What Happened to Yamaha RX100?

1985–1996 Motorcycles/Automotive • IN

ℹ️ Fate: Indian production ended in 1996 as emissions rules tightened and the market moved to cleaner 4-stroke engines.

Featherweight 2-stroke that punched far above 100cc—and became a cult icon in India.

Launched in India in the mid-1980s through Escorts Yamaha, the RX100 distilled motorcycling to the essentials: a responsive 98cc two-stroke, a slick 4-speed box, and a kerb weight light enough to make every ride feel eager. Owners prized the bike’s crisp throttle, tractable low-end pull, and the way it hustled through traffic.

On paper it was modest, but in practice it felt quick—contemporary road tests and rider lore frequently cite ~14–15s quarter-mile runs, a figure that speaks more to the RX100’s excellent power-to-weight than outright horsepower. Maintenance was straightforward, parts were plentiful, and the exhaust note became part of its identity.

By the mid-1990s, tighter emission norms and a market pivot toward 4-stroke efficiency ended RX100 production (1996). Successors like the RXG/RX135 tried to carry the torch, but the original’s recipe—light, lively, and simple—cemented the RX100’s status as a cultural touchstone. Today it survives in restorations, classifieds, and weekend rides, celebrated as the bike that proved ‘fun’ isn’t about engine size.

Timeline

1985
RX100 goes on sale in India via Escorts Yamaha; quickly gains a reputation for performance per rupee.
1990
Builds a devoted following among commuters and enthusiasts; parts and service networks deepen.
1996
Indian production ends amid tightening emissions and a shift to 4-stroke models.
2000
Used RX100 prices firm up as the model gains ‘modern classic’ status; restoration scene grows.