Yamaha RX100

Why Yamaha RX 100 was so popular?

Yamaha RX 100 was first introduced in 1985 as the successor of the RD350. Upon its arrival to the market, the RX 100 was warmly received thanks to its high-performance 100cc unit. In addition to the high power input, the RX 100 featured a very lightweight body. These factors have contributed to an ideal power-to-weight ratio which makes the RX 100 to be one of the best 100 cc bike ever in the mass market. Even when the production of the RX 100 was discontinued for years, the demand for this bike still exists.

Yamaha RX 100 still attracts a cult following two decades after being discontinued

Why Yamaha RX 100 was discontinued?

In 1996, after more than one decade on sale, the Yamaha RX 100 was discontinued due to the implementation of stricter emission norms that required brands to make cleaner and lower-emission two-wheelers. After the RX 100 was ceased, Yamaha had introduced its successor which was the RX G but this model was nowhere near its predecessor and never achieved the same level of popularity as the RX 100.

Will Yamaha launch Yamaha RX 100 new model?

It is unlikely that Yamaha will relaunch the RX 100 due to various reasons. First of all, the Yamaha RX 100’s success mainly came from its excellent two-stroke engine. Since the two-stroke engine is now ruled out by the Indian government, there is no way that Yamaha will bring back this old engine. Other than the engine itself, other parts of the RX 100 are outdated, compared to today’s standard. Moreover, we should also take into account the fact that the market has changed so much since. The market is now flooded with various options with bigger engine displacement at more affordable prices.

About the Yamaha RX 100

Here are some details about the iconic Yamaha RX 100:

Yamaha RX 100 Engine

The RX 100 was powered by a 98cc air-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine that delivered a top power of 11 PS at 7500 rmp. This unit was mated to a 4-speed transmission. The brisk performance of this engine was unmatchable in the market back then. Until these days, it is still hard to make such a reliable, lightweight and nimble bike as the RX 100. The suspension setting of the RX 100 included a telescopic fork up front and twin shocks at the rear. It came with two drum brake on both ends.

It should be noted that during its life span, the Yamaha RX 100 was barely given any major update. It seemed like the Yamaha RX 100 was perfect from the beginning.

Yamaha RX 100 Price in India 2021

On its days, the Yamaha RX 100 was on sale at the price of around Rs 20,000. It would be equivalent to Rs 70,000 – Rs 80,000 today. Today, people mostly buy this bike for their collection and the price can be even more than that depending on the condition of the two-wheeler.