Yamaha chairman confirms the possible resurrection of the legendary nameplate
Yamaha RX100 has had immense acceptance in India. Originally launched in 1985, the motorcycle continues to be loved for its dynamics. A recent story by Hindu Businessline reveals that the manufacturer is planning to resurrect the nameplate in the coming years.
From what Yamaha Motor India chairman Eishin Chihana has revealed in the interview, it would be just the name that returns. Unlike the original RX100, the new motorcycle would not be powered by a two-stroke engine.
New Yamaha RX100 Could Launch After 2026
The chairman confirms that the new RX100 would launch sometime after 2026. Considering the huge respect that the nameplate owns, Yamaha is working extensively towards a worthy resurrection. The new motorcycle could have a new styling that doesn’t lose out on the name’s legacy, upmarket features, and modern mechanicals.
It could be powered by a BS6-compliant engine, more about which is yet to be known. Yamaha currently has a number of 100+ cc engines functioning on various motorcycles and scooters. We wouldn’t be surprised if Yamaha finally settles down for the 150cc engine from the R15 V4 for use on the new RX 100, as the same is quite known for its capabilities.
We will have to wait for more details about this. However, it feels nice to see Yamaha take the slow route and invest more time and effort into the new RX’s development.
More Premium Motorcycles And EVs Incoming!
Yamaha has plans of launching more premium products in India in the upcoming years. Reports suggest that the new MT-07 and R7 are to be expected soon.
The more interesting thing, however, is Yamaha’s focus on the EV business. The manufacturer is working on launching a number of EVs in India. Initially, existing global models could be imported as CBUs and CKDs. It is also developing an all-new electric scooter, expected to launch by 2025.
Yamaha RX100 To Return As An EV?
While you could still dismiss this for a random wild imagination, the RX100 returning as an EV would sound sensible. Yamaha has not hinted anything around the possible powertrain yet and going by the 2026 launch timeline when the focus on EVs would be high, pitching the RX100 as an all-electric retro motorcycle would make sense. Bajaj did something similar with the legendary Chetak nameplate and has been fairly successful.
Source: Businessline
