In 2025, Yamaha is reviving a legend—the RX100. First launched in India in the mid-1980s, the RX100 was a motorcycle that won hearts with its lightweight frame, exhilarating two-stroke engine, and thrilling performance. Even after its discontinuation, the RX100 remained a symbol of raw, mechanical simplicity. Now, Yamaha’s bringing it back, and the 2025 RX100 promises to blend old-school charm with modern engineering, offering a ride that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
This article takes a closer look at the 2025 RX100 update, exploring its design, performance, and how Yamaha has preserved the bike’s essence while adding essential upgrades for today’s riders.
Old-School Looks with a Stronger Build
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 captures the spirit of the original with a clean retro design. The rounded headlamp, slim fuel tank, flat seat, and chrome elements all evoke a sense of nostalgia. It still feels like the RX100 you remember, but Yamaha has infused it with modern build quality.
The frame is now crafted from high-strength steel, making it more durable without adding weight. The chrome finishes, seen on the exhaust and handlebars, are more resistant to rust, ensuring the bike stands the test of time. Additionally, Yamaha has enhanced the paintwork with UV-resistant coatings, preventing sun damage and keeping the RX100 looking fresh longer.
While the design remains faithful to the original, Yamaha has made small but important tweaks. The handlebars have been slightly raised for a more relaxed riding position, and the seat now features thicker cushioning to enhance comfort on longer rides. These adjustments ensure that the RX100 stays comfortable and roadworthy while preserving the classic feel that made it iconic.
Revamped Two-Stroke Engine for Modern Use
The heart of the RX100 has always been its two-stroke engine, and Yamaha has retained this signature feature in the 2025 model. However, to meet modern emission norms and enhance everyday usability, Yamaha has reworked the engine to a 110cc, air-cooled, two-stroke unit.
This engine offers a dynamic, responsive performance ideal for city commuting and weekend adventures. Thanks to Yamaha’s innovative YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System), the engine adjusts exhaust port timing based on RPM, offering smooth power delivery at lower revs and a thrilling surge as the RPM climbs past 5,500.
One of the most notable improvements is the inclusion of an automatic oil injection system. Gone are the days of mixing oil manually with fuel. The new system mixes oil automatically, reducing smoke and ensuring consistent engine performance.
With a max power output of 13.5 horsepower at 8,000 RPM and a 5-speed manual transmission, the 2025 RX100 maintains its classic, raw power. It’s an ideal bike for those who want a lightweight, fast, and responsive ride.
Nimble Handling and Classic Comfort
Weighing in at just 98 kilograms, the RX100 2025 remains incredibly lightweight, making it one of the easiest bikes to handle, especially in urban environments. Its low weight allows riders to navigate tight city streets, weave through traffic, and make quick turns with ease.
The suspension setup includes telescopic forks in the front and twin spring shock absorbers at the rear. While this configuration is standard on many bikes, Yamaha has tuned it specifically for Indian roads. The result is a firm but comfortable ride that absorbs bumps without transferring too much harshness to the rider.
The RX100’s updated frame and engine mountings improve stability, reducing vibration and enhancing comfort at higher speeds. The wider handlebar offers better control during turns, making the bike feel smooth and secure at all times.
Updated Features Without Losing Simplicity
While Yamaha has preserved the RX100’s retro appeal, they’ve introduced a few modern touches that make the bike more practical without overwhelming it with technology. The addition of a semi-digital instrument cluster combines the classic analog RPM gauge with a digital speedometer and gear position indicator, providing essential information at a glance.
LED lighting now adorns the bike’s headlamp, taillight, and indicators, offering better visibility, energy efficiency, and a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. A front disc brake is available as an option, improving stopping power and rider safety.
Perhaps most conveniently, the RX100 now comes with a USB charging port tucked beneath the seat, making it easier to charge mobile devices while on the go. These updates are simple but enhance the RX100’s practicality without detracting from its minimalist character.
Fuel Efficiency and Emission Improvements
Two-stroke engines are often associated with higher emissions and lower fuel efficiency. However, Yamaha has made significant strides in addressing these issues with the 2025 RX100. By optimizing the combustion process and incorporating a catalytic converter in the exhaust system, the new RX100 has become cleaner and more fuel-efficient than its predecessors.
With a fuel consumption of approximately 35 km/l, the RX100 offers an impressive range of over 350 kilometers on a full 10-liter tank. The emission compliance is up to BS6 (Phase II) standards, and the bike’s smoke emissions have been reduced by 90% compared to the original RX100. This makes the 2025 RX100 not just a fun bike to ride but also a more environmentally responsible choice for today’s riders.
Why Riders Will Love the RX100 Again
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 appeals to both seasoned enthusiasts and new riders alike. For those who grew up with the original RX100, it’s a chance to relive the thrill of a simpler, more direct riding experience. For younger riders, the RX100 offers a unique, lightweight, and mechanically engaging ride in an age dominated by high-tech motorcycles.
The RX100 is perfect for:
- Retro Enthusiasts who crave a stylish, nostalgic bike with a straightforward design.
- New Riders who want an easy-to-maintain, simple motorcycle that offers direct power delivery.
- Urban Commuters in need of a reliable, efficient bike for daily use.
- Collectors and Hobbyists who value classic motorcycles with modern reliability.
Unlike modern bikes, which are often loaded with complex electronics, the RX100 2025 keeps things simple. It focuses on the connection between the rider and the road, making each ride feel personal and thrilling.
A Beautiful Balance of Old and New
The 2025 Yamaha RX100 is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a piece of history reimagined for the present. By combining a retro design with modern engineering and thoughtful upgrades, Yamaha has created a motorcycle that feels both timeless and exciting.
Lightweight, fast, efficient, and easy to ride, the RX100 has everything that made it a classic but with a new level of reliability and environmental friendliness. The RX100 2025 is a beautiful balance of old and new, a perfect example of how simplicity, when executed with care, can still capture the hearts of riders across generations.