Dear Yamaha, We Want The RX100 Back

The Yamaha RX100 was one of the quickest affordable performance motorcycles in the country. Its timeless design and lively dynamics won the hearts of many riders and vintage enthusiasts alike. This little two-stroker was one of the most sought-after motorcycles of its time. In fact, customers are willing to pay a hefty premium for a well-maintained one even today. At present, however, the Indian motorcycle market is flooded with a lot of choices ranging from the humble yet hooliganistic KTM 390 Duke to expensive crotch rockets like the Ducati Panigale V4. But, some of us enthusiasts still believe there’s room for an affordable yet performance-packed motorcycle rounded off with a light-weight, reliable package. Here’s why:

Retro design ages like fine wine

Retro motorcycles are all the rage these days. Unlike cars, motorcycle manufacturers need not worry about safety when it comes to classic designs. This gives them the freedom to materialise beautiful motorcycles inspired by their predecessors of the bygone era; case in point being the Kawasaki Z900RS. It would be really interesting if the RX100 was resurrected with an all-LED lighting system (housed in circular nacelles), tri-pod cluster with an analogue tacho and a digital speedo, chrome fenders and a monotone paint job to bring the 90’s back to life, but with a modern twist.

Adrenaline rush of a two-stroke motor

Two-stroke engines died with ever stricter emission norms. Their inherent simplicity allowed them to burn petrol and dish out horsepower at an exciting rate, which was one of the reasons why the RX100 was so popular. The 98cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine churned out 11PS of power, and that coupled with a weight of just 103kg made the motorcycle ridiculously fast for its class. 

Also Read: Yamaha R15 v3.0 Road Test Review

With the advent of technology, four-stroke engines can be made almost as peppy as their two-stroke counterparts, and these kind of engines are increasingly being used in motocross bikes. If Yamaha makes a proper 100cc or even a 110cc engine with good power to boot, we’d have a winner. Perhaps, this is the bike that would outdo what Hero tried to achieve (pardon the pun) with its budget retro bike, the Splendor Pro Classic. Slap in a front disc brake, telescopic front forks, twin rear gas-charged shock absorbers and voila! You have a delightfully modern motorcycle.

Unique proposition for its segment

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The 100-110cc segment is ruled by bikes that are aimed for point A to point B commute. These motorcycles are bland when it comes to the riding experience but are quite affordable and return unmatched fuel efficiency - their primary selling point. With all the fantasised kit and performance levels, the Yamaha RX100 would definitely cost a bit more than its 110cc commuter rivals, but that’s a price most of us are willing to pay.

Also Read: Why Yamaha Shouldn't Relaunch The RX100

This would not only make it a reasonably frugal bike, but also a fantastic motorcycle to play around with. A combination that would make it a one-of-a-kind offering in its segment. What more do you need for the moolah you pay?