Bhai, let me tell you about a bike that might not have been as famous as its bigger brothers, but it sure had its own charm and fan following. I’m talking about the Yamaha RX125. You must have heard of the RX100, right? That bike was a legend. But the RX125? It was like the quiet, underrated sibling who didn’t get as much attention but still had a lot to offer.
Let’s go back in time a bit. Picture this: it’s the late 70s and early 80s. The roads were filled with the smell of petrol and the sound of two-stroke engines. That was the golden era of two-stroke bikes, and Yamaha was one of the top players in the game. The RX125 was born in this era, and though it wasn’t as popular as the RX100 or RX135, it had its own unique identity.
The Heart of the RX125: Its Engine
The RX125 had a 123cc, air-cooled, two-stroke engine. Now, 123cc might sound small today, but back then, it was enough to give you a thrilling ride. The engine produced around 12 horsepower, which was pretty decent for a 125cc bike at that time. What made it special was its reed valve induction system. Sounds complicated, right? But it’s simple – this system helped the engine breathe better, which meant smoother power delivery and better performance.
One of the coolest things about the RX125 was its Autolube system. Most two-stroke bikes back then required you to mix oil with petrol manually. But Yamaha’s Autolube system did that for you automatically. No more messy mixing or worrying about getting the ratio wrong. This made the bike more user-friendly and less of a hassle to maintain.
The bike also had a 5-speed gearbox, which was a big deal back then. It allowed riders to keep the engine in its power band, making the bike feel faster than it actually was. Even though it was a small bike, it had a punchy feel to it, especially when you revved it hard.
Lightweight and Nimble: Perfect for City Rides
The RX125 wasn’t just about the engine; its lightweight design made it a joy to ride. Weighing just around 95 kg, it was super easy to handle. Whether you were navigating through busy city traffic or taking it out on open roads, the bike felt light and agile.
The frame was made of steel, which gave it a good balance of strength and flexibility. The suspension setup was simple – telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked well for the bike’s weight and power. The brakes were drum brakes, both front and rear. Now, drum brakes might sound outdated today, but they were more than enough for the RX125. They had a nice, progressive feel and were low maintenance too.
The bike rode on 18-inch wheels, which were pretty standard back then. The tires were narrow compared to today’s bikes, but they suited the RX125’s lightweight design and made it quick and nimble.
Simple Yet Stylish Design
The RX125 had a simple, no-nonsense design that still looked good. The fuel tank had a sleek, teardrop shape that flowed smoothly into the seat. It wasn’t just about looks – the shape of the tank made it easy to grip with your knees, giving you better control while riding.
The side panels were simple but had bold graphics that were very much in style back then. And then there was the exhaust – oh, the exhaust! The expansion chamber (that big, curvy part of the exhaust) wasn’t just functional; it looked cool too. It swept up from the engine and tucked neatly under the seat, giving the bike a sporty look.
The instrument cluster was basic, with just a speedometer and a few warning lights. But that’s all you really needed. The RX125 was all about keeping things simple and fun.
Performance: Small Bike, Big Fun
On paper, the RX125’s performance might not seem impressive by today’s standards. It had a top speed of around 110 km/h, which was pretty good for a 125cc bike back then. But the real fun was in its acceleration and agility. The lightweight chassis and responsive two-stroke engine made it a blast to ride, especially in the city.
Fuel efficiency was another strong point. Despite being a two-stroke, the RX125 could give you around 35-45 km/l if you rode it sensibly. That made it a practical choice for daily commuting.
The RX125 in the City
If there was one place where the RX125 truly shined, it was in the city. Its lightweight and narrow profile made it perfect for weaving through traffic. The quick-revving engine meant you could zip through gaps with ease, and the light clutch made stop-and-go traffic less of a pain.
Parking was a breeze too, thanks to its compact size. And when you hit the open road, the RX125 could hold its own. It wasn’t a highway cruiser, but it was more than capable of handling short trips on the open road.
The RX125’s Legacy
The RX125 might not have been as famous as the RX100 or RX135, but it still has a special place in the hearts of those who rode it. In countries like India, the RX series became a symbol of youth and freedom. The RX125, though less common, was no less loved by its owners.
The bike also found a place in motorsport. Its lightweight chassis and tunable engine made it a popular choice for amateur racers. Many riders cut their teeth on the RX125, learning the art of riding and racing on these nimble machines.
The End of an Era
With the 80s coming to a close, two-stroke bikes started to disappear due to much harsher emissions regulations. After a fashion, the RX125 (along with its kin) faded away. The era of RX125 was over in the early 90s.
Only its soul remained alive though. Yamaha evolved both two-stroke and four-stroke bikes in the years following the RX series lessons. Its absence is gone, but the RX lives on.
Keeping the Legend Alive
The RX125 from these days can be found on many collectors bikes today. Wherever you are far away from Indonesia to restore these bikes we all just want to keep the legend going. Restoring an RX125 is probably going to be difficult, at least parts are hard to find; maybe you’ll have to do some custom-making. However for many who do enjoy these bikes it’s a labor of love.
The RX125 had the same appeal to custom builders and builders. Practical, classic — this is a great bike to build your custom project on. The RX125 has turned into a whole lot of supremely modified bikes from scrub, cafe racers to scramblers.
Why the RX125 Still Matters
In the modern world of big-bike/high-tech RX125 just reminds me of a bygone era. It is a bike that requires the rider to be engaged. Just you, bike and the road – nary a fancy electronics or toys.
The RX125 represents an older generation of Yamaha motorcycles for newbies/younger riders. It is almost a cathartic to finally experience in your life the pure and unadulterated excitement of riding a 2 stroke bike. And for those who came of road riding age with these bikes, this is just a ride home.
