Yamaha RX 100
Yamaha RX100 | |
Manufacturer | Yamaha |
---|---|
Also called | RX |
Parent company | Yamaha |
Production | 1984–1996 |
Predecessor | Yamaha Rajdoot 350 |
Successor | RXG, RX-135| RX135 TIGER, RXZ. |
Class | Classic |
Engine | 98 cc two-stroke, reed valve, air-cooled, single-cylinder, gasoline seven-port torque induction |
Top speed | 120kmph (full conditioned) |
Power | 11 HP (8.206 kW) @ 8500 RPM |
Torque | 10.39 Nm (1.06 kgf-m or 7.66 ft.lbs) @ 6500 RPM |
Transmission | 4-speed constant mesh, multiplate clutch |
Suspension | Telescopic fork front, swing arm (adjustable five-position) rear |
Brakes | Expanding Drum(both front and rear) |
Tires | Wire spoked, 2.50-inch × 18-inch (4 ply rating) front tyre, 2.75-inch × 18-inch (6 ply rating) rear tyre. |
Wheelbase | 1240 mm |
Dimensions |
L: 2040 mm W: 740 mm H: 1050 mm |
Seat height | 765 mm (29.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
Weight |
95 Kg (dry) 103 Kg (wet) |
Fuel capacity | 10.5 L (2.3 imp gal; 2.8 US gal) |
Oil capacity | 0.650 L (0.687 US qt) |
Fuel consumption | 35-45 km/L |
Turning radius |
2100 mm Shift_Pattern = 1-down 3-up (1-N-2-3-4) |
The Yamaha RX100 is a 98 cc two-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled motorcycle that was manufactured between 1984 and 1996 in India.
Facts
The Yamaha RX100 was launched in the mid 80's in India, and was produced until 1996.[1] With the failure of Yamaha RD350 and the success of Ind-Suzuki's AX-100 in the market and masses, Yamaha realized the potential of Smaller Displacement Bikes in India. The RX-100 was launched in India in late 1985 shortly after the Ind-Suzuki AX-100 and Hero Honda CD-100 were launched. Kawasaki launched KB-100 a little later, in early 1986. It was one of the most reliable and peppiest smaller displacement bikes of the time. It gave tough competition to almost all bikes of that time. Many could not believe that a 100 cc engine, as claimed by the manufacturers, could deliver such raw power; people actually spread the rumor that it had a much bigger engine. It was also said that many race conductors and authorities double checked by opening the engine block to make sure it was actually 100 CC. This mean machine was used in many chain snatching and robbery incidents by some antisocial elements, which led to the banning of this bike by the state governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Racers recognized the potential of RX's on dirt & drag Races. Various modifications like expansion chambers, porting, tuning, sprocketing, wheel sizes(16", 17", 18") and upgrades like bigger carburettors, air filters, quick throttle, disc brakes, 5th gear, race pistons, racing CDI systems, grippier tyres and suspension dampening were done to extract the maximum potential out of the bike in races.
Tuned RX-100s have done quarter miles in about 14 Seconds, when a BMW-S1000RR 4-Cylinder 1000CC bike traveled a quarter mile in 10.2 seconds. The bikes manufactured between 1985 and 1987 were knock-down kits, (CKD) from Japan and were simply assembled in India. Only the model produced in Japan had disc brakes. Peacock Blue, Cherry Red, Metallic Black were stock colors. The only major changes that the bike underwent was that it was upgraded from a 6-volt electrical system to a 12-volt system, and the CDI for the ignition and timing. The bike's production lasted from Nov 1985 - Mar 1996. Stricter emission laws and regulations made the production of RX100 impossible.
The model was followed by the 11.8 BHP, 132CC RXG, with a taller primary and secondary reduction. It the same light flywheel of RX100 that causes a jerky ride. It was replaced with a heavier one by the manufacturer on the following year. Next came the RXZ in 1997, in a new chassis with shorter wheelbase and with the same primary reduction ratio as RX100 but a taller final reduction. The RXZ was launched with a sportier bodywork and produced 12bhp@6500rpm. Following the RXZ, in 1998 the RX135 was launched with the same engine of RXZ in the chassis of RX100 or RXG. RX135 saw a moderate success due to its refined power output and better fuel economy. Finally, in 2000 were launched the 14bhp@7500rpm RX135 5speed with a catalytic converter silencer. It failed in the market due to its poor fuel economy and discontinued in two years. But later it was recognised as the quickest RX and has a cult status due to its rarity. A 5-speed variant of the RXZ with front disc brakes also had a limited release in 2001 at a premium price tag. The final variant was a 4-speed RX135 with a catalytic converter silencer, sporting a fuel gauge and speedometer with white dials which was sold very briefly from 2003-2005.
The model produced in Japan (1985 to 1987) held up the name of the machine that all the parts were made perfect and strong enough which proved the performance of the vehicle. The vehicle could run smoothly at 60km/h above even when one of the shock absorbers had broken or the back tyre was punctured. The variant also runs at cases when the ignition system is in complaint when the vehicle reaches 40km/h above at 4th gear. It is an interesting fact to hear the break cables can't be cut by a Blacksmith tool by hammering. The vehicle could run smoothly on road and off road by competing with the latest vehicles at low maintenance.
The newest RX100s available in the market today are 21 years old. Yet, there are people who are still looking out for one. The old advertising campaign slogans "Born to Lead" and "Ahead of the 100's" are aptly justified by this mean machine.
Successors
The bike's production run lasted from November 1985 to March 2006. The model was followed by the 132cc RXG, (11.8BHP). This model was the reply to the Stricter Emission Norm. RXG Had an Econominded Engine configuration with the Ports Tuned To get more Fuel-Efficieny And lesser exhaust gas. But It came at a cost, robbing RXG of the signature RX-100 Exhaust Beat and Top End Power, the bike failed in the market. The Japanese Responded in Late 1997 with Yamaha RX-135 and The RX-Z which had a Tachometer, Sportier Headlamp and Body. Both were Mechanically same and saw Lukewarm Response. The market Also Saw 5 Speed Versions of RX-135s & RX-Z. The final variant was a four-speed RX135 with a Small type catalytic converter, sporting a fuel gauge and speedometer with white dials which was sold very briefly in 2003–2005.
RX Series is becoming one of the most Sought 2nd Hand motorcycles in India. Prices have Skyrocketed since its demise. Many RX Groups Have been active across India taking Out Occasional Pleasure Rides. RX enjoys big cult in Social Medias Like Facebook. Notable Groups like <NHZRIDEZ> ,TEAM Rx, Yamaha RX Club(YRC) Have Been Actively Conducting Rides!
References
- ↑ Mohanram, Jayprashanth. "The legendary Yamaha RX100 and its successors". CarToq. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
External links
- Media related to Yamaha RX at Wikimedia Commons