Yamaha RX 125: For anyone who grew up in India in the 1990s, the name Yamaha RX brings about as much nostalgia as it gets.
It was fast, it was loud, and it had a cult-like following that teetered on the brink of obssession. Now, Yamaha appears to reignite that flame with the highly anticipated Yamaha RX 125.
Now, the legendary two-stroke high might not really make a return in the literal sense (blame today’s emission norms for that), but Yamaha wants to evoke the same raw spirit with its new RX 125 — albeit alongside cleaner tech and a fresh coat of design paint.
So, is there enough about the RX 125 to wear the legendary badge again? Let’s dive in.
Design: Retro Soul Meets Street Style
A single look at the RX 125 and you are sure get thrown back. The design team at Yamaha seems to have drawn inspiration from the classic silhouette of the original RX 100 – think round head lamp, flat seat, and an upright riding stance – thrown in some timely modern bits as well.
There’s LED lighting, digital meters, and even sportier alloy wheels to help keep it spot-on in other ways.
It adds up to a cool blend of old-school charm and new-age aggression.
The tank is the typical teardrop but also now comes with massive RX badging, and although the exhaust no longer takes the form of a long pipe running from one end of the bike to the other, it still maintains the large profile that initially was the hallmark of the street racer DNA of its predecessor.
Engine: Not a Two-Stroke, But a Screamer Nonetheless
Let’s be honest – no contemporary bike can ever replicate the two-stroke insanity of the original RX 100.
But Yamaha is aware of this, and so the RX 125 is likely to receive a much more sophisticated 124cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine – perhaps the one doing duty in the international market models. Power numbers may be the 11-12 PS mark, with torque being around 11 Nm.
It might not be smoke the roads wild like the original was, but we would get a nice smooth throttle response in return, and maybe even a peppy one, perfect for some active urban riding.
Combine these with Yamaha’s trademark smooth gearboxes and precise fueling and you’ve got a bike that is enjoyable to ride without being intimidating.
Fuel efficiency? Look at about 50-60 km/l, which makes this one a real office commuter that doesn’t empty your wallet out.
Ergos: Quick, Light and Urban Slugger
The lightweight nature of the RX 100 stood out as one of its best characteristics, and Yamaha appears to have followed suit. Expected dry weight for the RX 125 is between 115-120 kg, making it feature a maximum amount of ‘flickability’.
And its maneuverability enables you to take corners with more self-assuredness whether you’re cruising highways or cutting through city streets.
It is likely to feature telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, calibrated for the requirements of daily commuting. The seat height is friendly so that a lot of riders will be able to reach the ground.
Pros: Why the RX 125 stands Out
Iconic Styling: A head turner —Fistful of old school nostalgia with just enough crazy modern to attract your ongoing attention.
Light weight & Maneuverability Ideal for city limits and narrow lanes.
Seamles Performance: Great for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
Good Mileage Expected: Keeps a good balance between power and fuel economy.
Yamaha Reliability: No one offers the reliability we do.
Cons: Where It Could Stumble
No Two-Stroke Engine: Purests will probably miss that unadulterated rawness that only the original RX 100 could deliver.
Not a Highway Cruiser: Works best in the city; not much long-distance grunt.
Price Can Be Steep on the Cooler Side: Retro styling tends to cost extra.
Basic Utility Features: No fancy tech or luggage hooks for the practical cyclist.
Yamaha RX 125: Closing Statement RX Spirit Lives On
The Yamaha RX 125 isn’t only a motorcycle but a tribute. A salute to the golden era, updated for modern performance.
It might not scream like the two-strokes it replaces, but it brings all of the soulful riding experience we remember—just cleaner, safer and more efficient.
For the teens who covet cool, for the old gits after nostalgia and for anyone looking for a bike that’s more than just a tool to get from A to B – the RX 125 is going to hit the mark.
