The Yamaha RX100 is not just a motorcycle—it is an emotion that defined an entire generation of Indian riders. For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, the Yamaha RX100 was a dream machine known for its raw power, lightweight body, and iconic exhaust sound. Even today, decades after it was discontinued, the love for the Yamaha RX100 remains stronger than ever.
Now, with discussions around its revival and growing nostalgia among enthusiasts, the Yamaha RX100 is once again becoming a hot topic among motorcycle lovers. In this detailed article, we explore the legacy, design, performance, mileage expectations, features, and why the Yamaha RX100 continues to be one of the most loved bikes in India.
Yamaha RX100 – Key Highlights
Here is a quick overview of the legendary Yamaha RX100:
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Engine: 98cc air-cooled, 2-stroke
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Power Output: Around 11 HP
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Gearbox: 4-speed manual
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Weight: Around 100 kg (lightweight design)
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Top Speed: Approx. 100 km/h
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Brakes: Drum brakes (front and rear)
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Mileage: 25–30 km/l (classic version)
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Production Period: 1985 to 1996
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Legacy: Cult classic motorcycle in India
The Yamaha RX100 became a benchmark for performance in its time.
Why Yamaha RX100 Became a Legend
The success of the Yamaha RX100 was not just because of its specifications, but because of the experience it offered. It was one of the fastest bikes in its segment and delivered unmatched thrill.
Reasons behind the popularity of the Yamaha RX100:
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Powerful 2-stroke engine performance
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Lightweight and agile handling
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Instant acceleration
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Unique and aggressive exhaust sound
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Sporty design for its time
The Yamaha RX100 gave riders a sense of freedom and excitement that was rare during its era.
Iconic Design That Still Feels Fresh
Even today, the design of the Yamaha RX100 looks simple yet attractive. Its classic styling has aged beautifully and continues to inspire modern retro bikes.
Design highlights of the Yamaha RX100 include:
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Sleek and slim fuel tank
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Chrome-finished elements
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Classic round headlamp
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Flat and comfortable seat
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Minimalist body panels
The clean and timeless design of the Yamaha RX100 is one of the biggest reasons why it still attracts collectors and enthusiasts.
Engine Performance and Riding Thrill
At the heart of the Yamaha RX100 was its 98cc 2-stroke engine. This engine produced around 11 horsepower, which was extremely impressive for a 100cc motorcycle of that time.
Performance highlights:
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Quick throttle response
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Strong low-end and mid-range power
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Fast acceleration
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Lightweight handling
The Yamaha RX100 was known for its instant pickup and thrilling riding experience. The sound of the engine itself became a signature identity.
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Lightweight Body and Easy Handling
The Yamaha RX100 weighed around 100 kg, which made it one of the lightest motorcycles in its category. This lightweight body provided excellent control and easy handling.
Benefits of lightweight design:
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Easy manoeuvrability in traffic
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Better cornering ability
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Comfortable city riding
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Smooth riding experience
Even today, many riders admire the agility of the Yamaha RX100.
Suspension and Ride Comfort
The Yamaha RX100 came with a simple yet effective suspension setup.
Suspension details:
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Telescopic front forks
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Swingarm rear suspension
This setup provided a comfortable ride even on rough Indian roads. The Yamaha RX100 was suitable for both city commuting and short highway rides.
Braking System and Safety
The braking system of the Yamaha RX100 consisted of drum brakes at both the front and rear.
While it did not have modern features like ABS or disc brakes, the braking performance was adequate for its lightweight body and speed.
The Yamaha RX100 offered decent stopping power for its time.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The original Yamaha RX100 delivered around 25–30 kmpl mileage depending on riding style and maintenance.
However, with modern updates and expected relaunch versions, there are talks of improved fuel efficiency, possibly around 50 kmpl with modern technology.
This makes the Yamaha RX100 not only powerful but also practical for daily use.
Yamaha RX100 Racing Legacy
The Yamaha RX100 was not just a commuter bike—it was also a racing legend. Many riders used it for drag racing and street competitions.
Its high revving engine and lightweight body made the Yamaha RX100 one of the fastest bikes in its segment.
Even today, modified Yamaha RX100 bikes are seen in racing events and enthusiast meets.
Why Yamaha RX100 is Still a Cult Classic
Even after being discontinued in 1996, the Yamaha RX100 remains one of the most loved motorcycles in India.
Reasons why it is still popular:
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Nostalgia and emotional value
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Raw engine performance
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Classic styling
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Strong enthusiast community
Many collectors still restore old Yamaha RX100 models and keep them in excellent condition.
Availability and Used Bike Market
Although the Yamaha RX100 is no longer in production, it is still available in the used bike market.
Price range:
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₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 (depending on condition)
Well-maintained models of the Yamaha RX100 can even cost more due to high demand among collectors.
Can Yamaha RX100 Be Used Today?
Yes, the Yamaha RX100 can still be used for daily commuting if maintained properly.
However, riders should consider:
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Availability of spare parts
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Fuel efficiency compared to modern bikes
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Maintenance requirements
Despite these challenges, many enthusiasts still prefer riding the Yamaha RX100 daily.
Expected Comeback of Yamaha RX100
There have been strong rumours and discussions about Yamaha bringing back the Yamaha RX100 in a new avatar.
The expected new version of the Yamaha RX100 may include:
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Modern engine technology
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Improved mileage
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Updated safety features
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Retained classic design
If Yamaha successfully revives the Yamaha RX100, it could become one of the biggest launches in the Indian two-wheeler market.
Who Should Consider Yamaha RX100?
The Yamaha RX100 is ideal for:
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Classic bike lovers
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Motorcycle collectors
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Retro bike enthusiasts
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Riders who enjoy raw performance
It is more than just a bike—it is a piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why was Yamaha RX100 discontinued?
The Yamaha RX100 was discontinued due to stricter emission norms that affected 2-stroke engines.
Q2. What is the mileage of Yamaha RX100?
The Yamaha RX100 offers around 25–30 kmpl in its original version.
Q3. Is Yamaha RX100 still available?
You can buy a used Yamaha RX100 from the second-hand market.
Q4. Is Yamaha RX100 good for daily use?
Yes, with proper maintenance, the Yamaha RX100 can still be used daily.
Q5. Why is Yamaha RX100 so popular?
Because of its powerful engine, lightweight body, and iconic sound.
Final Verdict
The Yamaha RX100 is not just a motorcycle—it is a legend that changed the Indian biking culture. With its raw performance, timeless design, and emotional value, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of riders.
Even after decades, the Yamaha RX100 remains one of the most iconic bikes in India. If Yamaha brings it back in a modern form, it will surely recreate history once again.
For riders who love classic motorcycles with strong performance and unique character, the Yamaha RX100 is truly a timeless masterpiece.
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