Have you ever felt that rush of nostalgia when you hear the distinctive two-stroke engine sound of a classic motorcycle? Well, get ready for that feeling to come rushing back because the legendary Yamaha RX 100 is making its grand return in 2025! After years of anticipation and speculation, Yamaha has finally revived one of India’s most beloved motorcycles, blending its timeless appeal with modern technology. The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a reimagined icon that promises to capture the hearts of both veteran riders who cherished the original and a new generation eager to experience the legend. Let’s dive into what makes this motorcycle so special and why its comeback is creating waves across the motorcycling community.
Design and Styling: A Perfect Blend of Nostalgia and Modernity
The moment you lay eyes on the 2025 Yamaha RX 100, you’ll notice how faithfully it honors its predecessor’s iconic silhouette while incorporating contemporary elements. Yamaha has retained the classic teardrop-shaped fuel tank with the signature RX badge, the sleek profile, and the minimalist approach that made the original such a design masterpiece. The round LED headlight with chrome bezel perfectly captures the retro essence while providing modern illumination capabilities.
What I particularly love about the new design is how Yamaha has managed to keep the bike looking authentically vintage without making it feel outdated. The neo-retro styling maintains the slim profile and clean lines of the original, but with subtle modern touches that enhance its appeal. The chrome-finished accents, long flat seat, and lightweight frame bring back the old-school charm, while modern enhancements elevate the overall aesthetic.
Color options for the 2025 RX 100 include classic choices like Force Blue, Metallic Black, Trail Green, Candy Red, Pearl White, and Racing Blue—each one carefully selected to complement the bike’s timeless design. Whether parked on a city street or cruising down a highway, this motorcycle turns heads with its distinctive presence that stands out in today’s sea of aggressive, angular designs.
Think of the 2025 RX 100 as that perfectly tailored vintage suit that’s been updated with modern fabric technology—it maintains the classic cut and style that never goes out of fashion but offers contemporary comfort and durability.
Features and Technology
While staying true to its minimalist roots, the 2025 RX 100 incorporates just enough technology to meet modern riders’ expectations without overwhelming the classic experience. The instrument cluster cleverly combines analog and digital elements—featuring an analog speedometer for that vintage feel alongside a digital display that shows essential information like fuel level, gear position, and trip data.
Lighting has been completely modernized with LED technology throughout—headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators—providing better visibility and energy efficiency. The tubeless tires are a practical upgrade that reduces the hassle of punctures, while the USB charging port under the seat is a thoughtful addition for today’s connected riders.
Some variants offer Bluetooth connectivity through Yamaha’s Y-Connect app, allowing for features like:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Call and message notifications
- Ride statistics tracking
- Maintenance reminders
These tech additions have been implemented subtly, enhancing the riding experience without compromising the RX 100’s pure, mechanical soul. It’s like adding GPS to a classic compass—the fundamental experience remains authentic, but with helpful modern conveniences.
Performance and Engine: The Heart of the Legend Reimagined
The original RX 100 was renowned for its punchy two-stroke engine that delivered thrilling acceleration and an unforgettable exhaust note. For the 2025 revival, Yamaha faced the challenge of meeting modern emission standards while preserving the spirited character that defined the original.
Engine Specifications
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 comes equipped with a new engine that represents a significant departure from its predecessor. Instead of the original two-stroke, Yamaha has opted for a modern four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with fuel injection technology. The displacement ranges between 125cc to 150cc, depending on the source, with most reliable reports pointing to a 125cc configuration.
This new powerplant generates approximately 11.5-15 PS of maximum power (depending on the variant) at around 9000 RPM and 11.2-13.5 Nm of peak torque at 7500 RPM. While these numbers might seem modest compared to larger motorcycles, they’re perfectly suited to the RX 100’s lightweight frame, which weighs between 110-129 kg.
The engine is paired with a smooth 5-speed or 6-speed gearbox (varying by reports) that ensures effortless city riding and comfortable highway cruising. Yamaha has fine-tuned the engine mapping to provide instant throttle response, keeping the fun factor alive despite the transition from two-stroke to four-stroke technology.
What’s particularly impressive is how Yamaha has managed to engineer a distinctive exhaust note that, while different from the iconic two-stroke sound, still carries enough character to turn heads and evoke emotion. It’s like a talented cover artist who brings their own interpretation to a classic song—different but respectful of the original.
| Specification | 2025 Yamaha RX 100 | Original RX 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, Fuel Injected | Single-cylinder, 2-stroke, Carburetor |
| Displacement | 125cc-150cc | 98cc |
| Maximum Power | 11.5-15 PS @ 9000 RPM | 11 PS @ 7500 RPM |
| Maximum Torque | 11.2-13.5 Nm @ 7500 RPM | 10.39 Nm @ 6500 RPM |
| Transmission | 5/6-Speed | 4-Speed |
| Kerb Weight | 110-129 kg | 103 kg |
| Top Speed | 110-120 kmph | 110 kmph |
| Mileage | 45-60 kmpl | 35 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10-15 liters | 10 liters |
| Price (Ex-showroom) | ₹1.6 lakh – ₹2.0 lakh | ₹81,672 (reissue price) |
Fuel Efficiency and Performance
One area where the 2025 RX 100 significantly outperforms its predecessor is fuel efficiency. The new model delivers an impressive mileage of 45-60 kmpl (depending on riding conditions), compared to the original’s approximately 35 kmpl. With a fuel tank capacity of 10-15 liters, riders can expect a range of over 500 kilometers on a full tank—making it practical for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
The lightweight chassis combined with the responsive engine results in nimble handling and excellent agility—qualities that made the original RX 100 so beloved. The bike accelerates briskly, with a claimed top speed of around 110-120 kmph, which is more than adequate for most riding scenarios.
Handling and Dynamics: Lightweight Agility Meets Modern Stability
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 continues the legacy of its predecessor as a lightweight, agile motorcycle that’s incredibly fun to ride. Weighing between 110-129 kg (depending on the variant), it maintains the nimble character that made the original such a joy to flick through traffic and around corners.
The suspension setup has been modernized while maintaining the classic feel. The front features telescopic forks, while the rear gets twin shock absorbers that have been tuned to provide a balance between comfort and sportiness. This combination delivers a ride quality that’s firm enough for spirited cornering but compliant enough to absorb road imperfections.
Braking is one area where the 2025 model represents a significant upgrade over the original. While the classic RX 100 came with drum brakes front and rear, the new version offers disc brakes at both ends, with higher variants featuring dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety. This modern braking system provides confident stopping power in all conditions—a welcome improvement that doesn’t detract from the bike’s classic character.
The handling dynamics of the 2025 RX 100 can be described as pure and engaging. Without excessive electronic aids or riding modes, it offers a direct connection between rider and road—something increasingly rare in modern motorcycles. It’s like a well-balanced chef’s knife in a world of electric food processors—simple, effective, and incredibly satisfying to use.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The riding position of the 2025 RX 100 strikes a comfortable balance between sporty and relaxed. The flat, long seat provides ample space for both rider and pillion, while the natural positioning of the handlebars and footpegs creates an upright posture that’s comfortable for extended rides.
With a seat height of approximately 790mm, the bike is accessible to riders of various heights. The slim profile makes it easy to place both feet firmly on the ground at stops—a confidence-inspiring feature, especially for newer riders.
Pricing and Value Proposition: Nostalgia at a Premium
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 is positioned as a premium offering in the 125-150cc segment, with prices starting from approximately ₹1.6 lakh (ex-showroom). While this represents a significant premium over conventional 125cc commuters, the pricing reflects the bike’s iconic status, premium build quality, and the emotional connection it offers.
When compared to other retro-styled motorcycles in the market, the RX 100 stands out with its authentic heritage—this isn’t a modern bike designed to look retro; it’s the revival of a genuine legend. For enthusiasts who remember the original or those who’ve heard stories about it from their parents, the price premium is justified by the authentic experience and the pride of ownership.
The 2025 RX 100 competes with bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar NS160, TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, and Suzuki Gixxer 155 in terms of performance and price point. However, its unique selling proposition isn’t outright performance or features—it’s the emotional connection and distinctive character that these more conventional motorcycles simply can’t match.
Conclusion: A Legend Reborn for a New Generation
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 represents a masterful revival of an iconic motorcycle that has held a special place in the hearts of Indian riders for decades. By blending the timeless design and character of the original with modern engineering and features, Yamaha has created a motorcycle that bridges generations—appealing to nostalgic veterans and curious newcomers alike.
While purists might debate the shift from two-stroke to four-stroke technology, the reality is that this evolution was necessary to bring the RX 100 back in today’s emission-conscious world. What matters most is that Yamaha has preserved the essence of what made the original special—lightweight agility, responsive performance, and distinctive character—while making it relevant for modern riders.
Expected to hit showrooms in October 2025 after its reveal at the Auto Expo earlier this year, the new RX 100 isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a cultural icon reborn. Whether you’re an old-school RX fan or a new rider looking for something with character in a sea of similar-looking motorcycles, the 2025 Yamaha RX 100 offers a compelling blend of heritage, performance, and style that few other bikes can match.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the 2025 Yamaha RX 100 a two-stroke engine like the original?
No, the 2025 Yamaha RX 100 features a modern four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with fuel injection technology to meet current emission standards. While it doesn’t have the same two-stroke character as the original, Yamaha has tuned the engine and exhaust to deliver a distinctive sound and responsive performance that captures the spirit of the classic RX 100.
2. What is the expected launch date and price of the 2025 Yamaha RX 100?
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 is expected to launch around October 2025, following its reveal at the Auto Expo earlier in the year. The ex-showroom price is anticipated to be between ₹1.6 lakh and ₹2.0 lakh, positioning it as a premium offering in the 125-150cc segment.
3. How does the fuel efficiency of the 2025 RX 100 compare to the original?
The 2025 Yamaha RX 100 offers significantly better fuel efficiency than the original, delivering approximately 45-60 kmpl compared to the original’s 35 kmpl. With its 10-15 liter fuel tank, the new model provides a range of over 500 kilometers on a full tank, making it much more practical for everyday use.
4. What modern features does the 2025 RX 100 include that weren’t in the original?
The 2025 model includes several modern features such as LED lighting, disc brakes with ABS, digital-analog instrument cluster, tubeless tires, and even Bluetooth connectivity on higher variants. These additions enhance safety, convenience, and the overall riding experience while maintaining the classic aesthetic of the original RX 100.
5. Is the 2025 Yamaha RX 100 suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 2025 RX 100 can be a good option for beginners due to its lightweight design, manageable power delivery, and straightforward controls. However, its premium positioning and nostalgic value might make it more appealing to experienced riders or enthusiasts who appreciate its heritage. New riders should respect its responsive nature and develop their skills progressively to fully enjoy what this iconic motorcycle has to offer.