Yamaha RX100 Returns on 15 July – Retro Beast Reborn with Modern Power

Published On: June 28, 2025

Yamaha RX100 – The wait is finally over. The Yamaha RX100, a name that once dominated Indian roads, is all set to return on July 15 with a refreshed design and a brand-new engine. Priced at around 1.49 lakh rupees, this bike brings a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern-day engineering. For those who grew up watching this bike zoom past in their neighborhood, this is more than just a launch—it’s an emotional comeback. And for the new generation, it’s a chance to own a piece of history, reimagined for today’s roads.

The Legacy Returns with Upgrades

Back in the 80s and 90s, the Yamaha RX100 was the go-to bike for speed lovers and college students. Its lightweight body, peppy engine, and unmistakable exhaust note made it a favorite across India. Fast forward to today, and Yamaha is bringing back that same charm, only this time with better features, improved efficiency, and an engine that meets modern norms.

The new RX100 is no copy-paste of the original. It’s been reworked to meet current demands while staying true to its legacy. It still looks classic, but now you get a more powerful and cleaner engine, upgraded brakes, and comfort-enhancing features. And yes, the pricing is quite competitive for what it offers.

New Engine, Better Ride

Under the hood, the new RX100 will feature a 150cc 4-stroke engine. It delivers 14 horsepower and 13 Newton-meters of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This means better pickup, smoother performance, and a more refined ride compared to the older 2-stroke variant.

The fuel efficiency is also decent at around 45 kilometers per liter, which puts it in the same range as other popular 150cc bikes. Both front and rear disc brakes are part of the package now, offering safer stopping power, especially useful in city traffic.

Modern Features Meet Old-School Styling

Yamaha has taken a smart approach by keeping the design largely retro but adding new-age tech. Expect better seating comfort, a semi-digital console, updated suspension, and LED lights. While the iconic fuel tank shape and compact frame remain, everything feels tighter and more polished.

This mix of old and new is exactly what gives the RX100 its unique identity today. It’s not just another 150cc bike—it’s a tribute to a legacy.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

There’s no shortage of competition in the 150cc space. Bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar 150, Honda Unicorn, and TVS Apache RTR 160 are already popular choices. So what makes the RX100 stand out?

First, it’s the emotional value. The RX100 name already has a cult following. Second, Yamaha’s known for making durable, smooth-performing bikes. That reliability gives it a slight edge.

When compared on paper, the RX100 matches the Pulsar 150 in power but trails slightly in fuel efficiency. It’s also priced slightly higher than the Unicorn but offers more features. Apache RTR 160 offers more power, but its styling and ride quality cater to a different audience. In short, RX100 sits right in the sweet spot—offering performance, style, and trust.

What to Expect at Launch

With the launch just around the corner, Yamaha dealers are gearing up for a big response. There’s already a lot of buzz online and offline, especially among older fans who rode the original RX100. Young riders are equally excited, mostly because it gives them something stylish, reliable, and different from the usual bikes on the road.

Yamaha’s strategy seems to be working well—they’ve combined nostalgia with modern engineering, making the new RX100 attractive to a wide age group.

Final Thoughts: A Comeback That Feels Right

Bringing back a legend like the RX100 is not an easy task. You have to meet the emotional expectations of old fans while giving new buyers something worth their money. Yamaha seems to have found that balance with this updated version.

It’s not just a bike; it’s a connection across generations. Whether you’re someone who rode the RX100 in your youth or someone who’s only heard about its legend, this new model gives you a chance to experience it in a whole new way.

With the launch on July 15, the RX100 is ready to make its mark once again. Whether it can dominate the streets like before is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain—the RX100 is back, and it’s ready to ride into the future.