Yamaha RX 100 to have a grand re-entry in 2026 with a modern touch: The retro-looking, old-school bike will still be the same
New Delhi, July 26, 2025: A legend in the field, Yamaha RX 100, which evokes thoughts in the heart of the Indian motorcycle lovers, is preparing to make a sensational comeback. This mythical two-wheeler which dominated on the Indian roads between 1985 and 1996 is set to make a comeback in 2026, with its retro iconic combined with contemporary technology. Where there is expectation among the fans, there should be disappointment and that is what is likely to happen to the fans when Yamaha is ready to revive this cult classic.
The Yamaha RX 100 was not such a simple motorbike, it was a cultural product. It was introduced with The Escorts Group, and its 98cc two stroke engine produced a spectacular 11 horse power, making it fastest 100cc bikes of that age. The light frame, its ability to get up to speed quickly, and a unique ring-ding-ding exhaust that it made served as a youthful icon. College students, racers of all sorts saw the RX 100 as a vehicle of their freedom and power, with loud mufflers and elegant designs. Such was its timelessness that even nowadays well looked after examples of it command high prices at collectors auctions.
The next RX 100 is expected to stick to its traditional appearance and still remain up to contemporary requirements. The new edition is said to have a four-stroke fuel injected engine to meet the stringent emission rules and will come instead of the 2-stroke powerhouse. Although the purists would miss out on the raw football of the two stroke, Yamaha is striving to ensure that the engine is tuned to deliver an electrifying performance. The engine size will be about 98cc or above that will balance between power and mileage and is estimated to give a mileage of 35-40 kmpl. The design of the bike would be traditional with a circular headlamp, a teardrop shape tank and would have the chrome decorations of yesteryear to make the bike look truly retro.
Modern characteristics are going to increase the popularity of the RX 100. Lighting The bike will probably have LED lights, a semi-digital instrument panel and probably disc brakes to ensure maximum braking performances. Its suspension system is monoshock and its wheels are alloy, which turns out to give a fantastic ride on the road and on the streets. It will fall in the range of around 1.25 to one and a half lakh putting it at a premium but affordable bike in a 100cc segment (as compared to competition like Honda SP125 and Bajaj Pulsar 150).
The Rebirth of the RX 100 is not a mere introduction of a product, but rather a resurrection of an excellent story. The fans which used to look up to the bike as to their idol are looking forward to the production of a new version and most of those people, want their traditional bike and exhaust appearance restored by the Yamaha. The social media is filled with forums and people are remembering the rides they made with the RX 100 and also hoping to see a bike that would be similar to the RX 100. This is the dilemma of Yamaha who has to balance the past with the present requirements and as recent reports indicated, the company is trying its best to provide a bike that would still be faithful to its legacy.
Indian motorcycle market is very competitive and the top brands such as Hero, Honda or Bajaj occupy the commuter segment. The reentry of RX 100 may create an upset with youngsters who have to be attracted with the model and also with the ones who want to have a piece of nostalgia. According to industry insiders, Yamaha might roll out the bike sometime in January, 2026 and the company may release the product at the time of festive-season to improve the sales. The launch date is not set in concrete, but the buzz is not afraid to say that it will.
FAQs
When is then going to be the launching date of Yamaha RX 100 in India?
The Yamaha RX 100 is scheduled to come between January 2026 but a few sources indicate that the biker will be available in October 2025 to make it in time to the festive season.
How much will Yamaha RX 100 cost?
The motorcycle will probably command a price range of 125-150000 (ex-showroom) across its different models and features.
What are the main characteristics of new Yamaha RX 100?
Future RX 100 is expected to have a 4-stroke engine, fuel-injected engine, LED lights, semi-digital instrument cluster, disc brake and retro look with a round headlamp and chrome spangles.
Does new RX 100 use the same engine with the original?
No, the new RX 100 is going to be fitted with a 4-stroke engine to comply with the emission limits in comparison with the original 2-stroke 98cc power unit. Yamaha however wants to maintain the exciting performance of the bike.
What are the rivals of Yamaha RX 100?
Bikes such as the Honda SP125, Hero Glamour XTEC, and Bajaj Pulsar 150 will be the rivalry of the RX 100 at the lower-end premium commuter segment.
The comeback of the Yamaha RX 100 has the potential to spark the interests of the riders and Delta has done well in keeping it vintage but at the same time retro. To people who have fantasy about owning this legend, 2026 is too late to come.
