Yamaha RX 100 Launch Date Revealed: The legendary Yamaha RX 100 is officially making a comeback in January 2027, with prices expected between ₹1.40-1.50 lakh for India’s most awaited motorcycle revival.
Look, I’ve been covering the Indian automotive scene for over a decade now, and no story has generated as much buzz in my inbox as the RX 100 comeback rumors. After years of “my uncle works at Yamaha” stories and WhatsApp forwards that had us all second-guessing, the company has finally spilled the beans. The iconic RX 100 – the bike that probably gave half of India their first taste of speed – is genuinely coming back. Catch is, we’re looking at January 2027. That’s still two years away, which feels like forever when you’re itching to relive those college hostel memories.
Launch Timeline and Availability
Honestly, the timeline’s longer than what most of us hoped for. I mean, we’ve been hearing RX 100 comeback stories since 2018, and now they’re telling us to wait till 2027? But here’s the thing – after chatting with several Yamaha folks at recent auto expos (and trust me, I’ve cornered quite a few), it’s clear they’re not rushing this one.
The company’s chairman recently went on record saying “RX 100 launch is a real challenge.” Translation? They’re sweating bullets trying to figure out how to make the new bike feel like the old one without breaking emission laws. It’s like trying to recreate your grandmother’s pickle recipe using only store-bought ingredients – technically possible, but you know it won’t taste quite the same.
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Pricing Strategy
Now here’s where it gets interesting – and expensive. The new RX 100 will cost between ₹1.40-1.50 lakh ex-showroom. Yes, you read that right. That’s more than what many of us paid for our first car! But before you start hyperventilating, think about it this way – Yamaha isn’t targeting the guy looking for a basic commuter. They’re going after the uncle who still has his original RX 100 photos from the ’90s and wants to feel 25 again.
This pricing puts it squarely against bikes like the Apache RTR 160 and CB Hornet. Smart move? Maybe. Risky? Definitely. But then again, how do you price nostalgia? Yamaha’s clearly banking on the fact that emotional value trumps spreadsheet logic.
Engine and Performance
Alright, here comes the part that’ll make purists lose their minds. The new RX 100 is ditching its legendary two-stroke engine for a four-stroke, fuel-injected unit. I know, I know – it’s like replacing the drums in a rock band with a keyboard. Technically superior, but where’s the soul?
The new engine will be around 100-125cc, pushing out roughly 11-14.5 PS. Yamaha promises they’re tuning it to deliver that signature RX punch, and they’re even working on the exhaust note to sound “authentic.” Good luck with that, guys. Anyone who’s heard an RX 100 at full chat knows that angry wasp sound is pure two-stroke magic. But hey, BS6 norms are BS6 norms.
Design Philosophy
Thank God, Yamaha isn’t messing with the looks. The classic teardrop tank, round headlamp, and that minimalist stance that made every other bike look overdressed – it’s all staying. They’re just swapping the halogen bulb for LED because, well, it’s 2025.
Chrome bits and retro paint schemes will complete the package. Weight should hover around 110-130 kg, keeping that nimble character intact. Remember when you could actually manhandle your bike through tight parking spots? Those days are coming back.
Features and Technology
Don’t expect a smartphone on wheels here. The RX 100 was always about keeping things simple, and the new one follows suit. You’ll get:
- LED lighting all around (because safety first)
- Semi-digital cluster (probably analog speedo with digital trip meter)
- Single-channel ABS (likely mandatory)
- Tubeless tires (goodbye, roadside puncture drama)
- Electric start plus kick start (for the authentic experience)
- Basic Bluetooth connectivity (because even nostalgia needs WhatsApp notifications)
That’s about it. No traction control, no ride modes, no heated grips. Just you, the bike, and the road – exactly how it should be.
Market Competition
The competition’s going to be brutal. You’ve got the Pulsar 125 starting at ₹85k, Honda SP 125 around ₹90k, and TVS Raider 125 at roughly ₹87k. All of these offer more bang for your buck on paper – better mileage, more features, modern engineering.
But here’s what they don’t have – that RX 100 badge. And in India, that badge carries weight. It’s the difference between buying a watch and buying a vintage Rolex. Sure, both tell time, but only one tells a story.
Why the Long Wait?
Two years feels like eternity, but I get why Yamaha’s taking their time. Reviving an icon is like performing surgery on a legend – one wrong move and you’ve killed the patient. They need to nail the balance between heritage and modernity, which is tougher than it sounds.
Plus, they’re probably building up production capacity. Remember the chaos when Royal Enfield launched the new Classic 350? Waiting lists stretched for months. Yamaha doesn’t want that headache.
The RX 100’s comeback isn’t just another product launch – it’s Yamaha’s shot at redemption in India. They’ve been playing second fiddle to Honda and Bajaj for years now. If they nail this, it could be their ticket back to relevance. If they mess it up… well, let’s just hope they don’t.
Come January 2027, every motorcycle enthusiast in the country will be watching. And judging. And probably arguing on social media about whether it’s “authentic” enough. But that’s half the fun, isn’t it?