Yamaha RX 135 - Engineering @ its best. Review on Yamaha RX135

I have an Yamaha RX135 (4 Speed) 1999 Model wihtout the Catalytic Converter, probably the last model just b4 the 5 speed came to market. I wanted to own it a first hand, never had an oppurtunity. But got it a second hand in 2003. B4 that I had HH Splendor ( Great bike for a commuter).

Coming on to the review of the RX135, I bought the vehicle second hand, it was 4 yrs old and had done 55, 000 KMS. The gear box was in a fantastic condition. I went ahead and changed the Engine head ( Bore, Piston & Rings). After which I have done close to 60, 000 KMs till date. All I can say is Yamaha's engineering @ its best.

Style : - Not the best these days, but was a better those days till Pulsar's ruled the market. No RPM Meter, NO Fuel Meter and son many NO's. But still the vehicle had & has so much of reputation. Purely by perfomance.

Ergonomics : - Perfect Commuter postion. No strain or pain even when you drive 100 Kms. I experienced pain in my butt when I ride it more than 50 Kms at a stretch. Bcoz I am 5'10" tall and 75 Kgs. The seat is slim & flat unlike todays stepped seat's and curves on it for a better riding. For a daily use of roughly 30 kms, you should have no problems.

Engine : - This is the most important aspect of any bike. May be you can call the heart of the bike. I can describe it in one word "FANTASTIC". Though the vehicle has done more than 1 Lakh Kms and still the gearbox is great. Hardly you can find these conditions in todays bike's.I have not heard any peculiar & abnormal noise from the engine. Thats the biggest plus of the bike.

Electricals : - Good but not good enough. I you want to improve the headlamp power, you can always do a coil winding and increase it. Can cost a few hundreds.

Power, Handling & perfomance : - This is where the bike sets apart from the rest. Beautiful pickup, it can reach 70 - 80 Kms effortlessly. I always prefer crusing the bike @ 70 - 80 kms where the bike is terribly good. The pull on the top gear is good.The torque is also good. You can slog @ speed of 20 Kms/h even on the 4th gear. Stability in high speeds is a concern for this bike. Especially when u cross 80 Kms/hr (SoLO), u feel like floating, u feel insecure on the bike becoz of its less weight. I guess it weighs around 110 Kgs ( Kerb Weight). Had it been close to 130 Kgs, it would have been a night mare for many bike makers.

Fuel Economy : - I am not a rip-rash rider but ride it hard & fast. I get a mileage of about 38 - 42 kms per Litre on my daily usage. I always cruise @ 70 - 80 Kms/h for a stretch of 25 kms on the Hghway and still get a very gud mileage. Thats not bad at all. I find many of them crib about this factor. Lot depends on the mileage. Whether you ride solo or with Pillion and your driving habits.

Maintenance : - Again many of them forget to do this. When u maintain a bike once in a while you are prone to pay more penalty. Since my usage is around 2000 Kms a month, I take it to the local mechanic every weekend or fortnight without fail and do these necessary things.

• Adjusting the chain slag ( Very imp else will cost you a sprocket set) & lubing it.

  
  




• Adjusting Brakes

  
  




• Air pressure on the tyre's.

  
  




• Adding 2T oil.

  
  




• Clutch adjustments only if required.

  
  




• Charging the battery.

  
  




• Chnage engine oil once in atleast 5, 000 kms.

  
  

Over and above all these, This machine is a treat to ride & a good buy in second hand if you can compromise on todays style & features like digital meter, fuel gauge, Alloy wheels. These are not great for any bike. But the gearbox matters the most. Thats the reason people in the country have been longing to own this bike at least once in a lifetime. you can boast of its perfomance eventhough it is 10 yrs of history.

Have been looking for a new bike. Did take ride of all the 150cc Bikes. I like Unicorn the most but had there been a little power on the top gear I would have definitelty gone for it. but Yamaha has cheated us after they stopped the RX135 series. When RX 135's ruled the market in the 90's it was clear indication that people like the power bikes. I falied to understand Y Yamaha didn't introduce a 150cc Bike early on. May be Yamaha were not prepared for Four stroke revolution when the indian govt called off the two stroke regime.

YZF R-15 looks great but not a great bike for commuter in other words day to day use. Just saw the FZ-16 on the net. Looks wise its great bike. No doubt about it. We will have to wait & watch the perfomance of the bike. If FZ-16 performs like a RX135, it will be a clear winner in the market.

Happy & safe riding to all.

Thanks & Regards

Elango