There are motorcycles that exist, and then there are motorcycles that define an era. For me, the Yamaha RX100 is one of the rare few that falls into the second category. Even though I wasn’t around during its golden years, the RX100 has always held a legendary status in the Indian biking scene—almost like folklore passed down from one generation to the next. And now, with Yamaha confirming its official comeback in May 2025, I honestly feel like history is about to be rewritten, and I’m so glad I get to be part of it this time.
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My Connection to a Motorcycle I Never Owned
It may sound odd, but I’ve always felt a strange emotional connection to the Yamaha RX100. Maybe it’s because I’ve heard so many stories from friends and family who were obsessed with it. Maybe it’s because I’ve seen eyes light up when someone spots a restored model parked by the roadside. My uncles still talk about how the RX100 was their first taste of real speed, and I’ve seen the kind of loyalty and nostalgia it inspires among those who rode it in its prime. So even though I never owned one myself, I feel like the RX100 has always been part of my biker DNA.
I still remember the first time I sat pillion on an old RX100 during a local rally event. It was loud, unapologetic, and yet had a kind of purity in its power delivery that modern bikes often lack. That moment stayed with me, and I’ve long wished Yamaha would bring this icon back. So, hearing the news about its official relaunch in May 2025 feels a bit surreal.
The Glory Days of the RX100 — Why It Became a Legend
Back in 1985, when Yamaha launched the RX100 in India, it was nothing short of a revolution. At a time when most bikes on the market were focused solely on fuel economy and conservative styling, the RX100 arrived with a rebellious streak. It came with a compact and lightweight frame, but inside was a fiery 98cc, 2-stroke engine that could leave larger bikes in the dust.
What made it truly iconic was not just the performance but the experience—the crisp exhaust note, the throttle response, and the sheer rawness of the ride. For an entire generation of riders, it became a status symbol, a street racer, and an emotional companion all rolled into one. The RX100 wasn’t built to be practical—it was built to be thrilling.
| Specification | Yamaha RX100 (1985–1996) |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 98cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled |
| Maximum Power | 11 PS @ 7500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 10.39 Nm |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Kerb Weight | 103 kg approx. |
| Top Speed | ~100 km/h |
What’s incredible is that even after it was discontinued in 1996, its cult following never died. If anything, it only grew stronger. I’ve seen RX100s fetch higher resale value than modern bikes twice their size, and restoration workshops still thrive because of this one model.
The 2025 Yamaha RX100: What I Expect This Time Around
When Yamaha confirmed that the RX100 would return in 2025, I knew things wouldn’t be exactly like the old days. The original two-stroke engine simply can’t meet today’s strict BS6 and Euro 5 emission standards. But that doesn’t mean Yamaha can’t revive the soul of the RX100 in a modern avatar. And that’s what I’m really hoping for—a bike that captures the spirit of the original, while still being compliant with today’s tech and safety standards.
From what I’ve gathered so far (and trust me, I’ve been obsessively following every detail), the new RX100 will likely come with a four-stroke, air-cooled engine, probably in the 125cc segment. It might share some internals with the Yamaha R125 or FZ-X, but I truly hope Yamaha engineers tune it for a sharper throttle and light handling—traits that made the original RX100 so addictive.
| Feature Category | My Expectations from RX100 2025 |
|---|---|
| Engine Configuration | 125cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, BS6-compliant |
| Max Power & Torque | Approx. 11–13 PS, 11 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Weight | Around 115–120 kg |
| Brakes | Front Disc, Rear Drum or Disc |
| Design | Retro-themed with modern touches |
| Launch Timeline | May 2025 (Confirmed) |
| Price Range | ₹1.40 – ₹1.55 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
What excites me most is Yamaha’s emphasis on heritage styling. They’ve hinted that the RX100’s new version won’t be some bland, over-modernized commuter. It will carry the same clean lines, upright stance, and minimalist appeal. And if Yamaha nails the proportions and details—round headlamp, flat seat, classic exhaust pipe—I honestly think it could set a new benchmark in the neo-retro segment.
This Is More Than Just a Launch — It’s a Legacy Restored
I don’t view the return of the RX100 as just another product launch. For me—and thousands of other riders across India—it’s a second chance to be part of a movement that once defined what biking freedom felt like. The RX100 wasn’t always about top speed or horsepower figures. It was about attitude, independence, and that unmistakable engine growl that echoed for miles.
And now, I see a whole new generation of young riders getting ready to experience what my father and his friends talked about. Maybe the exhaust note will be quieter, and the engine more refined, but if Yamaha gets the ride character right, the RX100 will once again be a bike that connects with people on a personal level.
Final Thoughts — Am I Going to Buy It? Definitely Thinking About It
Would I buy the new Yamaha RX100 in 2025? Honestly, I’m seriously considering it. Not just for the performance, but for what it represents. I’ve test-ridden dozens of bikes over the years as a blogger and enthusiast, but the RX100 is special. It doesn’t need fancy digital displays or Bluetooth connectivity to be desirable. It just needs to feel alive—quick, raw, and honest.
I know that the 2025 version won’t be the same as the one from the 80s. But if Yamaha manages to bring back even 70% of that original magic, I’d love to make space for it in my garage. Because owning an RX100 today wouldn’t just be about riding—it would be about being part of a story that spans decades.
