How I became the owner of a Yamaha RX100 as my first motorcycle

The RX bug bit me young, as my grandmother's driver had a maroon 1988 model RX 100 with all the original fittings.

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The beginnings:

I have been a petrol head since my childhood (my parents tell me that my first word was Car) and have had a keen interest in anything with an internal combustion engine and wheels. Therefore, it came as no surprise that after I turned 18, I said that I wanted a bike, "Which one?" I was asked to which I replied RX.

The RX bug bit me young, as my grandmother's driver had a maroon 1988 model RX 100 with all the original fittings, and everything from the look to the sound and smell of burning 2T oil had me smitten.

Incidentally, he taught me how to ride a bike on it as well when I was 16.

The search:

I was given a budget of 45000 for the bike with an additional 15000 to be given later for any mechanical doing up required. Armed with this, I first started asking around in Pune (where I am in college) and received rather eye watering prices for decent vehicles and some outrageous ones for absolute junkers (upon asking, I was invariably told "Japanese aahe"). Thus, Pune was shelved as a prospective location. The search then shifted to Mhow, MP, where my father was posted. Having some acquaintances and known mechanics there, I put word out that i was looking for an RX, which prompted a barrage of 135s and RX-Zs at which point I had to specify that I was looking for a 100, with clear papers, something of a rarity in rural areas. Again many prospects were shown, promising but dismissed due to expired registration. Finally one day my mechanic called and said that there was a decent model for sale, and the buyer was asking for 33000. I asked him to send photos of the bike and the RC as well as a video of it in idle to listen to the firing.

Photos showed a rather grubby and dusty bike in the end series black paint with diagonal red and white stripes. The owner had also plated the head and block for looks, but the firing was smooth and regular. The RC showed that it was registered till 2024, so that wasn't an issue.

On my next visit to Mhow, I saw the bike and it had been washed and was looking quite smart as a result. Rode around on it and I was sold. Handed over the money and took the bike to a dedicated RX mech for servicing and changing the headlight (reflector was rusted). The seat was a bit hard so I had the foam re applied (the seat base was the original metal one). Also got the gear oil changed more for the peace of mind that knowing when the oil was changed gives. The front tyre was also changed to a CEAT Secura 27.5x18, as the bike was wearing a TVS 2.50x18 which looked a bit too skinny for my taste.

The bike in an opened up state as the mechanic.

After the bike was done at the mechanic, I took it for some sticker work (Yamaha on the shocker forks and clutch/magneto covers) and getting the rear number plate made, as it didn't have one. I also changed the front number plate which was in the original configuration on a plate under the front monogram. I had it made as a square sticker on the front mudguard.

After being closed up.

Looking good.

The next step was to move the bike to Pune, which was done through a courier service.

Once it reached Pune, I set about getting a new oil pump and some other cosmetic items like a larger leg guard (original type from Swastik) and a carrier. Fiem mirrors were also got.

I have been happily using the bike ever since, and have also got enough people asking whether I want to sell, but that will never happen, as this I intend to keep.

I plan further changes, one being changing the paint scheme to Silver with blue tank stripes and removing the plating on the parts and getting them buffed instead. 6-Hole silencer, Mikuni Carb and Japanese block are also on the cards.

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