Yamaha RX100 Launches : Most Affordable Bike With 225cc Engine & 120km/h Top Speed, Check Price & Features

Some motorcycles are remembered for their looks. Others for their speed. But the Yamaha RX100? It’s remembered for changing the way India rode. Between 1985 and 1996, this small yet fierce two-stroke machine transformed daily commutes into adrenaline-filled rides. And now, after decades of whispers and wishful thinking, the RX100 is poised for a revival. Rumors of leaked design sketches and insider claims about a secret Yamaha test bike have only fueled the fire. It might not sound or feel exactly like the one that ruled the ’80s and ’90s, but it’s ready to bring its spirit back to life.

The “Father of Bullet” is back - but this isn’t the RX100 you remember. Fans are hyped, purists are worried, and Yamaha… well, they’re playing it bold. If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you already know why the RX100 is more than just a motorcycle - it’s an emotion. Back then, it was the bike that turned ordinary commutes into adrenaline rushes. With its lightweight frame, lightning-fast pickup, and that unmistakable exhaust notes, it became every young rider’s dream. Even today, when a well-maintained RX100 passes by, heads turn, and memories come flooding back.

But after decades in the shadows, Yamaha is bringing the name back… and things are about to change.

Yamaha RX100 Legacy That Refuses to Die

For many riders, the RX100 wasn’t just a mode of transport — it was their first taste of freedom. Its light frame, snappy acceleration, and unmistakable exhaust note created a bond between bike and rider that no spec sheet could explain. Even today, spotting a well-kept RX100 on the streets can turn heads and spark conversations. Enthusiasts still scour second-hand markets for original models, sometimes paying more than what they cost brand new in the ’90s. Online forums are filled with debates over whether Yamaha will stay true to the original’s simplicity or bow to modern design trends.

The Yamaha RX100 Comeback: Big Comeback Announcement

For years, rumors about a new RX100 have come and gone. But things got serious when Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India, confirmed the company’s interest in reviving the iconic name. Spy shots of camouflaged test bikes circulating online have fans guessing at everything from engine displacement to paint schemes. Industry chatter points to a launch timeline only after 2026, with an expected India release around January 2027. The modern RX100 will almost certainly feature a four-stroke engine with fuel injection — cleaner, more efficient, but undeniably different in character.

Yamaha RX100 New Design – Old Soul, New Body

One thing Yamaha appears committed to is keeping the RX100 instantly recognizable. Expect design cues that pay homage to the original — a round headlamp, teardrop fuel tank, slim side panels, and generous chrome accents. However, leaked concept images suggest possible LED strip integration within the headlamp, which has stirred mixed reactions among purists. These touches will keep the nostalgia alive, while subtle upgrades will bring it into the modern age.

New Yamaha RX100 Engine & Performance – Then vs. Now

The original RX100’s heart was a 98cc two-stroke engine that delivered a thrilling punch the moment you twisted the throttle. Recreating that instant surge with a four-stroke is no easy task. Some insiders claim Yamaha tested a 200cc variant but scrapped it due to weight concerns, while others suggest a 155cc platform shared with the R15 for better efficiency. Weight will be a critical factor. The original RX100 weighed under 105 kg, and keeping the new model close to 110–115 kg will be essential to maintaining its nimble, easy-to-ride character.

• The original RX100’s heart was a 98cc two-stroke engine that delivered a thrilling punch the moment you twisted the throttle. Recreating that instant surge with a four-stroke is no easy task.
• Reports suggest the new RX100 could feature anything from a 155cc to a 225cc air-cooled engine, tuned for a balance between speed and fuel efficiency. Yamaha might target around 20 horsepower and a top speed of 110–120 km/h, which would put it ahead of many current retro-styled commuters.
• Weight will be a critical factor. The original RX100 weighed under 105 kg, and keeping the new model close to 110–115 kg will be essential to maintaining its nimble, easy-to-ride character.
• If Yamaha gets the power-to-weight ratio right, the new RX100 could still deliver that playful, spirited ride enthusiasts remember — even if the soundtrack has changed.

Features & Technology

While the soul of the RX100 lies in its simplicity, the modern rider expects certain conveniences. Yamaha is likely to blend retro looks with practical tech. Rumors hint at smartphone integration with turn-by-turn navigation and even a retro-inspired app interface. These features could make the RX100 a nostalgic yet practical everyday ride.

• Digital-analog display for speed, fuel, and trip information.
• Single-channel ABS for safer braking
• Tubeless tyres to reduce puncture headaches.
• USB charging port for on-the-go device charging.
• Side-stand engine cut-off for added safety.
• Electric start for convenience without losing kick-start charm.

New Yamaha RX100 Price & Rivals

Pricing will be key to the RX100’s comeback story. Current expectations put it in the ₹1.20–1.50 lakh (ex-showroom) range. Competitors like the Bajaj Pulsar NS200, TVS Apache RTR 200, and Hero Xtreme 200S are already strong in the segment, but none carry the RX100’s heritage factor. Online chatter warns that if Yamaha overshoots the price, nostalgia might not be enough to secure strong sales.

Fan Expectations & Reality Check

This is where Yamaha faces its biggest challenge. The original RX100 wasn’t loved for having the most power or the best features — it was loved for its raw personality. A four-stroke engine, stricter emissions, and modern safety requirements mean the new RX100 can’t be a carbon copy of its past self. Some fans will inevitably be disappointed, especially if the exhaust note fails to evoke memories of the original. But for a younger generation, this new RX100 could be a fresh icon in its own right.

Conclusion – The Legend’s Second Ride

The Yamaha RX100’s return is more than just a product launch — it’s the revival of a cultural symbol. Cleaner, safer, and more practical than its predecessor, it may not have the same raspy exhaust note, but it has the potential to carry forward the spirit of freedom and fun. The road ahead is long, with its official debut still years away. But if Yamaha gets it right, the RX100 could once again be the bike everyone talks about — and the one you can’t help but turn around to look at as it rides by.

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