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-   -   Yamaha hints RX100 revival. The iconic brand could return post 2026 (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/254451-yamaha-hints-rx100-revival-iconic-brand-could-return-post-2026-a-2.html)

You can only do justice to the RX nametag on a four stroke today by making a lightweight pocket rocket with an exhilarating exhaust note.

Not sure how successful Yamaha would be post 2026 with Bharat Stage VII or VIII around at that time.

If there were only three things that I could define my youth with, one of them would be the Yamaha RX. I've owned two of them and "borrowed for a long time" two more that belonged to friends and family. I absolutely enjoyed every moment with them .. well almost .. didn't enjoy the falling bits :D.

In its time with a just a handful of competitors, the Yamaha RX100 name meant blazing performance, brilliant exhaust note and sheer simplicity. I'm pretty sure that in 2026, they will NOT be able to capture that essence in a market that is very different and a time that is very different. All they will do is tarnish many good memories with an abomination.

So, this sums up my feelings better than any number of words could:

This morning when I read the news, I was super excited.

Images of the beautiful RX100, that typical sound, the shining spokes, the chrome rim, and that typical odo cluster, all started doing their rounds. Memories of getting saved from ragging because of a senior's RX100, which never worked with the key, came flashing. But then what? Will the current generation relate to an old charm, which may not give sizeable business to the manufacturer in today's cut-throat competition? Even if Yamaha can reproduce everything from the bygone era, the generation which will probably cling to it has become mature, priorities re-focussed!

During my school/college I could not afford my own RX. And today, even if I can, I still would not want an RX on the streets. Some beasts are best laid to rest. :crying

What Yamaha can do is providing the spares for the original RX100, RX135 at the counter for the owners. Creating a 4 stroke RX100 will insult the enthusiast for sure.

While this is a good move but not sure it can bring the same joy of riding in it’s 4stroke avatar.The silencer note in RX100-2stoke engine is still unmatched.Sharing one photograph from my archive which was clicked somewhere near Nandihills during my college days back in the 90’s.

I agree!


But looking at the trend, I am sure it will wear the name plate and probably some styling as well, but not sure if it will run like that Cheetah. It is the heart of this Cheetah which made it a mad machine.

I had one 20 Years back for almost 4 years. Oh Boy! It was absolute fun and adrenaline rush (Darting out of the traffic leaving every one in dust was too much an addiction for me). Sold it due to low efficiency (:Frustrati, was getting 25KMPL and now my 10 year old activa is giving much lesser than that). Later, I realized that I just didnt sell the bike, rather sold the Fun.

If they bring similar engine, I will sure put money on it.

Contrary to what they say, the name's not enough! There's no way that these reruns will ever be as legendary and exciting to own as the original ones were. I'm lucky enough to own 2 of them 2 strokes (with more on the way), and I'm never going to replace them with anything else.

Yes, I'm definitely only posting these because you said so :p

Pictures from two days ago, when I had to put them in storage because I had to move to the NCR, where these are banned. I'm leaning on the one that's closer to my heart:

Drove an RX100 for about 50,000kms in 15 months in 1996-97.

They could retain the shape. Tune an exhaust to give that original sound. (That is the main bit). Get a powerfull 4 stroke to sound like the 2 stroke RX 100.

Lot of Magic required here. Yamaha, if you can't do it properly, better not touch the iconic name.

I think yamaha has an engine which is close enough - the mt15. Put it in a ujm body, tune the exhaust for a raspy note. Nobody says the rx100 needs to be a 100cc. In fact the original models were rumoured to be higher cc

I clearly remember being told this in 1986. Didar Motors Madras Mount Road was the dealer. And there was a phenomenal Bike mechanic Father-Son duo Nawaz and Ameen in Egmore. My friend’s older brother had a Raj-Yam 350 in those days. And several other people in the general crowd with whom we used to hang, had those early RX100’s (they were all 4-7 years older than us amd some were in College and some had started working as well.) And I remember very clearly in those days, hearing this rumour that those early RX100 bikes were all 110-135 cc depending on who one was hearing the rumour from.
Of course in the late ‘90’s they did launch the Yamaha RX 135 and all but I think that was their swan song as far as the two stroke motors were concerned.

But even now, 36 years later that Yamaha 2 stroke growl can make the hair on the neck prickle!

And here in Bangalore there still seem to be a number of these RX100’s, many of them very well kept but whether these are original or restored, I do not know.

As a two stroke owner and enthusiast, I find it very difficult to comprehend how they plan on achieving the BS6 emission norms with a 100cc 2 stroke engine. A legend like the RX100 is better left to rest with all its glory rather than reviving it

"you either die a hero or live long enough to see your self become the villan"

I just pray and hope the RX100's revival does not end up like the Tata Safari, no offence to the new safari owners on the forum, great car but not worthy of that name

I don't think this is a good idea from Yamaha. RX100/RX135 still commands a good price and are sought after. They should leave alone the RX100/RX135 and let it be a one time wonder.

I used to own a RX100 till 1999 and I still own a 1999 RX135 (bought new in 1999)

My RX135 is ported and I still immensely enjoy the ride and sound

May be Yamaha can try to revive RD350

Regards

Had an Rx100 and Duke 200 at the same time, KTM certainly felt like a true successor to the RX, it's light, fast and sounds unique. Hope it's an RX250 at least :D

I am not much optimistic about it, as rx 100 is known for its engine which is 2 stroke, and the sound it produces, which can not be matched today. Jawa / Yezdi are trying to do the same thing, trying revive old legends which were 2 strokes but we all know how they are fairing in the market. I dont think anyone would be interested to buy RX100 with something like splendor 100cc or 125 cc engine. Or company might launch RX300 or RX35o and call it RX100.

Guess they just want to utilize the name RX100 - it may have a far bigger and of course 4 Stroke Engine.

Not sure how difficult is it to at least produce a similar sound to olden-golden exhaust. RE has been able to retain Bullet sound to some extent with BS6.