[josejoseph]

Dear gypsy1989,

The pics were taken very soon after the paint job. Since then I have changed the silencer, rear shocks, rear tire, horns, front number plate, etc. Will update my gallery with very soon.

Dunlop Zebra looks same as Zapper but the thread pattern is exactly opposite. I'm not sure which tire is better, but from my personal experience I'll vote for Dunlop. I've never slipped or skidded after changing to this tire. But on the other I had a very bad fall from a Pulsar 180 shod with Zappers. Anyways, my next tire is going to be Michelin M45 or M62 .

- Jose.

[gypsy1989]

Thanks Joseph,

As a matter of fact,I have to be changing my front rim and tyres.I think I have an idea now what exactly to do

[gypsy1989]

Apologies for going off topic here and putting some questions,but I am dying to know about the engine sound.My Rx has a heavier sound than any of the Rx I have come across,ever.Mostly,the Rx has a very shrill and soft sound to it even without a cat con.However,like I said mine has a heavy sound.Any idea or suggestions as to why it should be happening?I did get the engine rebored from a very good place and he did a really good of it.However,the heaviness in the engine sound is still there.

[ashokrajagopal]

@safarilover, RX135 4s is a fun to ride bike, especially in the city. I own a '98 4s.
Bought it for 10k from Chennai, had to rebore the engine and do some other minor jobs too. Running fine now in Chennai with regular services.
IMHO, RX 135 (4s or 5s) does not have the precision or longevity of its elder brother. That way RX 100s sholuld be more costly. RX 135 is slightly less in mileage, not as enduring in city riding conditions.
I know abt the prices for RX100 in kerala ( I belong there). But elsewhere, if you are giving away 15k, it should be for a pristine condition bike.
Apart from engine, tyres etc, you must examine all possible parts. While I was riding my bike home from the prev owner, the kicker lever broke down cos of a faulty nut. Was stranded in GST road at midnight.
Tyres are really important to be checked out -- a worn out tyre most probably ends in a serious accident with an RX135.
Try to negotiate into a good deal and buy it brother. It is a good bike.

Still remember the traffic signal GPs I had on the RX. Wouldnt advise that for anybody, but RX135 is one of the most flexible bikes in India.

[safari_lover]

So I had a look at the bike today. I rode it for a small stretch. Here are my impressions.

Bad things:

• 11 years show up on the paint
• The Yamaha badge is missing on the fuel tank
• Rusted chain cover
• Rear tyre needs replacement
• Indicators don't work
• Speedo doesn't work

Good things

• Bike started in a single kick
• The pick up felt good
• Didn't feel vibrations from the handlebar. I didn't rip it though, as the road was pretty crowded.
• Exhaust sound was typical RX135, though not very shrilled
• Rims looked good and clear of rusting, except for one or two odd spots

According to the owner, the engine is stock and has never been opened.

I tried to take a few pictures using my friend's cellphone and ended up recording the video unknowingly. Here are the shots that I have captured from the videos. Please excuse the quality.

The owner is open for negotiation on price. It is his daily ride and he is selling it as he wants to go in for a Bullet now!

So the big question is, should I go for it?

Looking forward for your advice guys. Thanks.

[gypsy1989]

What I feel is,you can definitely go for the bike.Rx 135 is a pretty low maintenance bike.However,1) Please check the papers thoroughly.Dont believe him when he says he wants to buy a Bullet.Everybody will come up with such stories.If the papers are genuine,then its ok.Please also check it up at RTO where its registered.

2) The tyres are absolutely gone and this makes this Rx,as per me,very dangerous.Its going to skid and slip every time you brake.You can trust my broken knee on that! Which means,you definitely need to change the tyre asap.I would advise to change both the tyres.So,you will shell out around rs 3k on that.

3) Why doesnt the indicator work?Is the horn working?Please check if the bike has the battery or not.And if yes,is it a local one or branded.

4) Speedometer is stock and I would assume any local mechanic will be able to repair it.

5) You will have to get a paint job done and get the Yamaha logo.

My conclusion is- If the owner agrees for somewhere around 10-11k,you can buy it.Given that you will have to shell out around 5k for repair on the bike.

[gypsy1989]

After checking the pic again,the block which contains the airfilter,the silver shield on the side is missing.I do not know how else to describe that part.That's something you will have to put a new one again.

[safari_lover]

Thanks for the quick reply, gypsy.

Yes, the rear tyre needs immediate replacement.

The horn worked great. I think the indicator switch console needs a replacement. I forgot to checkout the battery, though

The papers look genuine. He has got the smart card done for registration and taxes paid for life time(?).

Any idea, how much would a paintjob cost?

[ashokrajagopal]

^^ My guess is that paint job would not go more than 3k if you only want a basic painting plus pinstripes (I paid around 1.8k two years back, so it might go a bit up now).
If papers are all fine, quote a price of 11k ( my opinion). You may stretch upto 12k.
Its better to redo the wiring if you have to open up the console and touch the indicators.
Rear tyres : please dont ride the bike without tyres changed.

[YaeJay]

Would suggest a 88-89 model. They were the last batch.. of original RX. The 135 was crap. Even the Rx 100 after 90z were no where near the original. The one you want to buy is not even taken care of well. Pieces missing, Its had a repaint. lousy tyres. NO RX LOVER EVER RUNS ON THOSE TYRES. That dude is no RX lover. Look out for the pre 89 batch. Thats the true Rx.

Speaking from my own experience. No offence!

[safari_lover]

@ashok, thanks for the reply. Will keep those suggestions in mind. And yes, if I end up buying this one then the first thing I would do is to change that rear tyre!

@YaeJay, no offence taken, mate. Thanks for your frank opinion and suggestions. I'll keep them in mind.

@All, today I have come across another RX135 for sale. I will have a look at this one on Monday. Will keep you all posted, hopefully with better pics this time

[josejoseph]

Dear safari_lover,
The bike looks fine for the price. If the papers are clean and if you can negotiate, then it is well and good. Is it a single owner bike? Before committing, why don't you show the bike to your mechanic? He can give you a better advise.

Anyways, you'll have to spend some amount to bring the bike to your taste. The bike needs basic things like a new tire, lights, crash guard, etc. Also check the tool kit.

Another suggestion is that if you are not in a hurry, then keep looking for few more RXs. It would be very great if you can pick up an RX135 5-speed which is more peppier than a 4-speed. Or if you can pick up an RX100 which is more fun to ride than a 135 but will be low on the mileage factor. This is what I feel when I ride my friend's 5-speed or my brother's RX100.

Dear YaeJay, I have a different opinion. It all depends on how well you maintain your bike. Pre 90 RXs have better components and parts, but if the bike is not maintained well, then there is nothing to say.

Thanks,
Jose.

[josejoseph]

Forgot to add one more thing - check if the oil pump works well.

- Jose.

[safari_lover]

Thanks for your advice, Jose.

The current owner is second for the bike. It was owned by his cousin before, according to him.

Originally Posted by josejoseph

Forgot to add one more thing - check if the oil pump works well.

- Jose.

Jose, could you please explain a way to check the oil pump?

[ashokrajagopal]

@safarilover, aint no 2stroke expert, just ownership and riding experience in my defence. There are many websites and threads in this forum itself which will give you an idea of how the oilpump needs to be checked.
2T coming in from the oil pump is how the bikes are designed ( I guess). Some of the most well maintained ones I have seen have it this way, religiously followed. But the premix thing ( petrol + oil thru the tank) is followed in India by most. If you buy a used RX more often than not you would see the Oilpump and the oil can not playing a part at all.
In my inference, the 2stroke engines in India were ruined by this 2T oil from the petrol pumps. If you want to maintain the bike for long, ensure what goes in there as 2T ( premix or otherwise) -- petrol pumps do all sorts of tricks in getting substandard or used 2T oil. You might have to work out some way to ensure quality here.

What I'd advise here is to find out a Yamaha specialist ( I mean RX specialist, but in local lingo they are called so) mechanic around. Or look for an RX enthusiast in your circle, an owner who knows how stuff works. Take him along when you examine the vehicles. I dont know how to explain oil pump inspection ( seriously dont know the words to use there, cos my way is purely out of experience and I have my own words for the parts ).

@YaeJay, there is no debate as to RX100 or RX135 is the legend. IMO RX100 is THE BEST two wheeler ever sold in India. Most flexible, most reliable, durable etc etc. I can go on and on abt RX100 for pages and pages.
RX135 is second only to RX100. It doesnt have the precision or longevity of RX100, but RX135 is slightly more flexible in drags; race modded RX135s are a sight to watch.

RX100 is the king. Early ones which were CKDs. But they are twice as costly as RX135s.
RX1354s, is a joy in city rides. It can give 90% of pleasure I'd say.
RX1355s, zippy and baddd. The high end is too good.

@safarilover, if you find an RX100 which you can afford, no questions, go ahead.
But dont be disheartened if you cant find one and settle for RX135. The younger brother is none the less good.

When I say longevity lacks, it is not that bad too. There is Suzuki Shogun, which was the lone opponent in performance for RX100. Very good performance and powerbands, but the bike will not last with respect to parts. You can literally watch it wear out. RX135 is not like that. Most of the parts wont wear out in RX135, but some will. And maintaining that is no big deal.

RX100 is pure joy. RX135/RXZ is 95% pure joy, but less costly. Your choice.