Yamaha RX100 Comeback : The Yamaha RX100, a name that once defined India’s two-stroke era, is roaring back to life in 2025 with a blend of retro charm and futuristic tech. After decades of speculation, Yamaha has resurrected this legend, promising to reignite the passion of ’90s riders while winning over a new generation. From its controversial design revival to a hidden performance edge, here’s everything Yamaha doesn’t want rivals to know about the RX100’s explosive return.
Yamaha RX100 Launch Details: The Midnight Bombshell
Yamaha dropped a surprise announcement at the 2025 Auto Expo in New Delhi, confirming the RX100’s return after 29 years off the grid. The launch date is set for January 15, 2025, with bookings opening immediately via Yamaha’s “Legacy Revival” portal. Priced between ₹1.2 lakh and ₹1.6 lakh (ex-showroom), it undercuts modern retro rivals like the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Jawa 42 by ₹30,000–₹50,000. Dealerships report over 15,000 pre-launch inquiries, with delivery timelines stretching to six months.
Yamaha RX100 Design: Retro Rebel with a Tech Twist
The 2025 RX100 retains its iconic teardrop fuel tank, chrome-finished exhaust, and flat bench seat but adds modern flair. A round LED headlamp with halo DRLs replaces the old bulb unit, while 17-inch alloy wheels (spoked on the Retro variant) and tubeless tires boost practicality. The minimalist bodywork hides a secret: a modular chassis allowing quick swaps between café racer and scrambler kits.Inside, the cockpit merges old-school vibes with smart tech. A hybrid digital-analog console features Bluetooth connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation, while the anti-slip leatherette seat nods to the original’s rugged simplicity. Color options include Vintage Red, Pearl Black, and a limited-edition “Rajdoot Blue” paying homage to its 1985 debut.
Yamaha RX100 Specifications: Small Engine, Big Drama
Built on a lightweight steel frame, the new RX100 packs a 149cc, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine—a far cry from the original’s 98cc two-stroke. Key specs:
- Power: 14.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm (30% more than the 1996 model)
- Torque: 13.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with assist-and-slipper clutch
- Weight: 129 kg (lightest in its category)
- Ground clearance: 180 mm (up from 145 mm)
Yamaha claims a 0–60 km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds, outperforming the Honda CB200X. The bike’s secret weapon? A low-inertia crankshaft for rapid throttle response, a nod to its drag-racing legacy.
Yamaha RX100 Safety: From Death Trap to Guardian Angel
Gone are the drum brakes and wobbly suspension. The 2025 model debuts dual-channel ABS with a 270mm front disc and 220mm rear disc. The chassis integrates Yamaha’s Advanced Stability Control, which subtly adjusts power delivery on wet roads. Higher trims add LED cornering lights and a traction control system—features unheard of in sub-150cc bikes.
Yamaha RX100 Engine & Performance: Two-Stroke Soul, Four-Stroke Smarts
While purists mourned the loss of the two-stroke engine, Yamaha’s new Blue Core 149cc mill mimics the original’s character. A tuned intake roar replicates the RX100’s signature “ring-ding” exhaust note, while a high-compression piston (12:1 ratio) ensures lively acceleration. The engine peaks at 14.2 bhp but feels punchier thanks to a flat torque curve—90% of torque is available from 3,500 rpm.Highway cruising is limited to 100–110 km/h, but the RX100 thrives in cities. Its ultra-short wheelbase (1,275 mm) and 129 kg weight make lane-splitting effortless, though taller riders may find the 790mm seat cramped.
Yamaha RX100 Technology & Features: Retro Bike, Future Brain
- Y-Connect X: Bluetooth-enabled app with geo-fencing, service alerts, and ride analytics.
- Anti-Theft Immobilizer: RFID key fob with proximity unlock.
- USB-C Charging Port: Hidden under the tank’s chrome badge.
- Eco Mode: Caps RPM at 6,000 for 20% better mileage during commutes.
Missing? A TFT screen or ride modes—Yamaha insists the RX100 is about “pure riding,” not gadget overload.
Yamaha RX100 Efficiency & Practicality: Mileage King Returns
The RX100’s 45–50 kmpl claimed mileage (35–40 kmpl real-world) shames most 150cc bikes. The 12-liter tank offers a 500+ km range, perfect for highway runs. Practical touches include a side-stand engine cutoff, rust-resistant fasteners, and a maintenance tracker on the digital console.
Yamaha RX100 Price & Availability: Budget Nostalgia or Overpriced Gimmick?
- RX100 Retro: ₹1.2 lakh (spoked wheels, single-channel ABS)
- RX100 Metro: ₹1.45 lakh (alloy wheels, dual-channel ABS, Y-Connect)
- RX100 Legend: ₹1.6 lakh (limited edition, premium paint, solo seat)
Early buyers get a free “Legacy Kit” with a vintage-style helmet and tool roll.
Yamaha RX100 Heritage & Evolution: From Rebel to Icon
Launched in 1985, the original RX100 became India’s first “sports commuter,” popularizing terms like “pickup” and “top speed.” Its 98cc two-stroke engine (11 PS) and 103 kg weight made it a drag-racing legend, while frugal maintenance endeared it to college students. Discontinued in 1996 due to emission norms, surviving RX100s now sell for ₹2–3 lakh as collector’s items.The 2025 reboot aims to capture this legacy while meeting BS6-2 norms. Yamaha’s engineers spent five years tuning the exhaust note to match the original’s growl—a detail that nearly delayed the launch.
Verdict: The Icon India Waited For
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 isn’t perfect—it’s vibey at high speeds, lacks a sixth gear, and the seat could be softer. But as a ₹1.2 lakh time machine blending ’90s nostalgia with 2025 tech, it’s irresistible. For every rider who grew up dreaming of an RX100, this is your second chance.
Yamaha RX100 Q&A: Burning Questions Answered
Q: Can it handle highways?
A: Yes, but keep speeds under 90 km/h for vibration-free rides.
Q: Maintenance costs?
A: 30% cheaper than Royal Enfield; oil changes every 5,000 km.
Q: Why no RD350 reboot?
A: Yamaha hints a 350cc “RZ” model is coming in 2026.
Q: Mileage tips?
A: Use Eco Mode and shift before 4,000 rpm.
Q: Customization options?
A Yamaha offers 50+ official accessories, including clip-on handlebars and scrambler exhausts.