The Yamaha RX100, a name synonymous with raw power and cult status, is making a grand return in 2025. Originally launched in 1985, this two-stroke icon dominated Indian roads during the 80s and 90s with its lightweight design and exhilarating performance.
Discontinued in 1996 due to stringent emission norms, the RX100 left a void in the hearts of biking enthusiasts. Now, Yamaha is reviving this legend, combining its vintage charm with contemporary technology to meet modern standards. This article explores the design, performance, features, and market positioning of the 2025 Yamaha RX100, a motorcycle poised to reignite India’s biking culture.
Design: A Nod to Nostalgia
Classic Styling with Modern Touches
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 retains its iconic silhouette, ensuring instant recognition among fans. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank, round halogen headlamp, and flat single-piece seat evoke the original’s minimalist aesthetic. Yamaha has tastefully integrated modern elements like LED tail lamps, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and optional alloy wheels on higher variants.
New color options, including Metallic Blue, Matte Black, and Classic Red, enhance its retro appeal while adding a contemporary flair. Chrome accents on select variants add a premium touch, making the bike a head-turner on Indian streets.
Lightweight and Agile Frame
Weighing approximately 103-110 kg, the RX100 2025 maintains its predecessor’s nimble handling. The lightweight chassis, paired with a low 800mm seat height, ensures accessibility for riders of varying statures. The frame has been updated to meet modern safety standards while preserving the bike’s agile dynamics, making it ideal for urban commuting and occasional long rides.
Performance: Power Meets Efficiency
A Modern Engine for a Classic Soul
The original RX100 was powered by a 98cc two-stroke engine, known for its punchy 11 PS output and distinctive exhaust note. Due to BS6 Phase-2 emission norms, the 2025 model features a 100-125cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with fuel injection.
This engine delivers approximately 10.85-11.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.39-11 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, paired with a four- or five-speed gearbox for smooth power delivery. While it lacks the raw grunt of the two-stroke, Yamaha has tuned the exhaust to produce a throaty, nostalgic sound.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
One of the standout features of the 2025 RX100 is its impressive fuel efficiency, with Yamaha claiming 50-70 kmpl depending on riding conditions. With a 10-12 liter fuel tank, the bike offers a range of 500-700 km, making it an economical choice for daily commuters and students. This efficiency, combined with the bike’s lightweight design, ensures cost-effective and practical riding.
Features: Blending Old and New
Modern Technology for Everyday Use
The RX100 2025 balances retro aesthetics with modern functionality. Key features include:
- Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster: Combines an analog speedometer with digital displays for fuel level, odometer, and trip data.
- LED Lighting: Enhances visibility with a retro-inspired headlamp and tail lamp design.
- Single-Channel ABS: Available on higher variants, paired with a front disc brake for improved safety.
- USB Charging Port: Keeps devices powered during rides.
- Side-Stand Engine Cut-Off: Adds a layer of safety for urban riders.
Suspension and Handling
The bike features telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers, tuned for a balance of comfort and firmness. The 18-inch wheels, available with tube or tubeless tires in higher variants, ensure nimble handling in city traffic and stability on uneven roads. The upright riding posture and low center of gravity make the RX100 accessible to both new and experienced riders.
Market Positioning and Pricing
Competitive Pricing
The Yamaha RX100 2025 is expected to be priced between ₹1.25 lakh and ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it in the premium 100-125cc segment. This pricing strategy makes it competitive with rivals like the TVS Raider 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and Hero Xtreme 125R. Yamaha may offer multiple variants, including a base model with drum brakes and a top-tier version with alloy wheels, ABS, and a digital display.
Target Audience
The RX100 2025 targets a diverse audience, from nostalgic riders who cherished the original to younger enthusiasts seeking a stylish, fuel-efficient commuter. Its blend of retro design and modern features appeals to urban riders, college students, and those looking for a practical yet thrilling ride.
Yamaha RX100 2025 vs. Competitors
| Feature | Yamaha RX100 2025 | TVS Raider 125 | Bajaj Pulsar 125 | Hero Xtreme 125R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 100-125cc, 4-stroke | 124.8cc, 4-stroke | 124.4cc, 4-stroke | 124.7cc, 4-stroke |
| Power | 10.85-11.5 bhp | 11.38 bhp | 11.64 bhp | 11.5 bhp |
| Mileage | 50-70 kmpl | 65-67 kmpl | 50-55 kmpl | 60-66 kmpl |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹1.25-1.50 lakh | ₹95,000-1.10 lakh | ₹82,712-94,594 | ₹95,000-1.05 lakh |
| Key Features | LED lights, ABS, retro design | Bluetooth, TFT display | Digital cluster, sporty look | LED headlamp, digital display |
| Weight | 103-110 kg | 123 kg | 140 kg | 136 kg |
Launch Timeline and Availability
Yamaha is expected to launch the RX100 2025 in mid-2025, with bookings opening shortly before. Deliveries are likely to commence by the second half of 2025. The bike will be available in standard, deluxe, and possibly a limited collector’s edition with chrome accents, catering to enthusiasts and collectors.
Conclusion: A Legend Reborn
The Yamaha RX100 2025 is more than a motorcycle; it’s a bridge between generations, blending nostalgia with modern engineering. Its lightweight design, fuel-efficient engine, and retro-modern features make it a compelling choice for urban commuters and retro enthusiasts alike.
While it may not replicate the raw thrill of the original two-stroke, Yamaha has crafted a bike that honors its legacy while meeting today’s demands for efficiency and safety. Priced competitively and packed with practical features, the RX100 2025 is poised to reclaim its throne as a cultural icon on Indian roads. Whether you’re reliving the 80s or discovering the RX100 for the first time, this bike promises a ride filled with emotion, style, and performance.