Reader's restored Yamaha RX-Z invokes nostalgia
The good old two-stroke days is a distant memory to most, but some petrolheads aren't ready to let go. One enthusiast who has a massive collection of retro motorcycles is IAB reader Vivek Muniyappa, based in Bangalore. Vivek is a proud owner of a 1987 Kelvinator Avanti 50, Kawasaki Bajaj 125 RTZ, Hero Puch StepMatic, Lamby 150, and the Yamaha RX100 to name a few. The latest bike from his garage to have arrived on IAB’s homepage is the Yamaha RX-Z.
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The 132cc, air-cooled, two-stroke engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox and delivers 20 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 12 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The motor could propel the RX-Z to a claimed top speed of 120 kmph. Pitched as a premium product above the RX135, the RX-Z came with a front disc brake from the factory. At the rear is a conventional drum brake.
One of the famous tuners from that part of the world, Attaullaiah, restored this bike. He tunes 2-stroke motorcycles for drag set-ups and restoration.
The restored motorcycle looks stunning and as beautiful as it did 20 years ago. Everything, from body paint to engine has been given proper treatment without fiddling with the original bits with aftermarket equipment.
The rectangular headlight with a body-coloured mask and a wind-deflector look just as appealing as it did 20 summers back. The front blinkers get chrome housing that lends the motorcycle a retro charm. The fascia is followed by a twin-pod, square-shaped instrument console with telltale indicators in the centre. Contrasting graphics, Yamaha branding and a chrome filler cap complement the gloss-red paint on the fuel tank.
A rather simple looking pillion grab rail follows the single-piece saddle and small luggage rack. The rear is completed by the stock, conventional tail light and blinkers. All blinkers use orange covers. Sides reveal the underbelly panel that continues to use the same graphic theme as rest of the bodywork.
The motorcycle rides on conventional telescopic front forks and twin-sided shock absorbers at the rear. The 18-inch wire-spoke wheels are wrapped in Michelin tyres.
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Witnessing a retro-classic like the Yamaha RX-Z brings back the memories of the two-stroke era. We wish Vivek many happy miles with the RX-Z!