Yamaha Plans To Reintroduce RX100 In India

In an interview with BusinessLine, Mr Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India has expressed his interest in bringing back the 'RX100' moniker in India. However, he is quick to mention that the model won't be using a two-stroke engine due to emission regulations.

Moreover, he also asserted that the 'RX100' moniker can't be used easily as it will negatively impact the image of the motorcycle. He also added that the company has products lined up for launch till 2025 and hinted that the Nex-Gen RX100 could be launched in 2026 or later.

Speaking about the Yamaha RX100, the motorcycle was introduced in the year 1985 in India by collaborating with Escorts Group. Moreover, it is also worth mentioning that the RX100 launched in India was based on the RX-S and not the original RX100 or RS100DX.

The Yamaha RX100 continued to be in production till 1996 in India. However, the Yamaha RX100 was brought to India as a CKD unit from the year 1985 to 1987.

The original Yamaha RX100 uses a 98.2cc, two-stroke engine with 11bhp of peak power and 10.45Nm of peak power. However, many experts claim that these figures are on the conservative side.

After 1996, Yamaha replaced the RX100 with Yamaha RXG to overcome the emission laws and regulations in India. The main changes included primary and secondary reduction. Later, a heavier flywheel was also adopted to control abrupt acceleration.

In 1997, Yamaha launched the Yamaha RXZ, but this model had a completely different chassis with a shorter wheelbase. This model produced also produced slightly more power at 12bhp. Other changes include a different bodywork with a slightly sportier overall design.

Next year, Yamaha launched the RX135 and this motorcycle promised better refinement and fuel economy. However, sales figures were moderate at best as new 4-stroke motorcycles took over the market by this time.

Later, a 5-speed variant of this motorcycle was also launched and the model was more powerful as well with 14bhp of peak power, making it the quickest RX series ever launched.

As a final hurrah, Yamaha even launched a 4-speed RX135 motorcycle with a smaller catalytic converter, classic RX100 tank stripes and twin-pod speedometer. This model was sold between 2003 and 2005.

Thoughts About Yamaha RX 100

The Yamaha RX100 is not just a motorcycle for Yamaha in India. The launch of the very motorcycle gave Yamaha its iconic status associated with enthusiasts in the country. Moreover, the motorcycle has gained a cult-like status in India.

To reintroduce such nameplates is not an easy task and Yamaha knows this very well. So, there is nothing wrong in Yamaha taking its own sweet time to reintroduce the legendary nameplate. However, the two-stroke engine will be sorely missed by purists in the country.

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