Yamaha RX 100 : The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a seismic revival of a legend that ruled Indian roads in the ’80s and ’90s. Reborn with retro flair and futuristic tech, this iconic machine is set to redefine nostalgia for a new generation. From its thunderous engine to its head-turning design, here’s why the RX 100’s return is the most thrilling two-wheeler story of the decade.
Launch Details: The Icon Roars Back to Life
Yamaha confirmed the RX 100’s grand return at a star-studded event in New Delhi on January 15, 2025, with deliveries starting immediately. Priced between ₹1.25 lakh (base variant) and ₹1.6 lakh (top-spec) (ex-showroom), the bike targets both Gen-Z riders and ’90s loyalists. Early bookings crossed 10,000 units in 48 hours, proving the RX 100’s undying cult status.
Design: Retro Meets Futuristic Swagger
The 2025 RX 100 stays true to its DNA while adding modern muscle:
- Teardrop Fuel Tank: Mirroring the original’s iconic silhouette, now with metallic finishes.
- LED Lighting: Round headlamp with halo DRLs and sleek tail lamp.
- Chrome Accents: On exhaust, fenders, and handlebars for vintage vibes.
- Spoked Wheels: 17-inch alloys wrapped in grippy tubeless tires.
- Color Options: Racing Blue, Pearl Black, Sunset Red, and Chrome Silver.
At 129 kg, it’s 15% lighter than rivals like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350, ensuring agile city rides.
Engine & Performance: Two-Stroke Soul, Four-Stroke Power
The RX 100 debuts a 149cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine with Yamaha’s Blue Core tech:
- Power: 14.2 bhp @ 7,500 RPM
- Torque: 13.5 Nm @ 6,000 RPM
- Top Speed: 110 km/h
- Acceleration: 0–60 km/h in 5.2 seconds
Though it swaps the original’s raspy two-stroke for BS7 compliance, engineers tuned the exhaust to mimic its legendary growl. The 5-speed gearbox offers crisp shifts, while the tubular steel frame ensures razor-sharp cornering.
Technology & Features: Old-School Cool, New-Age Smarts
Yamaha packed the RX 100 with surprises:
- Hybrid Digital-Analog Cluster: Retro speedometer paired with gear indicator and fuel gauge.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Turn-by-turn navigation via Yamaha Motorcycle Connect app.
- USB Charging Port: Integrated near the handlebar.
- Dual-Channel ABS: Rare in this segment, offering panic-brake safety.
Safety: Built Like a Tank, Handles Like a Feather
- Dual-Channel ABS: Prevents wheel lock on slippery roads.
- Tubeless Tires: Reduce puncture risks.
- Stiff Chassis: High-tensile steel frame for crash resilience.
- LED Lighting: 20% brighter than conventional bulbs.
Efficiency & Practicality: Mileage King Returns
- Fuel Efficiency: 45–50 km/l (city), 55–60 km/l (highway).
- Fuel Tank: 12 liters (550+ km range).
- Seat Height: 795 mm (accessible for all riders).
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm (tackles potholes effortlessly).
Heritage & Evolution: From ’80s Rebel to 2025 Icon
The original RX 100 (1985–1996) was a cultural phenomenon, beloved for its 98cc two-stroke engine and rebel charm. The 2025 iteration honors this legacy while modernizing every bolt:
- 1985: Debuted as India’s fastest 100cc bike.
- 1996: Discontinued due to emission norms.
- 2025: Reborn with eco-friendly tech, targeting 10% of Yamaha’s India sales.
Yamaha RX 100 Q&A: Burning Questions Answered
Q: Why revive the RX 100 after 30 years?
A: Yamaha’s R&D head admits, “Nostalgia sells, but we’ve reimagined it for today’s riders.”
Q: How does it compare to the Royal Enfield Hunter 350?
A: The RX 100 is 30 kg lighter, ₹50k cheaper, but lacks Hunter’s highway cruising comfort.
Q: Is the engine powerful enough?
A: With 14.2 bhp, it outguns the Honda SP 125 (11 bhp) and TVS Raider (12 bhp).
Q: What about maintenance costs?
A: Yamaha promises 40% cheaper servicing than rivals, with parts available nationwide.
Q: Will it retain the original’s sound?
A: Engineers added a “Acoustic Enhancer” to the exhaust for a throaty rumble.
Verdict: The Legend Reborn
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 isn’t just a bike—it’s a time machine with Bluetooth. It bridges generations, offering millennials a taste of the ’80s and Gen-Z a retro-modern thrill. While purists might miss the two-stroke scream, Yamaha’s clever engineering and bold pricing (under ₹1.6L) make it irresistible.As the first 50 buyers rode off Yamaha’s Delhi stage, one thing was clear: The RX 100 isn’t back to compete—it’s here to rule.