legendary motorcycle that has carved out its unique niche in the hearts of the motorcycle enthusiasts. Launched in the mid-1980s, this iconic bike became an overnight favorite owing to its sleek design, powerful engine, and unmatched performance. It’s interesting to examine the history, specifications, and future prospects of this most-loved motorcycle as it is going to be expected in the market in 2024.

Historical Background

In addition, its passion to achieve performance motorcycles for the Indian market led Yamaha to consider partnering with Escorts Motors Limited. Thus, November 1985 was the launching time of RX 100. It has a two-stroke 98cc engine. It reached a speed of up to 100 km/h within a weight of 103 kilograms. It gained attention because of its small measurements, swift acceleration, and unique exhaust note.

The RX 100’s influence went beyond the motorcycling world. It represented youth and freedom, became the steed of choice for rebellious heroes1 in Bollywood movies. Ownership of an RX 100 was a status symbol among the small towns and cities of India. This created the culture of enthusiasts owning the RX 100. RX 100 clubs sprouted all over. Rides and meetups and racing began to be organized.

The Comeback

Fast forward to the present, and the motorcycling world is abuzz with excitement over the return of the RX 100. Yamaha announced that the company will be launching the new RX 100 on 15th January, 2025. The new RX 100 is equipped with a four-stroke engine with fuel injection. Even though the earlier two-stroke engine used to define it, the company is working to give better performance without neglecting environment-friendly aspects.

Design and Features

The new RX 100 would hold on to the vintage charisma with the round head lamp, curvy fuel tank, and other parts given a chrome finish. More contemporary features include LED light, digital display, alloy wheels, and suspension that is monoshock-type. The design is aimed at bringing the look at once both vintage as well as contemporary so both older fans and the latest can enjoy the same ride.

Performance and Specifications

The new RX 100 is expected to have a 98cc engine similar to the original, but it will have a four-stroke layout and fuel injection, which will give a cleaner and more efficient ride. It should come with a top speed of approximately 100 km/h and a very agile ride feel that will be close to its original heritage. Its ride quality and performance are further improved by the modern hardware and suspension system.

Yamaha RX 100 Price

The RX 100 comeback has created much hype among motorcycling enthusiasts. Given its expected price range, which is between ₹1,40,000 and ₹1,50,000, the new RX 100 will find a place in both the nostalgia-tinged buyers’ pockets and the newcomer’s saddle bags. This decision of Yamaha to revive this legend brings out the very reason that it is still there in Indian motorcycling history.

Also Read: Yamaha RX 100 Price

Yamaha RX 100 Mileage

One of the key selling points of the Yamaha RX 100 was its impressive mileage. The bike was known to deliver about 35-45 kilometres per liter, which at that time was very good performance for a two-stroke engine. With this mileage and the fact that the bike had been robust in performance, daily commuters and long-distance riders were attracted to it by the thousands.

Yamaha RX 100 New Model 2024

With so many speculations about the potential launch of Yamaha RX 100 in the year 2024, motorcycle buffs are already all abuzz. Although the company never officially confirmed it, much excitement is evident. Supposedly, if ever it will hit the scene, it’s going to have all that classic aspect which made the original an overnight hit. However, the new design will reflect the modern-day technologies which can fit and meet any standards today.

The new model is likely to be a much-refined and fuel-efficient engine, with better safety features and even advanced connectivity options. Design will remain true to the original, with a retro look appealing to vintage bike lovers and new-generation riders.

Yamaha RX 100 Launch Date in India

Official date for the launch of this new Yamaha RX 100 model is still not known for its India version. Sources close to the industry consider the belief that if there happens to be the new model, they could be launched anytime near late 2024. But with the hope to re-seen this icon machine by Yamaha, Yamaha Fans will be waiting to catch an update on similar lines.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx

Competitors of Yamaha RX 100

This comparison of several motorcycle models can lead to the discovery of the most reliable and efficient model. Let’s break it down and compare how Yamaha RX 100 will perform against Keeway SR125, Bajaj Freedom 125, and TVS Raider in comparison.

Feature Yamaha RX 100 Keeway SR125 Bajaj Freedom 125 TVS Raider
Engine Displacement 98cc 125cc 125cc 125cc
Max Power 11.2 PS @ 7500 rpm 9.56 PS @ 9000 rpm 9.5 PS @ 8000 rpm 9.8 PS @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque 8.6 Nm @ 6500 rpm 8.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm 9.7 Nm @ 5000 rpm 10.5 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Transmission 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 5-speed manual 5-speed manual
Mileage 35-45 km/l 48 km/l 65 km/l 60 km/l
Price INR 1,00,000 INR 1,20,000 INR 89,997 INR 1,00,000
Notable Features Classic design Modern design Commuter-friendly Sporty design

Legacy and Impact

The influence of Yamaha RX 100 in the Indian motorcycle market is just enormous. It has set a new benchmark in terms of performance and reliability, inspiring a generation of riders and influencing the design of future motorcycles. Besides that, the RX 100 was also famous for its exhaust note, which had become synonymous with the bike and added to its charm.

Over the years, RX 100 has become a sort of cult. Dedicated clubs and communities have sprung to celebrate the bike’s history. Owners are very particular about keeping their RX 100s well maintained and restored, maintaining the integrity of the originality as well as the performance of the bike. The cult following for RX 100 has also helped create an aftermarket industry with spare parts and accessories that are on offer to enthusiasts.

The Future of Yamaha RX 100

As we wait for this new Yamaha RX 100 model to hit the streets in 2024, we must consider which other features and innovations would feature on the new version. Some of the changes for the new RX 100 could be a more fuel-efficient engine, modern ABS, suspension, and further braking capability.

Advanced connectivity, to include integration with smartphones even GPS, can also make it appeal to modern-tech-savvy riders. Further, the model can involve eco-friendly features as Yamaha promised an environment-friendly approach with a healthy commitment towards responsible behavior on the environment.

Conclusion

Yamaha RX 100 occupies a very special place in the Indian motorcycles annals. The design, powerful performance, and legacy have always been all-time favorites among the riders. While looking toward the possibility of the new RX 100 model in the pipeline sometime in 2024, the excitement and eagerness to know are indeed testaments to the unrelenting popularity of this bike legend. Whether one is an old-age enthusiast or a new-age rider, the story behind Yamaha RX 100 tells the story of passion, innovation, and timeless charm.

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