Yamaha showcased the RX 100 at the Auto Expo 2025 during its celebration of being 40 years on our shores. Since then, rumours have been going around that the legendary bike might make a return soon. If you are not familiar with the history Yamaha RX 100 and what made it a favourite among riders, here is a quick overview:.

Performance

The RX 100 was famous for being sporty. It offered swift acceleration largely due to its impressive power-to-weight ratio. The RX 100 weighed just 103 kilograms, and a stock model would reach a top speed of slightly over 100 kmph. The bike became a perfect gateway for enthusiasts who wanted to dip their toes in a performance bike rather than just a commuter. Here is a quick look at the technical specs of the RX 100:

Ride And Handling

For some, the engineering behind a two-stroke engine made it more fun to drive than the 4 stroke. More rotations per cycle, along with a reed valve, made these engines feel good to drive. Pair that with a lightweight bike you get the perfect combination. This was another aspect that made the RX 100 a favourable choice among its rivals, such as the Suzuki AX 100 and Suzuki Samurai.

Why Was It Discontinued?

In 1996, the government of India introduced strict emission norms, which resulted in Yamaha having to stop the production of the RX 100. Later, the Japanese auto maker launched the RX 135 as a successor to the 100, which was also phased out due to emission norms.

Is It Coming Back?

Although the old model was showcased at the Auto Expo 2025, a return of the RX 100 is still not confirmed. With how advanced the bikes are now, Yamaha will have to overhaul the RX 100 to appease the customers with modern convenience and safety features. If brought back, the RX 100 will be getting a new heart in the form of a 4 stroke engine due to a ban on two-stroke engine production since 2005. This poses the same question as the ship of Theseus: Will it still be an RX 100 if everything about it is replaced?