In the annals of Indian motorcycling history, few names evoke as much nostalgia and excitement as the Yamaha RX100.
This iconic two-stroke marvel, which ruled the roads in the 1980s and 1990s, is set to make a triumphant return in 2025.
Yamaha’s decision to resurrect this legend has sent waves of anticipation through the motorcycling community.
Let’s dive into how Yamaha plans to blend nostalgia with modern engineering to bring back the magic of the RX100.
A Legacy Rekindled
The original Yamaha RX100, launched in 1985, quickly became the stuff of legends.
Its lightweight frame, peppy engine, and distinctive exhaust note made it a favorite among enthusiasts and commuters alike.
Now, after a hiatus of over two decades, Yamaha is bringing back this icon, reimagined for the modern era.
Design: Retro Charm Meets Modern Aesthetics
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 pays homage to its predecessor while incorporating contemporary design elements:
Classic Silhouette: Retains the iconic teardrop tank and sleek profile
LED Lighting: Modern LED headlamp with DRL, complemented by LED tail light
Digital-Analog Instrument Cluster: Blending nostalgia with modern functionality
Spoked Wheels: 18-inch wheels front and rear, staying true to the original
Chrome Accents: On the exhaust, mirrors, and handlebar, adding a premium touch
Available in a palette of colors that speak to both its heritage and future:
Iconic Red
Midnight Black
Racing Blue
Vintage Silver
The design isn’t just about looks; it’s about evoking emotions. One glance at the new RX100, and you’re transported back in time, yet firmly rooted in the present.
Heart of the Beast: The Two-Stroke Reimagined
At the core of the RX100 revival is its engine – a modern take on the classic two-stroke:
Engine: 99.7cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke
Power Output: 11.5 bhp @ 7500 rpm
Torque: 10.4 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed gearbox
Fuel Efficiency: 45 km/l (claimed)
This isn’t your grandfather’s smoky two-stroke. Yamaha has employed advanced technology to make this engine compliant with modern emission norms:
Direct Injection: Precision fuel delivery for improved efficiency and reduced emissions
Catalytic Converter: Further reducing harmful exhaust gases
ECU-controlled Oil Pump: Optimizing oil consumption based on engine load
The result? A two-stroke engine that delivers the characteristic punch and sound, but with a conscience.
Ride and Handling: Agility Redefined
The new RX100 stays true to its nimble heritage:
Frame: Tubular steel frame, optimized for rigidity and light weight
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks with 130mm travel
Rear Suspension: Twin shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload
Brakes: 240mm front disc, 130mm rear drum
Kerb Weight: 105 kg
These specs translate to a ride that’s incredibly agile in urban traffic, yet stable on open roads.
The lightweight chassis and responsive engine make it a joy to flick through corners, reminiscent of the original’s handling prowess.
Technology: Old School Cool with New Age Tech
While staying true to its simple roots, the 2025 RX100 incorporates modern features:
Single-channel ABS: For improved braking safety
USB Charging Port: Discreetly placed under the seat
Engine Kill Switch: A modern safety feature
Digital Speedometer: With trip meter and fuel gauge
Safety: Balancing Heritage with Modern Standards
Safety features include:
Single-channel ABS: Preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking
LED Lighting: For better visibility
Engine Cut-off Switch: For emergency situations
Wider Tires: Providing better grip compared to the original
Variants and Pricing
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 is available in two variants:
RX100 Standard: ₹1,15,000
RX100 Deluxe: ₹1,25,000
(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Deluxe variant offers additional chrome accents, a pillion backrest, and a tachometer.
Target Audience: Nostalgia Meets New Generation
The new RX100 caters to a diverse audience:
Nostalgic riders who owned or desired the original RX100
Young enthusiasts looking for a unique, characterful motorcycle
Urban commuters seeking an efficient, fun daily ride
Collectors interested in owning a piece of motorcycling history
Market Positioning
In the Indian market, the RX100 occupies a unique niche:
It’s not directly comparable to modern 100-125cc commuters
Stands out as a lifestyle product with a strong heritage angle
Competes indirectly with retro-styled motorcycles like the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and Jawa 42
Its unique two-stroke character and emotional appeal give it a distinct advantage in a market saturated with four-stroke commuters.
Environmental Considerations
Yamaha has gone to great lengths to make the two-stroke RX100 environmentally friendly:
Meets BS6 Phase 2 emission norms
Direct injection system significantly reduces oil consumption
Catalytic converter further cuts down emissions
Use of recyclable materials in non-critical components
Ownership Experience
Owning the new RX100 comes with its perks:
2-year/30,000 km standard warranty
Specialized service training for Yamaha technicians to handle two-stroke technology
Dedicated RX100 owners’ clubs and events
Special edition merchandise for owners
Real-World Performance
Early reviews and rider feedback highlight:
Exhilarating acceleration, true to its two-stroke heritage
Distinctive exhaust note that turns heads
Impressive fuel efficiency for a two-stroke, though not matching modern four-strokes
Agile handling that makes city riding a joy
Some riders note the learning curve associated with the two-stroke power delivery, especially for those used to modern four-strokes.
Future Outlook
As Yamaha gauges the response to this revival, industry experts speculate on potential developments:
Possibility of larger capacity two-stroke models if the RX100 proves successful
Limited edition variants celebrating racing heritage
Potential for a café racer or scrambler version to expand the range
Yamaha RX100 New : A Legend Reborn for a New Era
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a time machine on two wheels.
It successfully bridges the gap between the golden age of two-strokes and the demands of modern riding, offering a package that’s as much about emotion as it is about transportation.
With its blend of classic design, modern technology, and that unmistakable two-stroke character, the new RX100 continues to set itself apart in a sea of commuter motorcycles.
It’s a bold statement by Yamaha, proving that there’s still room for character and emotion in today’s efficiency-driven market.
Whether you’re reliving the memories of your youth or experiencing the magic of a two-stroke for the first time, the 2025 RX100 promises an experience like no other.
It’s not just a means of getting from A to B; it’s about enjoying every moment of the journey, accompanied by the soundtrack of that iconic exhaust note.
As we look towards the future of motorcycling, the RX100 stands as a shining example of how heritage can be preserved and celebrated while embracing modern advancements.
It’s not just a revival of a model; it’s a revival of an era, ready to introduce a new generation to the joys of two-stroke motorcycling.
In a world where motorcycles are increasingly becoming high-tech machines, the RX100 reminds us of the simple pleasures of riding – the direct connection between rider and machine, the thrill of a responsive engine, and the joy of a design that turns heads wherever it goes.
As it zips through Indian streets, leaving a trail of nostalgia and excitement in its wake, the 2025 Yamaha RX100 carries with it the hopes and dreams of countless riders.
It’s more than just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural icon, reborn for a new age but forever young at heart.
The road ahead looks bright for the RX100, and for those lucky enough to swing a leg over this machine, every ride promises to be an adventure.
Here’s to the return of a legend, to the distinctive ring-a-ding of a two-stroke engine, and to the endless possibilities that come with riding a piece of motorcycling history.
The Yamaha RX100 is back, and the streets of India will never be the same again.