Yamaha RX100 To Make A Comeback 225cc Avatar

And Here’s Why It Does Not Make Sense

The Yamaha RX100 made motorcycling enthusiasts out of successive generations of riders, and the iconic bike is set to make a comeback. Interestingly, in a recent report, Yamaha claimed the RX100 will return in a bigger 225cc avatar. But that seems REALLY unlikely, and here’s why.

This report mentions that the new bike will likely be powered by a 225.9cc engine making around 20PS and 19.93Nm. With these output figures, the motor seems to be an air-cooled unit, and honestly, isn’t that powerful, considering the RX100’s legacy.

Moreover, Yamaha already had a 250cc engine on sale, on the now-discontinued Yamaha FZ-25, and building a new one from the ground up doesn’t seem like the route Yamaha would, or even should, take. Currently, in the motorcycle segment, newer, bigger-capacity platforms are more popular. 

With all that in mind, it makes most sense if Yamaha brings a rebadged Yamaha XSR 155 to India with the RX badging. Why? The XSR 155 platform has got the retro looks along with an impressive R15-derived performance, befitting the RX moniker.

For perspective, the XSR155 shares its 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor with the R15 V4 and MT-15 V2. This motor makes 19.3PS and 14.7Nm, and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch. 

Lastly, the revival is not going to come before 2026, as confirmed by Yamaha Motor India’s Chairman, Eishin Chihana in an interview.