Yamaha RX 100

Yamaha RX100 Japan
Manufacturer	Yamaha
Production	1985-1996
Successor	RXG, RX-135, RXZ
Engine	98 cc 2-stroke reed valve, air cooled, single cylinder gasoline
Power	11 PS (11 hp) @ 7500 rpm
Transmission	4-speed constant mesh, multiplate clutch
Suspension	Double cradle frame
Tires	Wire spoked, 2.50" X 18" front tyre, 2.75" X 18" rear tyre.
Weight	103 kgs (dry)
Fuel capacity	10.5 ltrs
Oil capacity	0.65 ltrs
Fuel consumption	36-42 kmpl

The Yamaha RX100 is a 98cc two-stroke single cylinder air-cooled motorcycle. It was M/s Escorts Limited "Bread and Butter" model for close to 12 years between 1985 and 1996. The only changes in its 11 year production history were the pin striping and an upgrade to a 12 volt electrical system.

History

Escorts Limited partnered with Yamaha Motor Corp. in 1983 to launch the "Rajdoot 350" a license produced Yamaha RD350B. Another player in the Indian two wheeler market was IND-SUZUKI (TVS Motor Company today) which, as the name suggests, joined hands with Suzuki to launch the 8.25 bhp (6.15 kW) IND-SUZUKI AX100 in 1984.
Taking a page out of TVS-Suzuki's book, Escorts soon realized that sales success lay in smaller displacement bikes that are more economically priced and cheaper to run. Thus launched the YAMAHA RX100 in late 1985 (Workshop Manual is dated May 1985). The bike was originally available in Cherry-Red, Flamboyant-Blue(Peacock blue-green) Black and Silver. The first lot bikes (1985–1987) were CKDs and were simply assembled in India. The gearbox covering just above the gear shift lever had the words "MADE IN JAPAN"

Made In Japan embossing

embossed on it.
Incidentally, the speedometer casing in the early bikes had the lettering "RAJDOOT" on them as did the speedometer dial. These older meters were manufactured by Yenkay. As opposed to later ones made by Pricol which had ESCORTS and later YAMAHA casings and dials. Few parts like the two-stroke oil pump cover which is circular, had "Rajdoot" embossed instead of the expected YAMAHA or ESCORTS. This gives the idea that maybe, Escorts wanted to launch the bike as the "Rajdoot 100" in the same league with the Rajdoot 350.
The only major change that the bike underwent was that it was upgraded from a 6V electrical system to a 12V system. Apart from that, the pin striping was changed two times. So there are three different decal types in all. Two other colors (Wine red and Metallic blue) were also introduced, but the bike stayed the way it was for its 11 year history.

Performance

Performance specifications are as follows (per owner's manual and workshop manual):

• Acceleration: 0–60 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
• Top speed: 100 km/h. (As per workshop and Owner's manual, not as per speedo reading which has errors)

The gear ratios and torque curve are such that a well tuned bike with rider and pillion can do as low as 10 km/h in 4th gear without engine knocking. gear box details

Successors

The bike's production run lasted from Nov 1985 – Mar 1996. Various modifications like expansion chambers, drum brakes and 5th gear.
The model was followed by the 11.8 bhp 132 cc 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 (12 bhp)was launched with a sportier headlamp fairing.
Finally, in the year 2000-2001 were launched the 14 bhp (10 kW) RX135 and the RXZ (Both 5-speed with a catalytic converter silencer). These met with lukewarm response.