The legendary Yamaha RX100 is back, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia for motorcycle enthusiasts who grew up hearing its signature sound on the streets in the 80s and 90s. Known for its lightweight body, aggressive pickup, and unforgettable exhaust note, the RX100 has become an icon of Indian motorcycling. Now, Yamaha has reintroduced the RX100 with a modern twist, keeping the classic look and feel while adding a more efficient, BS6-compliant engine. This new iteration promises to deliver a balance of style, performance, and practicality, making it an exciting option for both nostalgic riders and those looking for a unique motorcycle experience.
What Makes the New Yamaha RX100 So Special?
The RX100 is more than just a bike; it’s an emotion for many riders in India. The original model was renowned for its unbeatable pickup, lightweight frame, and its unmistakable two-stroke engine. While the new RX100 may no longer feature the two-stroke engine, it retains the spirit of the original, offering modern technology, improved fuel efficiency, and cleaner emissions. With a new 125cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, Yamaha has successfully modernized this classic.
The new RX100 also retains its iconic design—round headlamps, chrome accents, and a flat, long seat—giving it a truly retro feel. However, Yamaha has updated the build quality, ensuring a more refined finish while adding modern touches such as LED indicators and a digital meter option.
A Classic Design with a Modern Edge
The design of the 2023 RX100 will take you straight back to the 80s. The round headlight, chrome fenders, and the metal fuel tank all evoke memories of the original. The long flat seat and classic body shape remind you of why the RX100 became a road legend in the first place. But it’s not just about nostalgia—Yamaha has incorporated modern upgrades that improve both the aesthetics and functionality.
In addition to the classic chrome and retro design, the new RX100 now comes with LED indicators and a semi-digital speedometer. While the exhaust note isn’t identical to the original two-stroke engine, Yamaha has fine-tuned the sound to deliver a satisfying thump reminiscent of the classic RX100 sound.
Engine Performance
The new RX100 may no longer feature the raucous two-stroke engine, but Yamaha has swapped it for a 125cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke BS6 engine that still delivers plenty of fun and performance. The engine produces around 11-12 PS of power, offering smooth acceleration and pickup ideal for city commuting and short highway rides. The 5-speed manual gearbox ensures smoother shifts and better control over the bike’s power delivery, making it a joy to ride in urban traffic as well as open roads.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the major improvements in the new RX100 is its fuel efficiency. While the original model wasn’t known for its fuel economy due to the two-stroke engine, Yamaha has addressed this with the updated 4-stroke engine. The new RX100 offers an impressive 50 kmpl mileage, making it a more practical and economical option for daily commuting. This makes it ideal for riders who want a balance between nostalgic styling and low-cost, efficient riding.
Comfort and Ride Quality
The new RX100 continues to be lightweight and nimble, making it perfect for navigating through crowded city streets. The bike’s upright seating position ensures comfort, even during long rides. The seat is long enough to accommodate two adults comfortably, and the suspension setup—telescopic forks at the front and dual rear shock absorbers—ensures a smooth ride over uneven or bumpy roads.
Its lightweight body and compact size make the RX100 easy to maneuver, making it an ideal choice for young riders, office-goers, or anyone who needs a bike that is both practical and fun to ride.
Features
Yamaha has added several features to the new RX100 to meet the needs of modern-day riders. Some of the key features include:
- Electric Start with Kickback Option: A convenient starting system for different preferences.
- Chrome Mirrors and Indicators: Retaining the retro charm while adding modern visibility.
- Optional Front Disc Brake: Improved stopping power for enhanced safety.
- Retro-style Speedometer: Available in analog or semi-digital formats.
- Side Stand Engine Cut-off: A safety feature that cuts the engine if the side stand is engaged.
- LED Tail Lamp and Turn Signals (Top Variant): Modern lighting features for better visibility and style.
These modern additions ensure that the RX100 remains relevant in today’s market while keeping the charm of its classic roots intact.
Pricing and Availability
The new Yamaha RX100 is expected to be priced between ₹1.20 lakh and ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant. This price point puts it in competition with bikes like the TVS Ronin, Honda CB350 RS (base variants), and the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Given its unique design, performance, and brand legacy, the price seems reasonable for those seeking a blend of retro style and modern performance.
Why the New Yamaha RX100 is Perfect for Indian Riders
- Classic Look with Modern Reliability: The RX100 blends the timeless appeal of retro styling with modern technology.
- Impressive Mileage: At around 50 kmpl, the RX100 offers practical fuel efficiency for daily use.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Its light weight and agile handling make it perfect for city commuting.
- Unique Identity: It’s a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd with a unique design and sound, making it a great choice for riders who want something different.
Whether you’re a nostalgic rider who loved the original RX100 or a younger rider looking for something distinctive, this new version delivers on both style and performance. Its classic appeal combined with modern performance and fuel efficiency makes it an attractive option for those who want a unique motorcycle experience.
FAQs
Is the new RX100 the same as the old one?
While the new RX100 retains the same classic look, it features a 125cc, 4-stroke BS6 engine rather than the original two-stroke engine. The design is similar, but the engine meets modern emission norms.
What is the mileage of the new RX100?
The new RX100 is expected to offer a mileage of around 50 kmpl, making it an efficient choice for daily commutes.
Does it still have the same iconic sound?
Yamaha has tuned the exhaust to produce a sound similar to the original RX100, though it won’t replicate the exact two-stroke sound due to the 4-stroke engine.
Is the new RX100 suitable for long rides?
While the new RX100 is ideal for city commuting, it’s also capable of handling weekend trips or occasional highway rides thanks to its upright seating and smooth engine performance.
