If you are Indian and grew up in the ’80s or the ’90s, you hear the Yamaha RX100 and it takes you back in time.

That distinctive roar of the two-stro… hocan2001 Oh, how the mighty CR500 was reveredThat classic roar of the two-stroke engine, the light body, for it was king of the streets.

Now, skip several years to 2025, and the rumors of the RX100’s comeback have criss-crossed the generations and sent fever flushes of anticipation rippling through forums and audiphile sub-Reddit sites.

The legend that is the Jawa may indeed be preparing for a rebirth—this time around updated, refurbished and, hopefully, ready to take the Indian roads by storm.

A Past Glorious That Would Not Die

The first generation of the Yamaha RX100 was rolled out on the Indian market back in 1985 when Escorts Group collaborated with Yamaha in the country.

The bike was a revelation at the time. Small, responsive and stupidly fun to ride, the RX100 soon became known as the defacto bike for young and old alike looking for cheap thrills.

This it was actually 98cc 2-stroke producing approximately 11bhp it was very quick for its size.

Although its total weight was only about 100 kg, its power-to-weight ratio made for a punchy ride. And did I mention that unmistakable exhaust note, it’s shrill and savage and completely unforgettable.

But all good things must come to an end, and in 1996, the RX100 was axed due to ever-stricter emission norms. Yet its legacy endures, and to this day well-kept RX100s are worth a premium on the used market.

The 2025 Comeback: Fact or Fiction?

The RX100 brand has long been in line for a revival, something that the Yamaha has teased quite subtly over the past few years.

At the Auto Expo 2023, the company hinted that while a direct two-stroke resurrection is not possible, taking into account the current environmental norms, the soul of the RX100 could be reincarnated in a four-stroke form.

Speculations are around a 150cc or up to a 200cc air-cooled engine, tuned to replicate that peppy throttle response which made the RX100 so well-loved.

Its styling will be influenced from the past, featuring round headlamps, generous chrome, a flat seat and a retro-style fuel tank; a fine mixture of classic and new.

What the New RX100 Could Bring

Here’s what fans hope a revived RX100 could deliver:

Feature Desired Specification

Engine  149cc–200cc single cylinder, 4 stroke

Power Output Around 17–20 bhp

Transmission 5-speed manual transmission

Brakes Front: disc / Rear: drum or disc

This model was fitted with telescopic front, twin rear suspension

Design Retro-modern fusion

Price (Expected)₹1.5–1.8 lakh (ex-showroom price)

No official word on that yet, but if Yamaha hits the mark on this one, it could make a generation reconnect with a lost emotion.

So, What are the pros and cons of RX100 (Old and New Version)

Pros Cons

City manners Lightweight and agile New version probably won’t carry on 2-stroke fun

Standing-out style that still gets looks Maybe a bit pricier than rivals

Cult classic and abundant aftermarket supportHigh expectations are hard to meet nostalgically

If it could bring back the fun of riding Rivalry of tried-and-tested moderns

Yamaha RX100 Dhansu bike is come in this July

Because for a lot of people, it wasn’t just a question of performance that the Yamaha RX100 was known for, it was also about character.

It was the sound of liberation in the streets of India. It represented pure, naked biking bliss — no frills, no screens, it was just rider and machine.

If Yamaha does end up bringing back the RX100 in some modern form it’ll be more than just a number that it will be resurrecting—it’ll be a feeling.

And in a time when most of the bikes on the market are soulless copies of themselves, that’s a comeback worth waiting for.

And if you’re a millennial, a nostalgic rider, casual Gen-Zer, it doesn’t matter but RX100 surely ain’t a motorcycle. It’s an emotion.