Yamaha RX 125 : In a move that’s set to electrify the Indian motorcycle market, Yamaha has announced the much-anticipated relaunch of its iconic RX 125 for 2025.
This revival brings together the nostalgic charm of the original RX series with cutting-edge technology, promising high mileage and a fresh new look that’s bound to turn heads.
Let’s dive into what makes this relaunch a potential game-changer in the 125cc segment.
Yamaha RX 125 A Blast from the Past: The RX Legacy
Before we explore the new model, it’s worth revisiting the rich history of the Yamaha RX series.
First introduced in India in the 1980s, the RX 100 quickly became a cult classic, known for its peppy performance, reliability, and distinctive two-stroke engine note.
The RX 125, a slightly more powerful variant, followed suit, cementing Yamaha’s reputation for producing exciting small-capacity motorcycles.
The original RX series was phased out in the early 2000s due to stricter emission norms, leaving a void in the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts.
Now, with the 2025 relaunch, Yamaha aims to recapture that magic while meeting modern standards and expectations.
The 2025 Yamaha RX 125: A Modern Classic
Design: Retro Meets Contemporary
The new RX 125 strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and modernity in its design:
Classic Silhouette: The overall shape pays homage to the original, with a long, flat seat and a sleek fuel tank that echoes its predecessor.
Modern Touches: LED lighting all around, including a distinctive DRL signature, brings the bike firmly into the 21st century.
Color Schemes: Expect a range of colors, including the iconic red and black combination, alongside more contemporary options.
Instrumentation: A fully digital instrument cluster provides all necessary information while maintaining a clean, retro-inspired look.
Wheels and Tires: Spoke wheels with tubeless tires offer a perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern practicality.
Engine: High Efficiency Meets Performance
At the heart of the new RX 125 lies a thoroughly modern engine:
Displacement: 124.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled
Technology: Fuel injection with Yamaha’s Blue Core technology for optimal efficiency
Power Output: 12.4 PS @ 7,500 rpm (estimated)
Torque: 11.2 Nm @ 6,000 rpm (estimated)
Transmission: 5-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch
Mileage: The New Benchmark
One of the standout features of the 2025 RX 125 is its impressive fuel efficiency:
Claimed Mileage: Up to 70 km/l under ideal conditions
Real-world Expectations: 60-65 km/l in mixed riding conditions
This high mileage is achieved through:
Advanced fuel injection system
Lightweight construction (kerb weight of approximately 120 kg)
Optimized engine tuning for efficiency
Low-friction components
Chassis and Suspension: Balancing Comfort and Handling
The new RX 125 is built on a modern chassis that promises agile handling without compromising on comfort:
Frame: Diamond-type frame, offering a good balance of rigidity and flex
Front Suspension: Telescopic forks with 100mm travel
Rear Suspension: Monoshock with adjustable preload
Brakes:
Front: 267mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear: 220mm disc with single-piston caliper
Dual-channel ABS as standard
Tires:
Front: 90/90-17
Rear: 110/80-17
Yamaha RX 125 Features: Modern Conveniences
Despite its retro inspiration, the 2025 RX 125 comes packed with features:
Full LED Lighting: Headlamp, tail lamp, and turn indicators
Digital Instrument Cluster: With smartphone connectivity
USB Charging Port: Conveniently located near the handlebar
Start-Stop Technology: For improved fuel efficiency in urban traffic
Side Stand Engine Cut-off: A safety feature that’s become standard in modern bikes
Hazard Lamps: For added safety in low-visibility conditions
Yamaha RX 125 Market Positioning and Competition
The 2025 Yamaha RX 125 enters a highly competitive 125cc segment. Here’s how it stacks up against some key rivals:
Honda SP 125:
The RX 125 offers more power and better fuel efficiency
Honda has a strong reliability reputation, but the RX counters with its iconic status
Bajaj Pulsar 125:
The Pulsar offers a sportier ride, but the RX 125 wins on fuel efficiency
The RX’s retro-modern design sets it apart from the Pulsar’s more contemporary styling
TVS Raider 125:
Both offer modern features, but the RX 125 has the edge in terms of brand nostalgia
The Raider might have a slight advantage in urban maneuverability
Hero Glamour 125:
The RX 125 positions itself as a more premium offering
Yamaha’s performance heritage gives it an edge over the Glamour’s commuter-focused approach
Yamaha RX 125 Pricing and Variants
While official pricing is yet to be announced, industry insiders expect the 2025 Yamaha RX 125 to be priced competitively:
Estimated Price Range: ₹95,000 – ₹1,10,000 (ex-showroom)
Yamaha is expected to offer the RX 125 in multiple variants:
Standard: The base model with all essential features
S: With additional sporty touches and graphics
Vintage Edition: Limited run with special paint schemes and badging
The Riding Experience: What to Expect
Early test rides and reviews suggest that the 2025 RX 125 offers a unique riding experience:
Performance: Quick off the line with smooth power delivery throughout the rev range
Handling: Agile in city traffic, stable on highways, and confidence-inspiring in corners
Comfort: Well-padded seat and optimized ergonomics make it suitable for both short commutes and longer rides
Sound: While it can’t replicate the iconic two-stroke note, the new RX 125 has a distinctive exhaust note that pays homage to its heritage
Fuel Efficiency: Real-world testing confirms the impressive mileage claims, making it one of the most efficient 125cc motorcycles in the market
Environmental Considerations
In line with Yamaha’s commitment to sustainability, the 2025 RX 125 incorporates several eco-friendly features:
Emissions: Fully compliant with BS6 Phase 2 norms
Materials: Use of recycled and recyclable materials in non-critical components
Manufacturing: Produced in Yamaha’s state-of-the-art facility with reduced carbon footprint
Customization and Accessories
Recognizing the strong enthusiast following of the RX series, Yamaha plans to offer a wide range of official accessories:
Performance Parts: Slip-on exhausts, air filters, and ECU remapping options
Aesthetic Upgrades: Various seat options, handlebar styles, and body graphics
Practical Add-ons: Luggage solutions, windscreens, and crash protection
Yamaha RX 125 Conclusion: A New Chapter in the RX Legacy
The 2025 Yamaha RX 125 is more than just a new motorcycle; it’s a revival of a legend, reimagined for the modern era.
By combining the nostalgic appeal of the original RX series with contemporary technology and efficiency, Yamaha has created a motorcycle that appeals to both long-time fans and new riders alike.
The high mileage figures address the practical concerns of today’s cost-conscious consumers, while the new look ensures that the RX 125 stands out in a crowded market.
Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the bike’s peppy nature, and daily commuters will love its efficiency and comfort.
As the motorcycle market continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on electric vehicles, the 2025 Yamaha RX 125 serves as a bridge between the past and the future.
It offers a riding experience that’s distinctly analog in a world going digital, yet it doesn’t shy away from incorporating modern conveniences and efficiencies.
The success of the RX 125 relaunch could pave the way for more manufacturers to revisit their classic models, potentially sparking a renaissance of retro-inspired, efficient motorcycles.
For now, motorcycle enthusiasts and practical commuters alike have much to look forward to when the new Yamaha RX 125 hits the streets in 2025.
Whether you’re drawn to its nostalgic charm, impressed by its modern features, or simply in need of a reliable, efficient daily rider, the 2025 Yamaha RX 125 promises to be a compelling option in the 125cc segment.
It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s a piece of automotive history, reborn and ready for the challenges of the modern world.