Yamaha RX100 : If you’re a fan of classic bikes with pure power and an exciting ride, the Yamaha RX100 is a name you can’t ignore. This iconic bike was a superstar on Indian roads in the 80s and 90s, and even today, it has a massive fan following. Let’s dive into what made the RX100 so special and why people still love it.
Table of Contents
Design and Style
The Yamaha RX100 had a simple yet sporty look that made it stand out. It featured a round headlight, a sleek fuel tank, and a lightweight body, giving it a bold and aggressive appearance. The bike was compact and easy to handle, making it a favorite among young riders. Even now, its retro style has a charm that bike enthusiasts adore.
Engine and Performance
The RX100 was fuelled by a 98 cc [!!] two-stroker and it was much more powerful than the bikes that were around at that time. It had 11 BHP, which to be honest seems somewhat sickly now but at the time yes a racing machine. The bike could do 0-60 in around 6-7 seconds (an impressive feat, we thought so back in those days). The deep growling exhaust generated an edge to the overall experience that made every trip exhilarating.
Ride and Handling
The RX100 for me was most versatile because of how light and nimble it was. It was not hard to drive, whether in city traffic or on winding roads (able to reach 100kg on empty road). Suspension was nothing special, but it suited the Indian roads, drums worked well for stopping.
Why Was the RX100 So Popular?
Yamaha RX100 started something of a legend with its speed, reliability and price point. That was the one most young riders don’t really question when it comes to that Fun power dream machine giving them a hellish ride or less.you can find out people have even hopped under the firebox of their RX100s to make them lap times or drive them in races. Modern RX100’s are often very hard to find in good running condition etc and would be considered vintage/historic.
Is the Yamaha RX100 Still Available?
Yamaha did not make the RX100 after 1996 because of the more stringent pollution laws for the two-stroke engines. These were eventually replaced by RX135 & RX-Z inspired four-stroke versions. Unfortunately used RX100s in great shape are hard to come by and you will need to buy from a collector with many bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the top speed of the Yamaha RX100?
The RX100 could reach up to 100-110 kmph, which was amazing for a 100cc bike at that time. - Why was the RX100 discontinued?
It was discontinued because of pollution laws that banned two-stroke engines. - How much does a used Yamaha RX100 cost today?
A well-kept RX100 can cost between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 or more, depending on its condition.
Final Thoughts
For many riders, the Yamaha RX100 was not a bike but an emotion. Powerful engine, awesome tune and easy handling made it a fanbase model. Its legacy however, lives on even after its discontinuous production. If you ever get the opportunity of riding one, you will get an idea why it is still considered one of most exciting bikes in India.
