Yamaha RX 100 : The Yamaha RX 100 is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever made in India. The RX 100 established a new identity for Yamaha in India. It was perceived as a sporty, fast, and reliable machine, appealing to young riders and racing enthusiasts. Many riders still consider it one of the best motorcycles ever sold in the country.
Engine and Performance
The Yamaha RX 100 was powered by a 98cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, two-stroke engine. This engine produced approximately 11 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 10.39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. While these figures may seem modest today, the performance was exceptional for a bike weighing just 103 kg.
The RX 100 could accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in approximately 7 seconds. Its top speed was around 100 km/h, which was quite impressive for its time. The strong power-to-weight ratio gave the bike quick throttle response and sharp pickup, making it a joy to ride in city traffic and on highways.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Being a two-stroke motorcycle, the Yamaha RX 100 wasn’t known for its fuel efficiency. On average, the bike delivered a mileage of around 25 to 30 km per liter in city conditions. On the highway, with careful riding, the mileage could reach approximately 35 km per liter.
The RX 100 had a fuel tank capacity of approximately 10 liters. This meant that a full tank could provide a range of about 250 to 300 km, depending on the riding style. Riders accepted the lower mileage due to the bike’s exhilarating performance and smooth power delivery.
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha RX 100 had a simple and clean design. The round headlight, flat seat, chrome-finished exhaust, and spoked wheels gave it a classic look. The bike featured a straight handlebar and an upright riding position, making it comfortable for everyday use.
The metal body panels and robust frame gave the RX 100 excellent durability. Many bikes from the late 1980s are still running today, a testament to the quality of materials used. The paint quality and chrome finish were also superior to many competitors of that era.
Riding Experience and Handling
One of the strongest points of the Yamaha RX 100 was its riding feel. The lightweight chassis and responsive throttle made the bike very agile. It was easy to maneuver in traffic and remained quite stable even at high speeds.
The bike featured telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers. The suspension setup was simple but effective for Indian road conditions. Drum brakes were provided on both the front and rear wheels, which was standard at the time.
Popularity and Cultural Impact
The Yamaha RX 100 became more than just a motorcycle; it became a cultural icon of speed and style. The bike was widely used in street racing, drag races, and motorsport events across India.
The RX 100 was featured in several Bollywood films, further boosting its popularity. Even today, modified RX 100 bikes are frequently seen at bike shows and on racing tracks. The strong emotional connection riders have with this bike has kept its legacy alive.
Current Market Value
Since the Yamaha RX 100 is no longer in production, prices depend largely on the condition and originality of the bike. A well-maintained RX 100 in good condition can fetch between ₹70,000 and ₹1,20,000 in many Indian cities.
Fully restored or original-condition models can sell for ₹1.5 lakh or even more. Rare early models with original parts can command prices exceeding ₹2 lakh. This high resale value demonstrates the enduring strength of its demand.
Conclusion
The Yamaha RX 100 is still loved today because it offers a raw and pure riding experience. Modern bikes may have more features, but they cannot replicate the emotional thrill of the two-stroke RX engine.
The simple mechanics, ease of maintenance, and distinctive sound make the RX 100 special. For many riders, owning this bike is a matter of passion, not practicality. This is why the Yamaha RX 100 remains a timeless legend in Indian motorcycling history.