Yamaha RX100 had a huge fan following in the Indian two-wheeler market. Powerful performance and the stylish design of the bike made it popular among Indian speed enthusiasts in a short span of time. It still has the same demand in the Indian market even after the discontinuation of the bike 26 years ago. Some users are still riding the bike with some alterations since the bikemaker is offering spare parts of it. 

Now, it is great news for the Yamaha RX100 lovers in the country since Mr Eishin Chihana, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India has stated that the bike could come back to the country. “We want to bring back the RX100 brand but there are two points — RX100 is a two-stroke engine and complying with the BS6 engine in it is impossible now. But, certainly giving the name to a new model is in our plan. Having said that, once we put the RX100 on a brand/some aspiring model … the reincarnation with modern styling/ flavour is a big challenge”, he told. 

As per the statement by the chairman, it is clear that the bike will come to our shores in a new avatar and with new technology. Since the old bike was offered with a two-stroke engine and also there was a carburettor system, it will not be possible for the maker to compliant it with BS6 norms. Therefore, they need to bring it with new fuel-injection technology. Also, it will most probably be an absolutely new bike with an RX100 name tag. 

Moreover, when the expected launch time was asked to Mr Eishin Chihana, they added that it could only be feasible around 2026 because till then the brand has already a slew of bikes in the pipeline. They stated, “We have a plan, but we should not use RX100 name so easily … it will ruin the image. RX100 cannot be a quick plan/decision … it should be an impactful package with a powerful engine and design.”

Further speaking of the current trends in the two-wheeler segment, the Chairman said that they are working on the upcoming electric scooters in the country which are under testing process now. “Our engineers are working on it and by 2025, we will definitely have an electric scooter in India. Yamaha already has electric scooters in Taiwan and Europe, so we can import those here, to begin with. We are looking at all options right now — to import it as a completely built unit (CBU), completely knocked down unit (CKD) or assemble here with more localisation.”

Quick Facts about the Yamaha RX100 (Old Model)

• 98cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled engine
• Maximum power of 11 BHP @ 7500 RPM
• Maximum torque of 10.39 Nm @ 6500 rpm
• 4-speed transmission
• Top speed of 100 KMPH
• 0-60 KMPH in 7.5 seconds
• Dry weight of the bike is 95 Kg
• Front suspension – Japanese Kayaba telescopic fork, oil damped
• Rear suspension – Swing arm, coil spring, oil damped
• Front and rear brakes – 130mm internal expanding drum brakes