In the ever-evolving world of motorcycles, few bikes have left as lasting an impression as the Yamaha RX-100. This legendary two-stroke wonder,
which first graced Indian roads in the 1980s, captured the hearts of riders with its peppy performance, distinctive exhaust note, and simple yet striking design.
Now, as we step into 2025, Yamaha has shocked the motorcycling world by announcing the return of the RX-100, reimagined for the modern era while staying true to its roots.
The Revival of a Legend
Yamaha’s decision to bring back the RX-100 comes at a time when retro-styled motorcycles are experiencing a renaissance.
However, the 2025 RX-100 is more than just a nostalgic cash-grab; it’s a bold statement of Yamaha’s commitment to its heritage and its vision for the future of motorcycling.
Design: A Perfect Blend of Old and New
At first glance, the 2025 RX-100 is unmistakably a descendant of the original. The classic teardrop fuel tank, sleek side panels, and round headlamp
all pay homage to its predecessor. However, look closer, and you’ll notice the subtle modern touches that bring this icon into the 21st century.
The headlamp, while round, now houses a powerful LED setup with a distinctive DRL (Daytime Running Light) signature.
The instrument cluster, a perfect circle like the original, is now a full-color TFT display that provides all the necessary information while maintaining a clean, retro aesthetic.
The seat, while reminiscent of the original’s slim profile, now features modern ergonomics and premium materials for improved comfort during long rides.
The iconic Yamaha badging on the fuel tank is now a 3D emblem, adding a touch of premium feel to the overall design.
Perhaps the most striking visual change is the exhaust system. While it retains the upswept design that was a hallmark of the original RX-100,
it now features a brushed stainless steel finish with a carbon fiber heat shield, blending retro charm with modern materials.
Engine: The Heart of the Beast
The biggest challenge Yamaha faced in reviving the RX-100 was the engine. The original’s two-stroke motor, while legendary for its performance, wouldn’t meet modern emission standards.
Yamaha’s engineers have pulled off a miracle by developing a 125cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine that captures the spirit of the original while being thoroughly modern.
This new powerplant produces 15 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 13.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. While these numbers might seem modest,
the bike’s lightweight construction (weighing just 120 kg) ensures a power-to-weight ratio that delivers the punchy performance the RX-100 was known for.
The engine features Yamaha’s latest VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) technology, allowing it to deliver strong low-end torque for city riding
while still providing a thrilling top-end rush that echoes the two-stroke feel of its predecessor. The five-speed gearbox is slick, with a gear shift pattern that pays homage to the original (all-up shift pattern).
But the real magic lies in the exhaust note. Yamaha’s engineers have spent countless hours tuning the exhaust to produce a sound that, while adhering to modern noise regulations,
captures the essence of the original RX-100’s iconic “braaap.” The result is a symphony that will bring a smile to the face of any motorcycling enthusiast, young or old.
Chassis and Suspension: Modern Handling with a Retro Feel
The 2025 RX-100 is built around a new, lightweight diamond frame that provides the perfect balance of rigidity and flex.
The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, visually similar to the original but thoroughly modern in their internals.
The front forks feature 30mm tubes with 130mm of travel, while the rear shocks are gas-charged units with 5-step preload adjustability.
This setup ensures a ride that’s comfortable for daily use but can still deliver the nimble handling that made the original RX-100 a favorite among enthusiasts.
Braking duties are handled by a 267mm disc with a two-piston caliper at the front and a 230mm disc at the rear.
ABS comes as standard, but Yamaha has included a switch to turn it off for those who want to experience the raw feeling of the bike, especially off-road.
The wheels are 17-inch units on both ends, wrapped in specially developed tires that offer excellent grip while maintaining the slim profile that was characteristic of the original RX-100.
Technology: Old School Cool Meets New Age Tech
While the 2025 RX-100 maintains a largely analog feel, Yamaha has incorporated several modern technologies to enhance the riding experience:
Ride-by-wire throttle for precise fueling and the inclusion of two riding modes: Street and Sport.
LED lighting all around, including a powerful projector headlamp.
Bluetooth connectivity that allows the TFT display to show notifications and turn-by-turn navigation.
A smart key system that adds convenience without compromising the bike’s classic look.
Traction control system that can be turned off for a more raw riding experience.
These tech features are integrated seamlessly, ensuring they don’t detract from the pure, simple riding experience that the RX-100 was known for.
Performance and Riding Experience
Swing a leg over the 2025 RX-100, and you’re immediately transported back in time. The narrow tank, the upright seating position,
and the wide handlebars all feel familiar to those who’ve ridden the original. But thumb the starter, and the differences become apparent.
The engine comes to life with a smooth hum that builds into a throaty growl as you rev it. Release the light clutch, and the bike pulls away with enthusiasm.
The power delivery is linear but with a noticeable surge around 7,000 rpm that mimics the power band of a two-stroke.
In city traffic, the RX-100 is a joy to ride. Its lightweight nature and peppy engine make it perfect for zipping through gaps and away from traffic lights.
The upright riding position and well-placed mirrors ensure excellent visibility, a boon in urban environments.
But it’s on the open road where the 2025 RX-100 truly shines. As you wind through the gears, the exhaust note builds to a crescendo,
urging you to push harder. The chassis remains composed even at high speeds, and the brakes provide strong, fade-free stopping power.
Fuel efficiency, a crucial factor for Indian buyers, is impressive. Yamaha claims a mileage of 55 km/l under standard testing conditions, with real-world figures likely to be around 45-50 km/l depending on riding style.
Customization and Accessories
Recognizing the strong mod culture associated with the original RX-100, Yamaha is offering a wide range of official accessories for the 2025 model. These include:
Different seat options, including a café racer-style single seat
Various handlebar options for different riding positions
Luggage solutions including a sleek tail bag and tank bag
Performance exhaust systems that enhance the sound while maintaining legality
Retro-styled crash guards and engine protectors
Yamaha has also partnered with several custom shops across India to offer pre-approved modification kits, allowing buyers to personalize their RX-100 while maintaining warranty coverage.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The 2025 Yamaha RX-100 enters a market that’s vastly different from the one its predecessor dominated. It’s positioned as a premium offering in the 125cc segment,
competing not just with other retro-styled bikes like the Honda CB350 and Royal Enfield Hunter 350, but also with modern sports commuters.
Yamaha has priced the RX-100 at Rs. 1,25,000 (ex-showroom), positioning it at the higher end of the 125cc segment. While this might seem steep,
the combination of nostalgic appeal, modern technology, and Yamaha’s brand value is expected to justify the price for many buyers.
Production and Availability
The 2025 RX-100 will be produced at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art facility in India, with initial production limited to 10,000 units per year.
This limited production run is partly due to the specialized nature of the bike’s components and partly to maintain exclusivity.
Yamaha plans to sell the RX-100 through its premium Blue Square dealerships, with online bookings opening a month before the official launch.
Given the anticipated high demand, Yamaha is implementing a lottery system for the first batch of deliveries to ensure fair distribution.
Environmental Considerations
While bringing back a bike inspired by a two-stroke legend might seem at odds with modern environmental concerns, Yamaha has taken several steps to ensure the 2025 RX-100 is as eco-friendly as possible:
The engine meets and exceeds all current emission norms.
Yamaha is using sustainable and recycled materials wherever possible in the bike’s construction.
The company has introduced a battery recycling program for the bike’s electrical components.
Yamaha is offsetting the carbon footprint of the RX-100’s production through various environmental initiatives.
The Future of the RX-100
The 2025 RX-100 is more than just a one-off nostalgia project for Yamaha. The company sees it as the beginning of a new legacy.
There are already rumors of higher capacity versions in the works, as well as the possibility of a fully electric RX in the future.
Yamaha is also using the RX-100 as a testbed for new technologies and manufacturing processes that could be applied to its broader range of motorcycles.
Conclusion: A Legend Reborn for a New Generation
The 2025 Yamaha RX-100 is a bold attempt to recapture the magic of a bygone era while embracing the realities of modern motorcycling.
It’s a bike that appeals not just to those who remember the original with fondness, but also to a new generation of riders looking for a motorcycle with character in a sea of similar-looking options.
By successfully blending retro charm with modern performance and technology, Yamaha has created a motorcycle that’s more than the sum of its parts.
The 2025 RX-100 is not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a vision of how classic motorcycling can evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
As the first bikes hit the streets, it’s clear that Yamaha has a winner on its hands. The distinctive exhaust note of the new RX-100 is once again becoming a familiar sound on Indian roads,
turning heads and evoking smiles wherever it goes. Whether it’s commuting through busy city streets, cruising on highways, or taking on twisty mountain roads, the 2025 RX-100 proves that some legends never die – they just get better with time.
In bringing back the RX-100, Yamaha hasn’t just revived a motorcycle; they’ve reignited a passion for simple, pure motorcycling that many feared was lost.
As we look to the future of two-wheeled transportation, the 2025 Yamaha RX-100 stands as a shining example of how honoring one’s heritage can lead to innovation and success.
It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a statement that in the world of motorcycling, soul and character will always have a place alongside progress and technology.
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