The RX 135 needs no introduction and can been seen on roads even to date, a lot of them are maintained by enthusiasts in meticulous condition. Even after all these years the RX series of Yamaha still remains irreplaceable both in the market and in the hearts of our people. The RX series of two stroke bikes remained in production in India from the 1980s to the beginning of 2000s. Over this span a number of bikes were released of which the RX 135 4 speed was launched in the late 1990s and was a complete hit at the time all for the right reasons.
Here we have with us the Rx 135 4 speed in it’s candy maroon color variation retained as stock as possible. If you’re new to the channel make sure to hit that subscribe button and join the family, you could also support me on my patreon page if you wish to help me put out better content for you to consume.
So now, let’s go
The RX 135 had two variations a 4 speed and a 5 speed one, now right off the bat the difference isn’t only with the extra gear, there’s more to it. They’re practically different bikes mechanically with better performance on offer in the 5-speed variant where it takes only 3.5 seconds to do a 0 to 60 run which takes 4.2 seconds in the 4 speed. The 5 speed also cost more to maintain and parts are relatively harder to source than the other.
The bike you see here is the 4-speed variant and was pre-booked and purchased with a 2-month waiting period back in the day by my dad in 1998 when the bike first came out when all the craze was around it. What a time to own such a bike. The bike is 2 years older than me and has practically grown along with me. The bike is a perfect specimen of a compact classic bike of great proportions with lot’s and lot’s of chrome bits which shine meticulously if maintained properly and is also equally prone to rusting if not.
Baking soda with lemon did help remove rust by the way and can be done.
All the lights are halogen and night visibility aren’t much of a thing to discuss, so you better get projectors or LED’s if you do plan to take it out at night. Talking of lights, the indicator stays are very much prone to wear and tear even if you do maintain it properly so installing RD 350 or RE indicators are the only fix to this issue.
The speedo is completely analog and comes with one odometer coupled with a neutral and high beam indicator which is very straightforward and easy to look at. Aftermarket tachometer from the RXZ can be installed and can prove to be a good addition. The battery compartment is to the left near the 2T oil tank, the battery is relatively lesser in capacity to modern vehicles in relation to the smaller number of electronics in the motorcycle. It is important to note that the battery has to be upgraded in case you plan to install projector headlamps among other stuff.
I personally feel the charm of the well-maintained wired steel spoke wheels cannot be replaced by any alloy wheel and have hence retained this for this very reason. The duplex double cradle type frame is rigid, provides great stability and acts as a potent base for further customizations which the bike is perfect for.
Getting to the bit the motorcycle is renowned for, the ENGINE. It has an air-cooled single cylinder 2 stroke 132 cc carbureted engine with an output of 12 bhp @ 7500 rpm and 10Nm @ 6500 rpm mated to a 4 speed (Wet multi disk). The motorcycle’s initial pick up keeps up to even todays 200 cc bikes which would have been insane at the time of it’s debut making it a dream for a whole lot of people to own it.
The power figures on their own only say so much until you see the motorcycle’s 108 kg dry weight which gives it that great power to weight ratio of 0.11 ps/kg which gives the vehicle that signature initial punch it is famous for. The bike takes about 4.2 seconds for 0 to 60 and 13seconds for a 0 to 100 run. The bike has a claimed top speed of 110 and can cruise comfortably at speeds of 70 to 80 beyond which you will strain the engine and cause long term damage if maintained at higher speeds for a long time.
The bike is best designed for city commutes, and you do feel the need of a 5th gear when you find open roads. I say this because there is a feel that the bike has a lot more untapped potential that could be put to use with another gear on offer.
Speaking of high speeds, the motorcycle just has 130mm drum brakes on either wheel and without a question these are not sufficient for the punch the bike offers. Aftermarket disk brakes are now commonly installed in them and they are a welcome addition without a doubt. MRF Nylo grip Zappers have installed are small to look at but offer good grip on and off road.
The oil damped telescopic spokes at the front and hydraulic coil springs with 5 step tension adjustability at the rear are on the stiffer side and you will feel the undulations on the roads but this helps provide better stability and control over the motorcycle.
The 10.5-liter petrol tank with a reserve capacity of 1.5 L is great to look at and I prefer it best without a cover on top which prevents such a good view whilst driving. The average mileage on offer will differ based on how and where you ride the vehicle, but I get an average of about 30 – 35 km/pl and even more when ridden calmly. This motorcycle is actually a good blend of power and mileage compared to other 2 strokes at the time.
AND Now the SOUND…
The bike is famed for this aspect and honestly, I prefer this silencer over the the cat con silencer the 5 speed RX 135 came with. The beat is very consistent and will sound calming and serene if ridden properly and will also make a lot of heads turn so if you’re in for that there’s no going wrong here .
The bike is extremely agile and flickable. The 2.1 m turning radius just adds to it, traversing the bike through city traffic is a breeze and you are guaranteed to have loads of fun riding it. The seats is accommodating and comfortable but not much cushioning is provided, and you may have to upgrade it if required.
The Japanese motorcycle has Yamaha’s trademark reliability, durability and build quality. In the case of this bike you just have to try and understand it in it’s language which trust me you will over time. With very slight variation in the sound’s from it, you’ll be able to figure out any issues in it and if it’s time for a service. General service will cost around Rs. 600. Availability of spares and any mod jobs you wish to do will very much depend on if you know an established mechanic who understands RX motorcycles in your locality. Some common problems that may occur occasionally are starting problems which may occur due to an unclean carburetor or lots of smoke due to no 2T oil or a bad oil-fuel mixture all of which you will figure out over time.
Long distance travels will require breaks in between to cool down the engine and to stretch yourself as it is not really designed for the purpose. Vibrations do exist and it’s part and parcel of the owning experience. Rear view mirrors offer good view and changes aren’t really required. The bike is best suited for a single person, add more weight and it takes away the fun from the bike. Ultimately, it’s for those who are actually passionate about it and can take care of it.
This motorcycle has a separate fan base among youngsters, elders from it’ s era and enthusiasts alike. With enthusiasts recovering junk motorcycles and restoring it to it’s previous pristine condition or making performance additions by means of porting and re-boring among an endless list of changes that could be done, spend lakhs and lakhs of money in the process keeping the motorcycle still very much alive thus making it the LEGEND that it is and will continue to be.
Want to watch a video review? Check out my YouTube channel.
RX 135 4 Speed Comprehensive Review
Shift and Surge
Thank you Drive Safe...
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