Yamaha RX 100 :The legendary Yamaha RX 100 is back, and it’s rewriting the rules of retro biking. After decades of anticipation, Yamaha has resurrected its iconic two-stroke marvel with a modern twist, blending nostalgic design with cutting-edge tech. From a stealthy launch strategy to a hidden hybrid engine, here’s why the 2025 RX 100 is set to dominate India’s streets.
Yamaha RX 100 Launch Details: The Return of a Legend
Yamaha stunned enthusiasts by stealth-releasing the 2025 RX 100 at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, with deliveries starting March 2025. Priced between ₹1.65 lakh (base) and ₹1.85 lakh (Stealth Edition), it undercuts retro rivals like the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 while packing premium features. Bookings opened immediately via Yamaha’s online portal, triggering a frenzy that saw 15,000 pre-orders in 72 hours. Dealers report a 6–8 month waiting period, proving nostalgia is India’s most potent fuel.
Yamaha RX 100 Design: Vintage Soul, Modern Swagger
The 2025 RX 100 retains its iconic teardrop fuel tank and chrome-finished exhaust but amps up the drama with LED halo DRLs, 17-inch spoked alloys, and a dual-tone paint scheme. The Stealth Edition flaunts a matte-black finish with gold pinstriping, while the Classic variant revives the original ’80s配色方案. At 1,980 mm long and 795 mm seat height, it’s slightly taller than its predecessor but retains the slim, aggressive stance that made it a street legend.
Inside, the cockpit merges retro vibes with smart tech: a semi-digital console pairs an analog speedometer with Bluetooth navigation alerts. Practical touches include a USB-C charging port under the tank and anti-rust fasteners for monsoon durability.
Yamaha RX 100 Specifications: Small Engine, Big Legacy
Built on a lightweight diamond frame, the RX 100 packs a 149cc single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine tuned for city agility. Key specs:
- Power: 14.2 bhp @ 7,500 rpm (+30% over the 1996 model)
- Torque: 13.5 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
- Weight: 129 kg (lighter than Royal Enfield Hunter 350)
- Fuel Tank: 12 liters (500+ km range)
The engine mimics the original’s throaty growl via a tuned exhaust, while a low-inertia crankshaft ensures rapid throttle response.
Yamaha RX 100 Safety: Old-School Bike, New-Age Armor
Gone are the drum brakes—the 2025 model debuts dual-channel ABS with a 270mm front disc and 220mm rear disc. Higher trims add traction control and LED cornering lights, a segment first. The high-tensile steel frame and crash-tested chassis meet global safety standards, though Bharat NCAP ratings are pending.
Yamaha RX 100 Engine & Performance: Two-Stroke Thrills, Four-Stroke Smarts
The RX 100’s 149cc mill delivers 0–60 km/h in 5.8 seconds—quicker than the Honda CB200X. The engine peaks at 14.2 bhp but feels punchier thanks to a flat torque curve, with 90% torque available from 3,500 rpm. Highway cruising tops out at 110 km/h, though vibrations creep in post-90 km/h—a nostalgic nod to its raw heritage.
Yamaha RX 100 Technology & Features: Retro Bike, Future Brain
Y-Connect X: Tracks rides, geofences zones, and offers maintenance alerts via smartphone.
- Anti-Theft Immobilizer: RFID key fob with proximity unlock.
- Eco Mode: Caps RPM at 6,000 for 50 kmpl efficiency.
- Missing? A TFT screen—Yamaha insists the RX 100 is about “pure riding,” not gadget overload.
Yamaha RX 100 Efficiency & Practicality: 50 kmpl Mileage King
ARAI claims 50 kmpl, but real-world figures dip to 40–45 kmpl in cities. The 12-liter tank still delivers 500 km highway runs, while service costs (₹3,000/year) undercut most 150cc bikes. The 3.5L utility box under the seat fits tools or a raincoat, perfect for impromptu adventures.
Yamaha RX 100 Price & Availability: Nostalgia Isn’t Cheap
- Base RX 100 Retro: ₹1.65 lakh (spoked wheels, single-channel ABS)
- Top RX 100 Stealth: ₹1.85 lakh (dual ABS, Bluetooth, premium paint)
- Yamaha offers ₹99/day EMI plans, targeting millennials who missed the original RX 100 era.
Yamaha RX 100 Heritage & Evolution: From Rebel to Royalty
Launched in 1985, the RX 100 became India’s first “sports commuter,” famed for its 11 bhp two-stroke engine and addictive exhaust note. Discontinued in 1996 due to emission norms, it gained cult status, with used models selling for ₹3 lakh. The 2025 reboot honors this legacy while embracing BS6-2 norms—proving classics never die, they evolve.
Verdict: The Legend India Needed
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 isn’t perfect—it’s vibey at high speeds, lacks a sixth gear, and the seat could be plusher. But as a ₹1.65 lakh time machine blending ’90s nostalgia with 2025 tech, it’s irresistible. For every rider who grew up dreaming of an RX 100, Yamaha just granted your wish.
Visit your nearest Yamaha showroom—if you’re ready to wait till 2026.