India Yamaha Motor has introduced bikes that changed the motorcycling canvas in India; the Yamaha RD350 and the Yamaha RX100 are the prime examples. With the introduction of new emission norms and demand that didn't justify production, the company had to discontinue quite a few models from its Indian portfolio. Here is a list of Top 8 forgotten Yamaha motorcycles in India.
Yamaha RD350
The Yamaha RD350 was a two-stroke motorcycle that was manufactured by Escorts Group in India from 1983 to 1991. The RD350 was marketed as the Rajdoot 350 in the domestic market under license from Yamaha Japan. The motorcycle was taken off the market in 1991 owing to stricter emission norms, scarce parts availability, and high fuel consumption.
The India-spec Yamaha RD350 sourced power from a 347 cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 30.5 bhp of maximum power and 32 Nm of peak torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. The Indian model was based on the Yamaha RD350B.
Yamaha RX 100
The Yamaha RX100 is another cult offering from the Japanese bike maker that was able to fill the void of the Yamaha RD350 somewhat. Back then, the RX100 rivalled the Suzuki AX 100. The Yamaha RX100 was highly regarded for its raw power and agility, while it was on sale in the country from 1985 to 1996.
The Yamaha RX100 used a 98 cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine that was tuned to produce a maximum power of 11 bhp at 7,500 rpm along with 10.39 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm, mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The RX100 had a kerb weight of 103 kg and a top speed of 100 km/h.
Yamaha RX 135
The Yamaha RX135 was introduced in India to replace the Yamaha RX100. The motorcycle was on sale in the domestic market from 1997 to 2005 and came with two gearbox options, 4-speed and 5-speed. It was taken off the market after the introduction of the Euro 3 guidelines.
Powering the Yamaha RX135 was a 132 cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine with seven port torque induction and reed valves. The 5-speed variant pumped out 14 bhp of power and 12.25 Nm of torque, while the 4-speed version churned out 12 bhp of max power and 10 Nm of peak torque.
Yamaha RX-Z
The Yamaha RX-Z was essentially a sporty version of the Yamaha RX135. The motorcycle received updated styling like a bikini fairing, engine cowl, redesigned fuel tank and raised tail section. The bike had a top speed of 120 km/h.
The motorcycle used the same 132 cc, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine from the RX135, which produced 14 bhp of power and a peak torque of 12.25 Nm, mated to a 5-speed transmission. The Yamaha RX-Z came equipped with a front disc brake as standard.
Yamaha YBX
The Yamaha YBX was the first motorcycle from Yamaha to get a 4-stroke engine. The bike was launched in 1998, which was followed by a new model in 2000, and in 2001, the company introduced the YBX 125. The Yamaha YBX 125 received new GP graphics, Tachometer, bigger tyres and new indicators.
The Yamaha YBX used a 123.7 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine that was capable of producing a maximum power of 11 bhp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 11 Nm at 6,500. The motor worked with a 4-speed gearbox.
Yamaha Libero
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The Yamaha Libero was an entry-level commuter motorcycle targeted towards younger buyers. The bike featured a bikini fairing, a fuel tank with air scoops, and a sleek tail section with a long seat.
The Yamaha Libero was powered by a 105.6 cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke engine that was tuned to deliver a maximum power of 7.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 7.8 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The powertrain came mated to a 4-speed gearbox.
Yamaha Crux & Crux R
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The Yamaha Crux was an entry-level motorcycle from Yamaha that rivalled the Bajaj CT100. The bike was launched in 2001 and featured a round headlamp, upright riding position and wire-spoke wheels. The company later introduced the Yamaha Crux R in India, which received headlight fairing and new graphics.
Powering the Yamaha Crux and Crux R was a 105.6 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that produces a maximum of 7.6 bhp and 7.5 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The motorcycle had an impressive fuel economy of 80 km/l and a top speed of 93 km/h.
Yamaha Enticer
The Yamaha Enticer was an entry-level cruiser motorcycle that was aimed at the Kawasaki-Bajaj Eliminator. The Enticer received features like front disc brake and electric starter. The motorcycle was available in three colour options - Gold, Burgundy and Black.
The Yamaha Enticer employed a 123.7 cc, 4-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produced 11 bhp of maximum power and 10.4 Nm of peak torque. The motor was mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The motorcycle came shod with 18-inch front and 16-inch rear wheels a 120/80-section rear tyre.
Here is the list of 8 forgoten Yamaha bikes in India. Let us know if we miss out on any model that deserves to be named in this list.
