Oct 10, 2016 01:32 AM
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The Yamaha RX100 was launched in Mid 80's in India, and produced until 1996.[citation needed] 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 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 bike 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 rumour that it had a much bigger engine. It is also said That many race conductors and authorities double checked By opening The engine block to make sure It Was actually 100 CC. 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.For Instance BMW-S1000RR 4-Cylinder 1000CC bike went down 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 and Indonesia. Only the model produced in Japan had disc brakes. Peacock Blue, Cherry Red, Metallic black were Stock Colours. 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 run lasted from Nov 1985 - Mar 1996. Stricter Emission Norms Forced Yamaha To Pull The Plug of One of the Best 100CC machines Ever Built.
The model was followed by the 11.8 bhp 132cc RXG, which had a faulty ignition system, which was replaced by the company at no cost. Next came the RX135, which was essentially a rebadged RXG. The RXZ was launched with a sportier headlamp fairing. Finally, in the year 2000-2001 were launched the 14 bhp RX135 and the RXZ(Both 5-speed with a catalytic converter silencer). These met with luke warm response. 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 in 2003.
The newest RX100s available in the market today are 20 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 100s" are aptly justified by this mean machine.
