Yamaha RX 100: In the storied landscape of Indian motorcycling, few names evoke as much nostalgia and passion as the Yamaha RX 100.

This lightweight two-stroke marvel, first introduced to the Indian market in 1985, quickly transcended its status as mere transportation to become a cultural phenomenon that defined an era of motorcycling in the subcontinent.

After decades of absence, Yamaha has finally answered the persistent calls of enthusiasts with a thoroughly reimagined RX 100 for 2025—a motorcycle that honors its heritage while embracing contemporary engineering solutions.

Yamaha RX 100: The Original Phenomenon

To understand the significance of the 2025 revival, one must first appreciate the impact of the original RX 100.

Introduced during a period when Indian motorcycling was dominated by utilitarian commuters, the RX 100 offered something radically different—lightweight construction paired with a peppy two-stroke engine that delivered thrilling acceleration previously unavailable at its price point.

The original motorcycle’s specifications were modest by today’s standards: a 98cc air-cooled two-stroke single producing approximately 11 horsepower at 7,500 RPM.

However, with a kerb weight of just 95 kilograms, this translated to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio that made the motorcycle feel considerably more potent than its numbers suggested.

Its quick-revving nature, distinctive exhaust note, and nimble handling captured the imagination of a generation of riders seeking affordable performance.

Production of the original model continued until 1996, when increasingly stringent emission regulations rendered its two-stroke engine commercially unviable.

Despite this, the motorcycle’s reputation only grew in its absence, with well-maintained examples commanding premium prices in the used market and enthusiast communities maintaining these machines with almost religious devotion.

Design Philosophy: Honoring Heritage While Embracing Modernity

The 2025 RX 100 represents a delicate balancing act for Yamaha’s design team—honoring the iconic silhouette while integrating contemporary elements necessary for a modern motorcycle.

The result is immediately recognizable as an RX 100, though careful examination reveals thoughtful reinterpretation rather than slavish reproduction.

“We approached this project with tremendous respect for the original,” explains Hideki Fujiwara, Yamaha Motor’s Senior General Manager of Design. “

Our goal was to capture its essence—the lightweight feel, the responsive character, the minimalist aesthetic—while creating something relevant for today’s riders.”

The distinctive fuel tank maintains its original shape, with the characteristic indentations for knee grip and the iconic Yamaha emblem.

The long, flat seat continues to suggest the possibility of carrying a passenger while prioritizing rider mobility.

The side panels and tail section echo the clean lines of the original, though with subtle sculpting that provides visual interest without compromising the essential simplicity.

Chrome elements feature prominently on the headlamp housing, mirrors, and exhausts—visual touchpoints that connect directly to the original model.

However, LED lighting technology updates the front and rear light signature, improving visibility while maintaining period-appropriate shapes.

The instrument cluster combines analog tachometer with a small digital display, preserving the mechanical connection riders expect while providing modern convenience.

Perhaps most importantly, the new model maintains the slim profile and compact dimensions that made the original so maneuverable in urban environments.

Despite incorporating modern components and safety features, Yamaha’s engineers have managed to keep the visual mass centralized and the overall proportions faithful to the 1985 model.

Engineering Excellence: Modern Performance with Character

While the exterior pays homage to the past, the engineering beneath represents a thoroughly modern approach to motorcycle design.

The heart of the 2025 RX 100 is an all-new 150cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine—a significant departure from the original’s two-stroke powerplant, but a necessary evolution to meet contemporary emission standards.

This new engine produces 18.5 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 16.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM—figures that significantly exceed the original while maintaining compliance with BS6 Phase II emission regulations.

Variable valve timing technology helps deliver a broad torque curve that mimics the responsive character of the original two-stroke, with particular attention paid to low and mid-range performance where most everyday riding occurs.

The five-speed transmission features precisely calibrated ratios that maximize the engine’s output characteristics, with a light clutch pull that facilitates easy modulation in urban traffic.

Final drive comes via chain, with gearing selected to provide brisk acceleration while maintaining comfortable cruising capability.

The chassis employs a tubular steel frame designed with flex characteristics that echo the original’s lively handling while incorporating modern safety standards.

Suspension duties are handled by telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, both tuned to provide a balance of comfort and sporting capability.

The 17-inch wire-spoke wheels not only honor the original’s aesthetic but provide ride quality benefits over rough surfaces compared to alloy alternatives.

Braking sees significant upgrades, with a 280mm disc brake at the front paired with a 220mm rear disc—both equipped with dual-channel ABS that can be switched to single-channel mode for those who prefer some rear-wheel mobility on loose surfaces.

This represents perhaps the most significant safety enhancement over the original’s drum brake arrangement.

The result weighs 115 kilograms (kerb)—heavier than the original but still remarkably light by modern standards.

This enables a power-to-weight ratio that delivers on the RX promise of accessible performance, with 0-60 km/h acceleration in approximately 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 120 km/h.

Technology Integration: Subtle But Meaningful

Yamaha has taken a restrained approach to technology integration, adding modern conveniences without compromising the motorcycle’s elemental character.

The lighting system is fully LED, providing improved visibility while consuming less power.

The instrument cluster combines an analog tachometer with a digital display showing speed, fuel level, gear position, and trip information.

Connectivity features include Bluetooth integration with Yamaha’s Y-Connect application, allowing riders to receive notification alerts, track maintenance schedules, and record ride data.

However, these features remain entirely optional, preserving the pure riding experience for those who prefer to remain disconnected.

Perhaps most importantly, Yamaha has incorporated modern safety features without altering the fundamental riding experience.

The dual-channel ABS system operates unobtrusively, while a simple traction control system provides a safety net in slippery conditions without dulling throttle response during normal operation.

Both systems can be configured or disabled through a discreet mode switch on the handlebar.

Performance Comparison

Specification	1985 Yamaha RX 100	2025 Yamaha RX 100
Engine Type	98cc Two-Stroke	150cc Four-Stroke
Maximum Power	11 HP @ 7,500 RPM	18.5 HP @ 8,500 RPM
Maximum Torque	10.39 Nm @ 6,500 RPM	16.5 Nm @ 6,500 RPM
Transmission	4-Speed	5-Speed
Kerb Weight	95 kg	115 kg
Fuel Efficiency	~30 km/l	~45 km/l
Top Speed	100 km/h	120 km/h
Braking System	Drum (F & R)	Disc (F & R) with ABS
Fuel Capacity	10.5 liters	12 liters
Price (at launch)	₹ 12,000	₹ 1,25,000

Key Highlights:

Heritage-inspired design faithfully recreating the iconic silhouette
All-new 150cc four-stroke engine delivering spirited performance
Lightweight construction (115 kg kerb weight) enabling exceptional agility
Premium fit and finish with meticulous attention to detail
Wire-spoke wheels maintaining period-correct aesthetic
LED lighting system with classic round headlamp design
Disc brakes with switchable dual-channel ABS
Bluetooth connectivity with optional smartphone integration
Modern emission compliance without compromising character
Natural riding position ideal for both urban and highway use
Accessible seat height accommodating riders of various statures
Analog-digital instrument cluster blending heritage with functionality
Available in three heritage-inspired color schemes
Limited production ensuring exclusivity
Comprehensive three-year warranty with roadside assistance

Riding Experience: Capturing the Essence

The true measure of the 2025 RX 100’s success lies not in its specifications or features, but in how faithfully it recreates the visceral experience that made the original a legend.

Early media rides suggest Yamaha has succeeded in this crucial aspect, delivering a motorcycle that feels spiritually connected to its predecessor despite its thoroughly modern underpinnings.

The riding position remains natural and unintimidating, with a narrow midsection and comfortable reach to the handlebars.

The seat, while appearing slim, provides surprising comfort for rides of moderate duration. Controls operate with precision, from the light clutch pull to the positive gear shifts and responsive throttle.

In motion, the motorcycle demonstrates the nimble handling that defined the original, changing direction with minimal input and holding lines confidently through corners.

The suspension, while simple in design, provides sufficient compliance over rough surfaces while maintaining stability during spirited riding.

The engine character deserves particular mention, as it successfully approximates the eager response of the original two-stroke despite its four-stroke architecture.

While the distinctive ring-ding exhaust note cannot be replicated due to emission requirements, Yamaha’s engineers have tuned the intake and exhaust to produce a pleasingly mechanical sound that increases in urgency as revs build.

Most importantly, the 2025 model captures the essence of motorcycling that made the original so beloved—an unfiltered connection between rider and machine, with sufficient performance to entertain without intimidating.

It remains a motorcycle that rewards skillful riding while remaining accessible to those with more modest experience.

Market Positioning and Target Demographic

The 2025 RX 100 occupies a unique position in the Indian motorcycle market.

Priced at ₹1,25,000 (ex-showroom), it commands a premium over conventional 150cc commuters but offers a distinctive riding experience and undeniable heritage value that justifies the difference.

Yamaha identifies three primary target demographics for the new model.

First are original RX owners, now in their 40s and 50s, seeking to recapture the motorcycling experiences of their youth but with modern reliability and safety features.

Second are younger enthusiasts who have grown up hearing stories of the original from parents and mentors, eager to experience a modern interpretation of this legendary machine.

Third are collectors and connoisseurs who appreciate the cultural significance of the RX name and its place in Indian motorcycling history.

Production will be limited to 5,000 units in the first year, with subsequent volumes to be determined based on market response.

This controlled availability not only ensures quality control but adds an element of exclusivity appropriate for a motorcycle of such significance.

Yamaha RX 100

The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 represents a thoughtful revival of an iconic model, balancing reverence for heritage with pragmatic modernization.

By focusing on the character and riding experience that made the original legendary, rather than merely replicating its specification sheet, Yamaha has created a motorcycle that honors its namesake while remaining relevant for contemporary riders.

In an era increasingly dominated by complex, technology-laden motorcycles that often isolate rather than connect rider to road, the new RX 100 offers a refreshingly direct experience—proof that the fundamental pleasures of motorcycling transcend technological epochs.

Its success will likely be measured not merely in sales figures but in the emotional response it evokes—both from those reconnecting with a beloved machine from their past and those discovering its special qualities for the first time.

The legend of the RX 100 continues, reimagined for a new generation while remaining true to the qualities that made the original a cultural phenomenon.