Yamaha is about to send a jolt through India’s commuter motorcycle market. The RX 125 – scheduled for an April 15 launch – isn’t just another entry in the crowded 125cc segment. It’s the resurrection of a motorcycle that achieved near-mythical status on Indian roads decades ago.
The original RX 100 from the 1980s still commands ridiculous prices in the used market, with clean examples sometimes fetching more than their original sticker price. That’s the kind of cult following Yamaha is hoping to tap into with this new offering.
But this isn’t just a nostalgia play. The RX 125 brings some surprisingly practical specs to the table, including a claimed 70 kmpl fuel efficiency that would put it at the top of its class. For context, that’s significantly better than the Bajaj Pulsar 125’s 55 kmpl or even the Honda SP 125’s respectable 65 kmpl.
At its heart sits a 125cc air-cooled single producing 11.2 bhp and 10.4 Nm of torque. Those numbers won’t set your hair on fire, but the bike’s 108 kg kerb weight should make it feel considerably peppier than the specs suggest. Anyone who’s ridden a lightweight motorcycle knows that nimbleness often trumps raw power for everyday enjoyment.
The design is where Yamaha has really nailed the brief. The round LED headlamp, teardrop tank, and flat seat create an unmistakable silhouette that channels the original without feeling like a slavish reproduction. It’s retro done right – capturing the essence without getting lost in the details.
Modern touches abound, including disc brakes with dual-channel ABS, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and LED lighting throughout. There’s even a USB charging port tucked in somewhere, though hopefully Yamaha had the sense to position it where it won’t get soaked in a monsoon downpour.
The pricing, though, might raise some eyebrows. At ?1.35 lakh ex-showroom, the RX 125 commands nearly a 40% premium over similarly-sized competitors. That’s a bold ask in a segment where buyers typically scrutinize every rupee.
Then again, heritage has value. Just ask Royal Enfield, which has built an empire selling motorcycles that emphasize character over spec-sheet superiority. The RX 125 seems to be following a similar playbook – offering something that can’t be quantified in a simple comparison table.
Production will happen at Yamaha’s Indian facilities, with deliveries starting May 1, 2025. If you’re interested, you might want to contact your local dealer sooner rather than later. If the buzz in motorcycle forums is any indication, the waiting list could get lengthy quickly.
For riders torn between the practical need for an efficient commuter and the emotional desire for something with personality, the RX 125 offers a compelling compromise. Whether that compromise is worth the premium price tag will ultimately depend on how much value you place on standing out from the sea of anonymous commuters clogging India’s urban roadways.
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One thing’s certain – in a segment typically dominated by pragmatic concerns like mileage and maintenance costs, it’s refreshing to see a motorcycle that dares to have a soul.
