A born again biker - Tips for buying a used Yamaha RX

greenhorn · 15th August 2008, 12:58

No, Its not me - I've never been a biker, don't see a chance of becoming one either.

Its for my dad you see , who has suddenly seen the error of his ways, and decided to repent. He has decided to junk the four stroke abomination he rides around these days , A Crux, and get himself an RX like he used to have. He's already asked his mechanic to see if there are any, But I wonder if he'll have any luck ....

Dad's ride was an 88 ( or was it 89?) model RX 100. I remember dad coming home one day, and showing me a key. I was curious what it opened. I couldnt think of anything. He said , come , lets see , and we went outside to see a silver RX 100. It was a matter of honour to tell my friends that my dad rode a yamaha ,when everyone else rode hero honda's , and when the guys from Mar Ivanios College went zipping by, I'd tell my friends "my dad has one of those"

But the strange thing was , he never took it above 40 usually. Dad had vertigo, and was adviced not to ride a bike at all, but then, that was all we could afford. I thought he was a slow rider , till one of my friends casually remarked to me , that even though my dad'd max speed was 40, his minimum speed was 30. My friend thought he was a skilful traffic dodger till he saw my dad. his YBX was no match it seems.

Unfortunately financial reasons + a change in dad's office ( from near home to the current place , 40 km away) meant he had to sell it off and get one of the newfangled four strokes in 2001.In retrospect , it was a big mistake. He used to get 35-40 on his RX , and the crux gave just 55. Not a big improvement , In fact , not an improvement at all. He had sold the RX for 27k, and bought the Crux for 42k. Thats Depreciation for you- it cost him 18k when he bought it. It had actually appreciated in value ! Of course , it was bone stock, well maintained , and hadnt seen the better side of 60kmph.

7 years with the Crux has not been kind. Two tyre upsizes, one shock upgrade and several mods later, the Crux still cannot even hold a candle to the RX. Its in worse condition than 13 year old RX was when he sold it. And he doubts if he can get a five digit resale value for it.

He'd held on to it because it was our only mode of transport.But now that yours truly has taken up active chaffeur duties, he's riding it less and less. and the suspension of the thing is horrible , his back hurts. Since the economy aspect of it is irrelevant now , decided to get a new bike. I had originally recommended a unicorn because of its superior ride comfort, but he didnt spend so much on it. Then recently when we went to his mech for service , I looked at the RX's parked there , and asked him, why not dad ?

For a moment , I thought i saw a gleam in his eyes- was not sure of it myself . And he didnt discuss it further. But then, just before we left , he calls the mechanic, and says that he's had enough of this bike, and that he wanted an RX, if there were any. The mech ,sadly, didnt know of any - a good RX is like a needle in a haystack. He said he'd get back to us though.

So there , Dad is officially looking in the market for an RX 100/135.
As close to stock as possible , No engine mods/fart cannons.

Tyre /shock/brake upgraded ones are welcome though. he's planning to do those anyway.

I believe RXG's should be avoided , right ?
TVM Bhpians - any help would be greatly appreciated!
Consider this a request from an old man who wants things back the way things were , the good old days

A born again biker - Tips for buying a used Yamaha RX-img.jpg

Me on Dad's old Ride

Sam Kapasi · 15th August 2008, 13:33

Now that is a touching post and from an area quite close to my heart. I wish your dad good luck in an excellent quest.

VJ_MAVRICK · 15th August 2008, 13:41

Very touching and soothing post to say the least "greenhorn". All the best in your quest for the ultimate 2 wheel rides that ever dawned on indian roads. Had one in our family and i always used to envy my elder brother as he had and i had to settle for a KB 100 ..jeez . Anyways its nice to see the son appreciate and hunt for the machine that a DAD loves.

Sankar · 15th August 2008, 13:57

That was a nostalgic post Greenhorn. I shall keep an eye out for a good RX. Yes you're correct, the RXGs should be avoided. And if you're getting a RX135 make sure that it's not a re badged G.

Nice photo. I bet you were making engine noises while sitting on the bike

anandtheleo · 15th August 2008, 14:48

Very nice post, this is the very reason me and my dad spent 8000 Rs(mechanic was telling why bother to repair, bah!what did he know) for his ride, a 87 AX100 to get it fully redone. He just refuses to let go of the bike. The bike after the re-work goes like stink, faster than my two rides a pulsar and a unicorn. 2-strokes are just too good.

Have fond memories of me and my brother going on the bike. We two would be sitting on the tank, me with my head bent slightly(since i was taller) and my bro arguing everyday till we reached home.

You should definitely get the bike for your dad, look through Free ads, sulekha and other websites.

Shakensoul · 15th August 2008, 16:38

Ask your dad to join tbhp so that we can welcome him to the club

But I am sure your hands are also itching to get your hands on a yamaha again, to get a feel of the good old days.

airfoil · 15th August 2008, 17:48

I suggest you look for a cosmetically clean example without worrying too much about its internals.

Then set about rebuilding the engine - replacing the crank, main bearings and cylinder kit will cost a total of about 8k, including labour and other bits.

srijit · 15th August 2008, 20:12

Wonderful post Greenhorn.

Here's wishing you all the best in your quest.

EDIT: Do you have a budget?

greenhorn · 15th August 2008, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

Now that is a touching post and from an area quite close to my heart. I wish your dad good luck in an excellent quest.

THanks sam, this was in part inspired by your own blog !

Quote:

Originally Posted by VJ_MAVRICK

. Anyways its nice to see the son appreciate and hunt for the machine that a DAD loves.

Technically this is dad's quest. I'm just sponsorng it and helping out with inputs and sourcing one ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sankar

That was a nostalgic post Greenhorn. I shall keep an eye out for a good RX. Yes you're correct, the RXGs should be avoided. And if you're getting a RX135 make sure that it's not a re badged G.

Thanks , do let me know if you find one. Talked a bit ith dad , and he said he aint interested in RX 135's either . Only RX 100's

Quote:

Nice photo. I bet you were making engine noises while sitting on the bike

It was taken a while ago, and i guess I was

Quote:

Originally Posted by anandtheleo

Have fond memories of me and my brother going on the bike. We two would be sitting on the tank, me with my head bent slightly(since i was taller) and my bro arguing everyday till we reached home.

Heck, even we used to travel three at a time , me + sis + dad

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakensoul

Ask your dad to join tbhp so that we can welcome him to the club

I doubt it , he calls me to turn on the PC and turn it off, and uses the remote and never the keyboard /mouse - we have a PC with a tv tuner instead of a TV

Quote:

But I am sure your hands are also itching to get your hands on a yamaha again, to get a feel of the good old days.

I'm not that sure , chances are that wont be riding it. But I am looking forward to having one in our family

Quote:

Originally Posted by airfoil

I suggest you look for a cosmetically clean example without worrying too much about its internals.

Then set about rebuilding the engine - replacing the crank, main bearings and cylinder kit will cost a total of about 8k, including labour and other bits.

The finer details I suppose the mech will be taking care of. Dad has known him for 20 years now , and trusts him

Quote:

Originally Posted by srijit

Wonderful post Greenhorn.

Here's wishing you all the best in your quest.

EDIT: Do you have a budget?

we are yet to fix a budget , but its a bit flexible . I am willing to spend an extra bit for a well maintained example if dad is okay with it

anjan_c2007 · 15th August 2008, 23:26

greenhorn lovely and touching write-up. I can relate with it as I too own a 1990 RX 100 which is still like new for me after 18 years of service.The paint and chrome are all original. the side panels which house the battery and air filter have been repainted as the paint had faded.
This bike is awesome and should be called a superbike as it beats all others in its class hollow! As I have repeatedly posted even today its sends goose pimples to the riders on Pulsars150 and Hunks and RTR's with its 100 cc engine.Its always there when I need it.Never has it given me an opportunity to say anything bad about it.Its been used and abused like hell but I've always tried to keep it new.I have made no major expenditure on it till last year. Then I found that the 6V electricals had become dated as batteries were not easily available. I then spent Rs 3800 to upgrade its electricals to 12V and there was some pending work on its front forks and steering which too were attended to. i have resisted all efforts aiming at telling me to sell it off and buy a new 150-200cc bike- No way! 100 cc and RX 100 cc is mine forever!!
The RX 100 is a rare bike with the beauty and the mechanical brawn.
You should by all means go for a very well maintained RX 100 (no not even the RX 135) and finding one should not be that difficult. I think a very well kept example should be available for Rs 10000 to Rs 15000. Buy it spend some more on it and you will not have to worry about it for another 18 years like me!

A born again biker - Tips for buying a used Yamaha RX-sonycamv-306.jpg

A born again biker - Tips for buying a used Yamaha RX-sonycamv-203.jpg

praJEEP · 16th August 2008, 18:45

Now that sounds good, have some patience around you will be able to get a good one

ScarySkulls · 18th August 2008, 16:25

Do you have any friend or a trusted mechanic who has some reasonable wrenching skills?
You can buy an a used/abused RX for 10-12k or so.
Spend around 5k in disk brake conversion (Don't compromise on safety)
Spend around 5k in paint and related cosmetics (In case needed)
you can also slap on a new cylinder kit+pistons for peanuts. All Brand new from company. Make use of this facility while you still can.
Why even a 5speed gearbox too!

yamaniac · 26th August 2008, 18:22

I have a 1993 Yamaha Rx 100. Bought her in 2002. All these 6 years she has been with me. and I will never intend to sell her. She is like a gem. New bore, piston, crank have all been changed. and her heart is all new. Although she is 15 yrs old now, She still puts behind those karizma and pulsars. And when she arrives, pedestrians run for their lives

hehe! One thing is sure. I will never sell her what ever the case,

greenhorn · 30th August 2008, 09:30

An update. Found one for sale from our office BB. Was a mechanic who wanted to sell his B-I-L's RX 100. Its a '92 model, so thankfully sure that its an RX 100. Dad went with his mech to check it out. Dad says it has been painted and stickered a bit, and the tyres are bald.The bike being older than 15 years, needs to be re registered. The seller said he'd take care of it. Dad's mech said the bike's engine bearings need to be changed , and there is some 2k worth of work needed.
The seller is asking 15k. Dad's mech asked him not to go beyond 14. Even my friends have said that for a '92 model, to start at 13.5k ish. But this is near technopark, where there people have sufficient disposable income , and are used to being ripped off. And i did see a post by someone else looking for an RX. Dad said we'd discuss this after he got home.

Should I stick to 14k or cough up the 15k? I'm the one paying

srijit · 30th August 2008, 12:24

Happy to hear that you have atleast found one. I have had no luck so far

Regarding the price, it might be dictated by your heart rather than your head. If you like the deal, then I suggest you go for it. You arent gaining a huge amount by trying to drive the price down, IMHO. That is not to suggest that you shouldnt do that, too

One doubt, will the original owner get the registration done, or will your father have to pay for it?

15th August 2008, 12:58	#1
greenhorn BANNED Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,878 Thanked: 4,910 Times View My Garage	A born again biker - Tips for buying a used Yamaha RX No, Its not me - I've never been a biker, don't see a chance of becoming one either. Its for my dad you see , who has suddenly seen the error of his ways, and decided to repent. He has decided to junk the four stroke abomination he rides around these days , A Crux, and get himself an RX like he used to have. He's already asked his mechanic to see if there are any, But I wonder if he'll have any luck .... Dad's ride was an 88 ( or was it 89?) model RX 100. I remember dad coming home one day, and showing me a key. I was curious what it opened. I couldnt think of anything. He said , come , lets see , and we went outside to see a silver RX 100. It was a matter of honour to tell my friends that my dad rode a yamaha ,when everyone else rode hero honda's , and when the guys from Mar Ivanios College went zipping by, I'd tell my friends "my dad has one of those" But the strange thing was , he never took it above 40 usually. Dad had vertigo, and was adviced not to ride a bike at all, but then, that was all we could afford. I thought he was a slow rider , till one of my friends casually remarked to me , that even though my dad'd max speed was 40, his minimum speed was 30. My friend thought he was a skilful traffic dodger till he saw my dad. his YBX was no match it seems. Unfortunately financial reasons + a change in dad's office ( from near home to the current place , 40 km away) meant he had to sell it off and get one of the newfangled four strokes in 2001.In retrospect , it was a big mistake. He used to get 35-40 on his RX , and the crux gave just 55. Not a big improvement , In fact , not an improvement at all. He had sold the RX for 27k, and bought the Crux for 42k. Thats Depreciation for you- it cost him 18k when he bought it. It had actually appreciated in value ! Of course , it was bone stock, well maintained , and hadnt seen the better side of 60kmph. 7 years with the Crux has not been kind. Two tyre upsizes, one shock upgrade and several mods later, the Crux still cannot even hold a candle to the RX. Its in worse condition than 13 year old RX was when he sold it. And he doubts if he can get a five digit resale value for it. He'd held on to it because it was our only mode of transport.But now that yours truly has taken up active chaffeur duties, he's riding it less and less. and the suspension of the thing is horrible , his back hurts. Since the economy aspect of it is irrelevant now , decided to get a new bike. I had originally recommended a unicorn because of its superior ride comfort, but he didnt spend so much on it. Then recently when we went to his mech for service , I looked at the RX's parked there , and asked him, why not dad ? For a moment , I thought i saw a gleam in his eyes- was not sure of it myself . And he didnt discuss it further. But then, just before we left , he calls the mechanic, and says that he's had enough of this bike, and that he wanted an RX, if there were any. The mech ,sadly, didnt know of any - a good RX is like a needle in a haystack. He said he'd get back to us though. So there , Dad is officially looking in the market for an RX 100/135. As close to stock as possible , No engine mods/fart cannons. Tyre /shock/brake upgraded ones are welcome though. he's planning to do those anyway. I believe RXG's should be avoided , right ? TVM Bhpians - any help would be greatly appreciated! Consider this a request from an old man who wants things back the way things were , the good old days Me on Dad's old Ride Last edited by greenhorn : 15th August 2008 at 13:05.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 13:33	#2
Sam Kapasi Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mumbai (but wat Posts: 6,939 Thanked: 2,479 Times View My Garage	Now that is a touching post and from an area quite close to my heart. I wish your dad good luck in an excellent quest.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 13:41	#3
VJ_MAVRICK Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,239 Thanked: 34 Times View My Garage	Very touching and soothing post to say the least "greenhorn". All the best in your quest for the ultimate 2 wheel rides that ever dawned on indian roads. Had one in our family and i always used to envy my elder brother as he had and i had to settle for a KB 100 ..jeez . Anyways its nice to see the son appreciate and hunt for the machine that a DAD loves.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 13:57	#4
Sankar Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Location Posts: 5,784 Thanked: 9,251 Times	That was a nostalgic post Greenhorn. I shall keep an eye out for a good RX. Yes you're correct, the RXGs should be avoided. And if you're getting a RX135 make sure that it's not a re badged G. Nice photo. I bet you were making engine noises while sitting on the bike
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 14:48	#5
anandtheleo BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 421 Thanked: 455 Times View My Garage	Very nice post, this is the very reason me and my dad spent 8000 Rs(mechanic was telling why bother to repair, bah!what did he know) for his ride, a 87 AX100 to get it fully redone. He just refuses to let go of the bike. The bike after the re-work goes like stink, faster than my two rides a pulsar and a unicorn. 2-strokes are just too good. Have fond memories of me and my brother going on the bike. We two would be sitting on the tank, me with my head bent slightly(since i was taller) and my bro arguing everyday till we reached home. You should definitely get the bike for your dad, look through Free ads, sulekha and other websites.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 16:38	#6
Shakensoul BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: AS01 Posts: 498 Thanked: 241 Times View My Garage	Ask your dad to join tbhp so that we can welcome him to the club But I am sure your hands are also itching to get your hands on a yamaha again, to get a feel of the good old days.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 17:48	#7
airfoil BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 318 Thanked: 81 Times	I suggest you look for a cosmetically clean example without worrying too much about its internals. Then set about rebuilding the engine - replacing the crank, main bearings and cylinder kit will cost a total of about 8k, including labour and other bits.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 20:12	#8
srijit BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 598 Thanked: 8 Times	Wonderful post Greenhorn. Here's wishing you all the best in your quest. EDIT: Do you have a budget? Last edited by srijit : 15th August 2008 at 20:26.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 23:26	#10
anjan_c2007 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: India Posts: 8,708 Thanked: 22,850 Times View My Garage	greenhorn lovely and touching write-up. I can relate with it as I too own a 1990 RX 100 which is still like new for me after 18 years of service.The paint and chrome are all original. the side panels which house the battery and air filter have been repainted as the paint had faded. This bike is awesome and should be called a superbike as it beats all others in its class hollow! As I have repeatedly posted even today its sends goose pimples to the riders on Pulsars150 and Hunks and RTR's with its 100 cc engine.Its always there when I need it.Never has it given me an opportunity to say anything bad about it.Its been used and abused like hell but I've always tried to keep it new.I have made no major expenditure on it till last year. Then I found that the 6V electricals had become dated as batteries were not easily available. I then spent Rs 3800 to upgrade its electricals to 12V and there was some pending work on its front forks and steering which too were attended to. i have resisted all efforts aiming at telling me to sell it off and buy a new 150-200cc bike- No way! 100 cc and RX 100 cc is mine forever!! The RX 100 is a rare bike with the beauty and the mechanical brawn. You should by all means go for a very well maintained RX 100 (no not even the RX 135) and finding one should not be that difficult. I think a very well kept example should be available for Rs 10000 to Rs 15000. Buy it spend some more on it and you will not have to worry about it for another 18 years like me! Last edited by anjan_c2007 : 15th August 2008 at 23:27.
	() Thanks

16th August 2008, 18:45	#11
praJEEP BHPian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 537 Thanked: 12 Times	Now that sounds good, have some patience around you will be able to get a good one
	() Thanks

18th August 2008, 16:25	#12
ScarySkulls BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Halifax, N.S. Posts: 623 Thanked: 36 Times	Do you have any friend or a trusted mechanic who has some reasonable wrenching skills? You can buy an a used/abused RX for 10-12k or so. Spend around 5k in disk brake conversion (Don't compromise on safety) Spend around 5k in paint and related cosmetics (In case needed) you can also slap on a new cylinder kit+pistons for peanuts. All Brand new from company. Make use of this facility while you still can. Why even a 5speed gearbox too!
	() Thanks

26th August 2008, 18:22	#13
yamaniac BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mangalore Posts: 283 Thanked: 270 Times View My Garage	I have a 1993 Yamaha Rx 100. Bought her in 2002. All these 6 years she has been with me. and I will never intend to sell her. She is like a gem. New bore, piston, crank have all been changed. and her heart is all new. Although she is 15 yrs old now, She still puts behind those karizma and pulsars. And when she arrives, pedestrians run for their lives hehe! One thing is sure. I will never sell her what ever the case,
	() Thanks

30th August 2008, 09:30	#14
greenhorn BANNED Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: KL-01 Posts: 7,878 Thanked: 4,910 Times View My Garage	An update. Found one for sale from our office BB. Was a mechanic who wanted to sell his B-I-L's RX 100. Its a '92 model, so thankfully sure that its an RX 100. Dad went with his mech to check it out. Dad says it has been painted and stickered a bit, and the tyres are bald.The bike being older than 15 years, needs to be re registered. The seller said he'd take care of it. Dad's mech said the bike's engine bearings need to be changed , and there is some 2k worth of work needed. The seller is asking 15k. Dad's mech asked him not to go beyond 14. Even my friends have said that for a '92 model, to start at 13.5k ish. But this is near technopark, where there people have sufficient disposable income , and are used to being ripped off. And i did see a post by someone else looking for an RX. Dad said we'd discuss this after he got home. Should I stick to 14k or cough up the 15k? I'm the one paying Last edited by greenhorn : 30th August 2008 at 09:31.
	() Thanks

30th August 2008, 12:24	#15
srijit BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 598 Thanked: 8 Times	Happy to hear that you have atleast found one. I have had no luck so far Regarding the price, it might be dictated by your heart rather than your head. If you like the deal, then I suggest you go for it. You arent gaining a huge amount by trying to drive the price down, IMHO. That is not to suggest that you shouldnt do that, too One doubt, will the original owner get the registration done, or will your father have to pay for it?
	() Thanks