New Delhi
Yamaha Bikes at Auto Expo 2025:Celebrating 40 Years in India
Featured Stories by Team Drivio | 20 Jan 2025
Yamaha Motor India marked a significant milestone at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025 by celebrating its 40 years of legacy in the Indian market. The brand showcased a harmonious blend of traditional classics, modern marvels, and futuristic mobility concepts, reflecting its rich history and forward-looking vision. With a diverse lineup of motorcycles and scooters, Yamaha reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and excellence while capturing the hearts of Indian enthusiasts.
Yamaha’s Love for the Indian Market
Yamaha has always been synonymous with performance, reliability, and innovation. Over the past four decades, the brand has consistently introduced groundbreaking motorcycles that cater to a wide spectrum of riders, from commuters to adventure seekers and superbike enthusiasts. At Auto Expo 2025, Yamaha’s pavilion stood as a testament to its unwavering passion for the Indian market and its ambitions for the future.
Celebrating Tradition: Yamaha RX 100 and RD 350
Yamaha’s iconic RX 100 and RD 350 models took center stage, evoking nostalgia and celebrating their indelible mark on Indian motorcycling history. These motorcycles have been symbols of aspiration, performance, and timeless design.
Yamaha RX 100
The Yamaha RX 100, renowned for its lightweight design and distinctive sound, gained immense popularity during its production years. Powered by a 100cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, the RX 100 delivered 11 BHP at 7,000 RPM and 10.39 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM. With a 4-speed gearbox, this bike became a favorite among enthusiasts for its spirited performance and unmatched reliability. Though its production ceased in 1996, its legacy lives on in the hearts of Indian riders.
| Engine | 100cc single-cylinder, air-cooled |
| Power | 11 BHP at 7,000 RPM |
| Torque | 10.39 Nm at 6,500 RPM |
| Special Features | Lightweight design, distinctive sound, reliable performance |
| Competitors | None (Iconic classic) |
Yamaha RD 350
The Yamaha RD 350, a cult classic, was globally produced between 1973 and 1975. In India, the Escorts Group manufactured a licensed version under the name Rajdoot 350. The Indian model offered two versions: a high-torque variant producing 30 BHP and a low-torque version with 27 BHP for better fuel efficiency. Both versions featured a parallel-twin engine that was ahead of its time. The RD 350 remains a symbol of speed and power, invoking nostalgia and admiration from motorcycle enthusiasts.
| Engine | Parallel-twin, air-cooled |
| Power | 30 BHP (high-torque version), 27 BHP (low-torque version) |
| Torque | 28.5 Nm (high-torque), 25.5 Nm (low-torque) |
| Special Features | Cult classic, high-performance engine, licensed version by Escorts Group in India |
| Competitors | None (Cult classic) |
Yamaha’s Diverse Lineup at Auto Expo 2025
From adventure-ready machines to sleek supersports and commuter-friendly scooters, Yamaha’s lineup at Auto Expo 2025 showcased its prowess across segments. Here’s a detailed look at the models on display:
Yamaha Tenere 700
An adventure tourer with off-road capabilities, the Tenere 700 boasts a 689cc parallel-twin engine producing 71 PS and 66 Nm. Equipped with fully adjustable KYB long-travel suspension and 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels, it is designed for rugged terrains. The Tenere 700 will compete with the Triumph Tiger 660 Sport and Honda XL750 Transalp in India.
| Engine | 689cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 71 PS |
| Torque | 66 Nm |
| Special Features | Long-travel suspension, spoke wheels, designed for rugged terrains |
| Competitors | Triumph Tiger 660, Honda XL750 |
Yamaha Lander 250
The Lander 250, a dual-sport motorcycle, features a 249cc air-and-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine delivering 20 PS and 20 Nm. Its long-travel suspension, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, and dirtbike-inspired styling make it perfect for entry-level adventure enthusiasts.
| Engine | 249cc, single-cylinder |
| Power | 20 PS |
| Torque | 20 Nm |
| Special Features | Dirtbike styling, long-travel suspension, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels |
| Competitors | Royal Enfield Himalayan |
Yamaha MT-09
A naked streetfighter, the MT-09 is powered by an 890cc liquid-cooled, three-cylinder engine producing 119 PS and 93 Nm. It comes with premium components like a fully adjustable KYB fork, Ohlins monoshock, and dual 298mm front discs with a radially-mounted Brembo master cylinder. Advanced features include a 5-inch TFT display, lean-sensitive ABS, and multiple riding modes.
| Engine | 890cc, triple-cylinder |
| Power | 119 PS |
| Torque | 93 Nm |
| Special Features | Lean-sensitive ABS, TFT display, adjustable KYB fork, Ohlins monoshock |
| Competitors | Triumph Street Triple, Ducati Monster |
Yamaha R7
As a successor to the legendary R6, the Yamaha R7 features a 689cc parallel-twin engine delivering 73.4 PS and 67 Nm. It includes a fully adjustable suspension, dual 298mm front discs, and advanced aids like switchable traction control and ride modes. With its sleek design, the R7 aims to redefine the supersport segment.
| Engine | 689cc, parallel-twin |
| Power | 73.4 PS |
| Torque | 67 Nm |
| Special Features | Traction control, ride modes, fully adjustable suspension |
| Competitors | Kawasaki Ninja 650 |
Yamaha R3
The Yamaha R3, powered by a 321cc twin-cylinder engine producing 42 PS and 29.5 Nm, continues to be a favorite among young riders. The updated R3, expected soon, will feature all-LED lighting, a slipper clutch, and a revamped instrument cluster.
| Engine | 321cc, twin-cylinder |
| Power | 42 PS |
| Torque | 29.5 Nm |
| Special Features | Slipper clutch, all-LED lighting, revamped instrument cluster |
| Competitors | KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 |
Yamaha Nmax 155
The Nmax 155, a premium maxi-scooter, uses the same 155cc liquid-cooled engine as the Aerox 155, delivering 15.3 PS and 13.9 Nm. It comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, front and rear disc brakes, and a digital LCD console with turn-by-turn navigation.
| Engine | 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled |
| Power | 15.3 PS |
| Torque | 13.9 Nm |
| Special Features | Maxi-scooter design, dual-channel ABS, turn-by-turn navigation |
| Competitors | Aprilia SXR 160, Hero Xoom 160 |
Yamaha FZ-S Fi DLX Hybrid
This commuter-friendly bike features a 149cc single-cylinder engine with hybrid assist, producing 12.4 PS and 13.3 Nm. The hybrid technology enhances torque delivery and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for urban commuting. Updated styling includes integrated tank indicators and an all-LED lighting setup.
| Engine | 149cc, single-cylinder |
| Power | 12.4 PS |
| Torque | 13.3 Nm |
| Special Features | Hybrid assist, integrated tank indicators, all-LED lighting |
| Competitors | Honda Unicorn, Bajaj Pulsar 150 |
Conclusion
Yamaha's participation in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 stands as a testament to the brand’s 40-year legacy in the Indian market, where it has continually redefined motorcycling with a perfect blend of performance, innovation, and style. The iconic RX 100 and RD 350, displayed at the event, not only evoked nostalgia but also reminded us of Yamaha’s deep connection with Indian riders. These models, which played pivotal roles in shaping the motorcycle culture of the 80s and 90s, remain cherished memories for many, representing a golden era in the Indian automotive landscape.
Beyond the classics, Yamaha also unveiled its future-oriented models, such as the Tenere 700, Lander 250, MT-09, R7, and R3, which highlight the brand's versatility in catering to various segments. The Tenere 700, with its rugged adventure touring capabilities, is a statement of Yamaha’s commitment to the growing adventure motorcycling segment in India. Meanwhile, the Lander 250, designed for budding adventure enthusiasts, brings a blend of style and performance suitable for both city commutes and off-road exploits
