Yamaha RX 100

RX 100

Yamaha RX100
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Also called	RX
Production	1986-1996
Predecessor	Yamaha Rajdoot 350
Successor	RXG, RX-135, RXZ.
Class	Classic
Engine	98 cc 2-stroke, reed valve, air-cooled, single-cylinder, gasoline 7 port torque induction
Top speed	100-120 km/h (official)
Power	11HP (8.206 kW) @ 7500 RPM
Torque	10.39 Nm (1.06 kgf-m or 7.66 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM
Transmission	4-speed constant mesh, multiplate clutch
Suspension	Telescopic Fork (Japanese kayaba) Front, Swing Arm (Adjustable 5 Positions) Rear
Brakes	Expanding Drum(both front and rear)
Tires	Wire spoked, 2.50-inch X 18-inch (4 ply rating) front tyre, 2.75-inch X 18-inch(6 ply rating) rear tyre.
Wheelbase	1240 mm
Dimensions	L: 2040 mm W: 740 mm H: 1050 mm
Seat height	765 mm (29.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Weight	95 Kg (dry) 103 Kg (wet)
Fuel capacity	10.5 L (2.3 imp gal; 2.8 US gal)
Oil capacity	1.3 L (1.4 US qt)
Fuel consumption	35-45 km/L on highways and local 20-30 km/l
Turning radius	2100 mm Shift_Pattern = 1-down 3-up (1-N-2-3-4)

The Yamaha RX100 is a 98 cc two-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled motorcycle that was manufactured between 1985 and 1996 in Japan and India.

Facts

Made In Japan embossing on the gearbox

The Yamaha RX100 was launched in Mid 80's in India, and produced until 1996. With The Failure of Yamaha RD350 and the success of Ind-Suzuki's AX-100 in the market and masses, Yamaha realized the potential of Smaller Displacement Bikes in India. The RX-100 was launched in India in late 1985 shortly after Ind-Suzuki AX-100 and Hero Honda CD-100 were launched. Kawasaki launched KB-100 a little later, in early 1986. It was one of the most reliable and peppiest smaller displacement bike of the time. It gave tough competition To almost all bikes of that time. Many could not believe that a 100 cc engine, as claimed by the manufacturers, could deliver such raw power... people actually spread the rumour that it had a much bigger engine. It is also said That many race conductors and authorities double checked By opening The engine block to make sure It Was actually 100 CC. Racers Recognized The Potential Of RX's on Dirt & Drag Races. Various Modifications like Expansion Chambers, Porting, Tuning, Sprocketing, Wheel Sizes(16" 17" 18") and Upgrades Like Bigger Carburettors, Air Filters, Quick Throttle, Disc Brakes, 5th Gear, Race Pistons, Racing CDI Systems, Grippier Tyres and Suspension Dampening were done to Extract the Maximum Potential Out of the Bike in Races.

Tuned RX-100's has done Quarter Miles in About 14 Seconds! For Instance BMW-S1000RR 4-Cylinder 1000CC bike went down Quarter mile in 10.2 Seconds. The bikes manufactured between 1985 and 1987 were knock-down kits (CKD) From Japan and were simply assembled in India and Indonesia. Only the model produced in Japan had disc brakes. Peacock Blue,Cherry Red,Metallic black were Stock Colours. The only major changes that the bike underwent was that it was upgraded from a 6-volt electrical system to a 12-volt system, and the CDI for the ignition and timing. The bike's production run lasted from Nov 1985 - Mar 1996. Stricter Emission Norms Forced Yamaha To Pull The Plug of One of the Best 100CC machines Ever Built.

The model was followed by the 11.8 bhp 132cc RXG, which had a faulty ignition system, which was replaced by the company at no cost. Next came the RX135, which was essentially a rebadged RXG. The RXZ was launched with a sportier headlamp fairing. Finally, in the year 2000-2001 were launched the 14 bhp RX135 and the RXZ (Both 5-speed with a catalytic converter silencer). These met with luke warm response. The final variant was a 4-speed RX135 with a catalytic converter silencer, sporting a fuel gauge and speedometer with white dials which was sold very briefly in 2003.

The newest RX100s available in the market today are 20 years old. Yet, there are people who are still looking out for one. The old advertising campaign slogans "Born to Lead" and "Ahead of the 100s" are aptly justified by this mean machine.

Successors

The bike's production run lasted from November 1985 to March 1996. The model was followed by the 132cc RXG, (11.8BHP) This Model was the Reply to the Stricter Emission Norm. RXG Had an Econominded Engine configuration with the Ports Tuned To get more Fuel-Efficieny And lesser Exhaust gas. But It came at a cost,robbing RXG of the signature RX-100 Exhaust Beat and Top End Power, The bike failed in the Market. The Japanese Responded in Late 1997 with Yamaha RX-135 And The RX-Z Which had a Tachometer, Sportier Headlamp and Body. Both were Mechanically Same and Saw Lukewarm Response. The market Also Saw 5 Speed Versions of RX-135s & RX-Z. 9-Speed has the same Engine Configuration but came with a Higher Head Compression which Increased The Overall Power Output To 14Bhp,While RX-135 Had 12Bhp. A Perfectly Maintained And Tuned 5-Speeder Can Beat a Hero Karizma, Which has almost Twice the Engine Displacement. The final variant was a four-speed RX135 with a Small type catalytic converter, sporting a fuel gauge and speedometer with white dials which was sold very briefly in 2003-2005.

RX Series Is Becoming one of the Most Sought 2nd Hand motorcycles in India. Prices Have Skyrocketed Since Its Demise. Many RX Groups Have been active across India taking Out Occasional Pleasure Rides. RX enjoys big cult in Social Medias Like Facebook. Notable Groups like <NHZRIDEZ> ,TEAM Rx, Have Been Actively Conducting Rides! ^[1]

References

1. There were rumours of Yamaha planning to re-launch the RX100 in India. However, after many speculations, the manufacturer has finally quashed all reports and have stated that it has absolutely no plans of bringing back the bike.