[Dressellian]

I have been riding a Yamaha RX135 for close to fifteen years now. My mo-bike belongs to the last production batch of two-stroke vehicles from the Indian Yamaha stables. The machine has become old, some parts have even rusted. However, I have recently re-bored the engine. It is as peppy as ever.

My mechanic is a Yamaha specialist, and he has done everything he can to enliven the spirit of the ride. However, I can clearly see that the ride quality has diminished considerably. The mechanic is willing to buy the motorcycle for around 35K.

I am torn between a half hearted desire to spend a small fortune renovating and keeping my mo-bike and a rather practical decision to sell it and buy a new 350cc. Practical because I have become bigger (body size) over the last decade, and also because a 350cc will be a more ideal motorcycle to tour with.

What do you think? Should I renovate my mo-bike and keep it or sell it and buy a new 350cc?

[Mr.Boss]

If your priorities are
- a bigger bike (to match your physique) with better ride comfort
- Daily ride
- Trouble free ownership
- Spend lesser time with the mechanic

Obviously you should replace the RX with something bigger.

Otherwise retain the RX and restore to glory.

PS: In case if you decide to part with RX, please keep me posted

[Cessna182]

Sell it if you don't have any passion for this type of a vehicle. Lots of people love their automobiles but if it doesn't suit their needs they sell it. Nothing wrong in that. Maybe the mechanic can take better care of it and enjoy it more.

RX 135 was a beast and probably still is one. However, lots of things have changed and possibly improved about motorcycles in the past 25 years.

[VKumar]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

PS: In case if you decide to part with RX, please keep me posted

Although off topic, but couldn't resist from posting.

I was dead sure that Mr. Boss will definitely be seen in this thread, and was sure too, that if its an RX for sale, he will offer to buy too. And both happened! Man, I am a fan of your Yamaha love.

-A silent Spectator

BTW, even in past too, I have seen this that the guys with a heavy build, start feeling uncomfortable on all these smaller motorcycles.

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by VKumar

I was dead sure that Mr. Boss will definitely be seen in this thread, and was sure too, that if its an RX for sale, he will offer to buy too. And both happened! Man, I am a fan of your Yamaha love.

-A silent Spectator

Thank you so much for the kindness.

Originally Posted by VKumar

BTW, even in past too, I have seen this that the guys with a heavy build, start feeling uncomfortable on all these smaller motorcycles.

True that. Apart from the size factor, major deciding parameter is the weight, or the overall Centre of Gravity (Bike + Rider). In smaller and lighter motorbikes overall CG height will be higher and affects the handling drastically. On the other hand with a bigger and heavier bike, CG height will be relatively lower and gives better confidence for the rider.

[drrajasaravanan]

Hi
If I am in your shoes I would buy a bigger motorcycle for touring. Do note bigger doesn't mean it's always better. If you go behind powerful engines and bigger vehicles you will never stop. Instead test ride multiple options and strike a balance between touring and regular use. Having said than I was in similar situation when I sold my suzuki shogun to one of my friends and till date sorely regret the decision. If u have space in the garage retain the bike for occasional spirited spins. If it's going to be a hassle do sell it. I am sure there will be a good number of buyers for better rate than what is quoted by your mechanic.

[Mafia]

It is way more easier to sell than procure one of the 2-strokes with correct papers.

It may be a good idea to retire your bike. Retain and restore it to mint condition and ride it occasionally. Buy a modern bike for commute. All this, of course, financials working out.

Else it may be a good idea to sell and buy a new bike.

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by Dressellian

I am torn between a half hearted desire to spend a small fortune renovating and keeping my mo-bike and a rather practical decision to sell it and buy a new 350cc. Practical because I have become bigger (body size) over the last decade, and also because a 350cc will be a more ideal motorcycle to tour with.

I think you have summed it up perfectly yourself. It’s time to be practical and move on. Sell the RX and get yourself a 350cc motorcycle. It will be easier to ride, tour on and live with. Plus 35k is a pretty decent price to get with the condition as you describe.

I have loved and used 3 RX 100’s from 1987 onwards. The first one was for 17,100 rupees (brand new) on road Bombay with a seat cover in 1987

Cheers

[S.Marine]

Yours is a classic example of a head vs heart decision.
My suggestion would be... If your financials permit, just gift the bike to a close friend or relative who is passionate about these particular kind of bikes and preferably stays closeby. You can rest assured that they'll take good care of her and you get to see, ride and relive your experiences whenever you so desire.

It's what i have planned for my 15 year old steed.

[ashwinprakas]

Originally Posted by Dressellian

What do you think? Should I renovate my mo-bike and keep it or sell it and buy a new 350cc?

Selling a real Motorcycle for an appliance of convenience? My heart screams Noooooo!

Though on a more serious note, try to find a buyer from Kerala, you'd easily get way more than what your mechanic is offering. RX135's in restored form sell for about 1.2L+ here.

I've seen worse off conditions sell for over 60k on OLX.

So do have a good look before taking the plunge. If possible try keeping the motorcycle, your future self would thank you.

P.S. A RX135 would easily smoke a 350cc thumper any day of the week!

Cheers,
A.P.

[vikramvicky1984]

Please sell it off- you'll get good money for it which will help you purchase what you like Or atleast fund your new helmet and riding gear.

The bike will find a new owner who will better utilise/ love it . Win win for all 4 ( you, new owner, bike and the economy)

[landcruiser123]

If you have the bandwidth, please keep the Yamaha RX 135 for short city rides(<10 km) and errands. Also, buy a large motorcycle exclusively as a tourer.

If you want to sell it, 35k is too little for a piece of history.

Originally Posted by Dressellian

I am torn between a half hearted desire to spend a small fortune renovating and keeping my mo-bike and a rather practical decision to sell it and buy a new 350cc. Practical because I have become bigger (body size) over the last decade, and also because a 350cc will be a more ideal motorcycle to tour with.

[Sasanka_Sanga]

If you are in need of money to make an investment on your new bike, then you should probably think of selling. Else please restore it and use it for short commutes. I am sure you will regret selling your love which is been with you for over 15 years. I still regret selling my Suzuki Shogun.

[gkveda]

I suggest to separate out the two activities. Viz, selling RX135 is one activity and purchasing new one is another activity.

In my view, confusion arises only when you link these two.

Think two activities are completely disjoint and independent.

Now start thinking on first activity.

Do you really "want" this bike or "need" this bike?
Taking decision now would be easier.

You can take a decision to retain the bike even if it is just a "want". Nothing wrong with it. But, the moment you link the new bike purchase, thoughts will start messing up.

All the best for your decision, whatever you decide.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by Dressellian

I am torn between a half hearted desire to spend a small fortune renovating and keeping my mo-bike and a rather practical decision to sell it and buy a new 350cc...What do you think? Should I renovate my mo-bike and keep it or sell it and buy a new 350cc?

Just adding my 2 cents which may be totally unworthy...

I was in your shoes couple of years ago; consider this, in 2010-2011 I've rebuilt my Rx entirely in 2011 part by part, changed the bike completely right from the rear footpeg cotter pin to piston ring to tires & tubes to stem & handle bar to engine case to frame.

Realized I've outrun the bike, so went ahead & bought the newly launched C250R then and enjoying on it thoroughly. Flip side? Rx has not crossed 18K since rebuilt or rather not crossed 500 Km since 2011!! Yet the bike shows some wear & tear due to Weather & we have to fix things once in couple of years or so.

Since 2018, I've been pondering whether to keep it for emotional reasons or sell it for practical reasons as there's seldom interest in getting FC for 5 years or insuring it every year for hardly 1-2 Km of ride in a year.

When I decided to part with it this year, that is when Son took interest & requested keeping it for couple more years & promised to take care of it; quite fortunate though, but the day I find the bike getting detoriated is when I would part the bike with. Fortunately for Rx, there're a lot of takers or atleast I'm privileged to know the community of Rx lovers.

So in my case, although I've overcome the emotional aspect & almost decided to give away for practical reasons, my Son has his practical reasons to hold it on for some more time. But through this course, I learned an immutable truth that, emotionally speaking, we will find reasons justifying to do something but practically, we don't have to find reasons, but will just do it