There are bikes. Then there are legends. The Yamaha RX 100 falls in the second group. Even today, decades after it stopped production, this bike is still remembered, loved, and talked about. For many Indians, it wasn’t just a two-wheeler. It was a part of their youth, a part of their identity.
If you’re someone who has seen or heard this bike in action, you’ll know what we’re talking about. That sound. That pickup. That feel. The RX 100 wasn’t just fast. It was fearless.
Let’s take a ride through the story of the Yamaha RX 100. From how it started, why people loved it so much, and what its future could look like.
The Beginning of RX 100 in India
The Yamaha RX 100 came to India in 1985. At that time, most bikes on the road were either slow or too big. There was nothing that really blended speed, style, and simplicity.
Then came Yamaha with the RX 100. It had a 98cc two-stroke engine, but don’t be fooled by the numbers. It was light, quick, and super responsive.
In fact, the RX 100 could do 0 to 60 km/h in just 7 seconds. For that time, this was shocking. Most other bikes were nowhere close.
Yamaha launched the RX 100 in partnership with Escorts Group in India. The idea was to give Indians a bike that was compact, efficient, and fun to ride.
The Design That Made Heads Turn
One look at the RX 100 and you’ll get it. It had that classic roadster look. Nothing too fancy. Just clean, sharp lines.
It had:
- A round headlamp
- Flat, wide handlebar
- Sleek fuel tank with bold RX 100 branding
- Twin rear shocks
- Long comfortable seat
- Chrome fenders and mirrors
The design was simple but attractive. It didn’t try too hard. And that’s why it clicked with so many people.
People loved to modify it too. Some added loud exhausts. Some gave it custom paint. Some made it low and sporty. It became a canvas for creativity.
Performance: Light Body, Big Punch
Let’s talk about what made the RX 100 so popular on the streets. It was that power-to-weight ratio.
The bike weighed just around 103 kg, and the engine produced about 11 bhp. That may not sound like much today, but back then, it was a rocket.
The two-stroke engine gave a sudden and sharp burst of power. As soon as you twisted the throttle, the bike jumped forward. The exhaust made that famous “ting-ting-ting” sound. It was music for bike lovers.
Even the gearbox was sharp. It had a 4-speed transmission that worked like butter. You could go from 0 to 100 km/h in no time.
Top speed? Around 120 km/h, depending on how well the bike was maintained.
It wasn’t just fast. It was fun. Every ride felt like an adventure.
Mileage and Maintenance
Even with its performance, the RX 100 gave decent mileage. Most users got around 35–45 kmpl, depending on how they rode.
It used a carburetor-based fuel system, which was easy to repair. Mechanics across India knew how to fix it. Parts were also cheap and easy to find.
That’s why it became a hit in both cities and small towns. It didn’t matter if you were a college student or a milkman. This bike worked for everyone.
A Cult Following
Over time, the RX 100 developed a fan base. Some people bought it for speed. Others for looks. Some bought it just to modify it.
It became a favorite for drag races and street racing in the 90s. The pickup was unmatched. And because it was light, it was easy to handle.
Even today, you’ll find RX 100 fan clubs, vintage bike shows, and YouTube channels fully dedicated to this legend.
People restore old RX 100s and spend lakhs making them look and sound like the original. That shows how deep the love runs.
Production Ends in 1996
Sadly, the RX 100 had to stop production in 1996. The reason was simple. The government brought in stricter emission norms. And two-stroke engines couldn’t pass them easily.
Yamaha tried to replace the RX 100 with other bikes like the RXG, RX 135, and RXZ. But none of them had the same magic.
Slowly, the RX 100 disappeared from showrooms. But it never disappeared from people’s hearts.
Why Is RX 100 Still So Popular Today?
You may wonder, why are people still crazy about a bike that was last made in 1996?
Here’s why:
- That Sound: No bike today sounds like it. That sharp, high-pitched exhaust note was addictive.
- Instant Pickup: The two-stroke engine delivered power in a way that modern bikes just don’t.
- Lightweight Ride: It felt like flying on the road. So easy to control and zip through traffic.
- Timeless Look: It still looks good even today. Clean, raw, and pure.
- Nostalgia: Many people learned to ride on this bike. For them, it’s not just a machine. It’s a memory.
Black Market Prices Are High
Since it’s no longer in production, getting an RX 100 in good condition is hard.
But demand is still high. So prices are rising. A well-maintained RX 100 can cost you ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh. That’s more than many new bikes.
Even old ones that need repair are being bought and restored.
Some buyers look for bikes with original parts. They avoid bikes that have been modified too much.
Will Yamaha Relaunch RX 100?
This is the big question. There have been rumors for years. And recently, Yamaha did confirm that they are considering bringing back the RX 100 name.
But here’s the thing.
The new version will not be a two-stroke bike. It will have a four-stroke engine, possibly fuel-injected and BS6-compliant.
The challenge is to keep the spirit alive. It may not have the same sound or pickup. But if Yamaha can bring back that simple design, light frame, and agile handling, people will be excited.
The relaunch may happen by 2026, according to some auto insiders. But there is no official date yet.
What We’d Love to See in the New RX 100
If Yamaha does bring it back, here’s what fans would love to see:
- A lightweight body, under 110 kg
- A sharp and simple design, just like the old one
- A retro round headlamp
- A single-cylinder engine with good low-end torque
- A sound that gives at least some of that old RX 100 feel
- Affordable pricing to attract young riders
If Yamaha can deliver even half of that, the RX 100 will become a hit once again.
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha RX 100 is more than a motorcycle. It’s an emotion. It’s a memory for some. A dream for others.
Even after almost 30 years, its name brings a smile to many faces. It shows us that good design, strong performance, and pure riding feel never go out of style.
Whether Yamaha brings it back or not, the RX 100 has already made its mark. It lives on in garages, in race tracks, in photo albums, and in stories passed down from one rider to another.
If you ever get a chance to ride one, don’t miss it. You’ll understand why it’s called a legend.
