The Yamaha RX 100 is one of the most legendary motorcycles ever sold in India. Even though production stopped decades ago, its demand in the second-hand market remains very high among collectors, vintage bike lovers, and 2-stroke enthusiasts.
This guide gives you complete information about the RX 100, especially from a second-hand buyer’s perspective.
🔷 1. Quick Overview – Yamaha RX 100
- Manufacturer: Yamaha (India – with Escorts partnership)
- Production Years: 1985 – 1996
- Engine Type: 2-Stroke, Single Cylinder, Air-Cooled
- Engine Capacity: 98 cc
- Gearbox: 4-Speed Manual
- Kerb Weight: 103 kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 10 – 10.5 litres
- Brakes: Drum (Front & Rear)
- Top Speed: 100 – 110 km/h
- Mileage: 30 – 40 km/l (depends on tuning and riding)
Why it was famous:
- Super-lightweight body
- Quick acceleration
- Iconic exhaust sound (“ring-ding” 2-stroke note)
- Simple mechanical design
- Stylish minimalist look
Even today, there is no modern bike that feels exactly like the RX 100.
🔷 2. Current Second-Hand Market Value (in India)
The price of a second-hand RX 100 depends on condition, originality & documentation.
| Condition | Price Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Non-running / Project bike | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Running / average condition | ₹50,000 – ₹90,000 |
| Good & mostly original | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Fully restored / showroom condition | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000+ |
⚠️ Many sellers advertise at a high price because:
- RX 100 is discontinued
- Demand > Supply
- High collector value
But real value depends on engine condition and original parts.
🔷 3. What To Check Before Buying (Very Important)
When buying a second-hand RX 100, check the following carefully:
✅ (A) Legal Documents
- RC Book (Original, not duplicate)
- Insurance (if available)
- Engine Number & Chassis Number – must match RC
- Road Tax / Ownership transfer status
- Check for stolen / illegal frame
Never buy an RX 100 without proper documents.
✅ (B) Engine Condition
RX 100 engines were often modified, bored or raced, so be careful:
Check for:
- Smooth cold start
- No unusual knocking noise
- No heavy white smoke
- Smooth gear shifting
- No oil leaks from cylinder
Tip: Prefer bikes with original cylinder & piston. Re-bored engines reduce long-term life.
✅ (C) Originality
Original parts increase value:
| Important Original Parts |
|---|
| Original exhaust (silencer) |
| RX 100 tank design |
| Stock meter console |
| Original indicators |
| Old-style spoke wheels |
| Original seat with Yamaha print |
Many bikes are now fitted with:
- RXG / RX135 parts
- Modified exhaust
- Disc brake conversion
- Custom paint
- Racing carburetor
These might look cool, but reduce collector value.
✅ (D) Mechanical Condition
Check:
- Chain & sprocket wear
- Suspension softness/leak
- Brake grip
- Frame rust / bending
- Wheel alignment
- Electrical wiring mess
Restoration = extra money from your pocket later.
🔷 4. Maintenance & Ownership Cost (Reality Check)
RX 100 is not expensive to maintain — BUT parts are harder to find.
Average costs today:
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Engine rebuild | ₹8,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Full paint job | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 |
| New clutch plates | ₹1,200 – ₹2,000 |
| Chain & sprocket | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 |
| Carburetor repair | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
You must also mix 2T oil with petrol (or use separate system).
If tuned properly, RX 100 is very reliable — but requires love & care.
🔷 5. Pros & Cons (Honest Opinion)
✅ Advantages
✔ Legendary & iconic bike
✔ Very light and fast pickup
✔ Great for collectors
✔ Simple mechanical design
✔ Good resale value
✔ Classic looks & sound
❌ Disadvantages
✘ Not suitable for daily heavy commuting
✘ Low fuel efficiency compared to new bikes
✘ Hard-to-find original parts
✘ No modern safety (disc brake, ABS etc.)
✘ Pollution issues in some states
✘ Expensive if fully restored
🔷 6. Best Use of an RX 100 in 2025
RX 100 is best suited for:
✅ Weekend rides
✅ Vintage collection
✅ Bike shows
✅ Light city riding
✅ Custom café racer / scrambler builds
Not recommended for:
❌ Daily office commuting
❌ High-speed highway touring
❌ Beginners / first time riders
It is more of a passion bike, not a practical commuter.
🔷 7. RX 100 vs Modern Bikes
| RX 100 | Modern 125–160cc Bike |
|---|---|
| Vintage & legendary | Modern & efficient |
| 2-stroke | 4-stroke |
| Low fuel efficiency | High mileage |
| Rare parts | Easily available |
| Collector’s value | Regular usage |
| Iconic sound | Silent/mild sound |
So the question is simple:
Do you want nostalgia & passion or comfort & efficiency?
🔷 Final Verdict – Should You Buy It Or Not?
Buy RX 100 if:
✅ You are a bike lover
✅ You want classic charm
✅ You can manage maintenance
✅ It’s your passion bike
Avoid RX 100 if:
❌ You just want a daily commuter
❌ You want low service cost & high mileage
❌ You want modern safety features
