When it comes to motorcycle brands in India, the Japanese biking brand Yamaha is one of the most recognized ones in India. It has given us legendary bikes like the RD350, RX100, and the R15 sports bike in the recent past. However, like every other automaker, Yamaha has also produced and launched a ton of bikes in India that did not perform as the company hoped they would. So, to help you remember those forgotten motorcycles from Yamaha, here is the complete list.
RX-Z
The first motorcycle on this list is the Yamaha RX-Z. This particular motorcycle was launched back in 1997, and it was designed to fill the shoes of the iconic RX100 and RX135. It was a more stylized version of the RX135. As for the powerplant, it came equipped with a 132cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled motor that produced 16 bhp of power and 12 Nm of torque. It could reach a top speed of 120 km/h. Unfortunately, it could not replicate the success of its predecessors.
YD125
Yamaha, after the decline of 2-stroke bikes, wanted to create a commuter bike. For this, it managed to launch the YD125, which was powered by a 123.7cc, 4-stroke engine. It managed to deliver 10.85 bhp, which was considered enough for city commuting. It also offered a disc brake at the front and a very simple appearance.
The reason behind its failure in India was Yamaha’s brand image of producing sporty bikes. This bike could not entice Yamaha brand admirers and hence lived a short life in India.
Libero
Next up on this list is the Yamaha Libero, a bike targeted at young buyers. It came powered by a 105.6cc, 4-stroke engine that produced 7.6 bhp of power and 7.8 Nm of torque. Due to this engine, this bike was able to offer an impressive mileage of 65 km/l.
It also featured bold graphics, alloy wheels, and bikini fairing for a sportier appearance. As for the reason for its failure in India, competitors like Hero Splendor and Bajaj Platina overshadowed its presence in the country.
Crux
The Yamaha Crux was one of the most affordable bikes on sale from the Japanese bike maker in India. It was launched as a simple, budget-friendly commuter motorcycle. The Crux came powered by a 105.6cc, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine. It managed to produce 7.6 bhp of power and 7.5 Nm of torque. As for its mileage, it offered an impressive range of 80 km/l, and its top speed was just 93 km/h.
Crux R
This particular motorcycle, the Yamaha Crux-R, was launched as a premium alternative to the standard model. It was given a 105.6cc engine, which made 7.6 bhp and 7.6 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, buyers could not justify spending extra for the slightly more premium Crux-R, and for this reason, it failed in India.
RD350
Although not completely forgotten, the younger generation might not be aware of the Yamaha RD350. It was and still is one of the most unique bikes from the brand. The RD350 was offered with a 347cc, air-cooled, torque-induction, parallel-twin engine. As for power, this bike made 30.5 bhp and 32 Nm of torque. At that time, it could reach a 150 km/h top speed and offered a 0–100 km/h sprint time of under 7 seconds.
Enticer
Launched to rival the Bajaj Avenger, the Yamaha Enticer could not entice a lot of buyers in India despite being a decent bike. It was launched as an entry-level cruiser bike in India. However, due to this segment being so small, it could not pull in more buyers. It was powered by a 123cc, 4-stroke engine that made 11 bhp of power and 10.4 Nm of torque.
Fazer
Launched in the 2000s, the Yamaha Fazer was offered by the brand to attract young professionals. However, as it did not look as exciting as its rivals, it was discontinued in the country. It came equipped with a 124cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke motor. It made 10.8 bhp and 10.4 Nm of torque.
Alba
Yamaha launched the Alba to lure more entry-level bike buyers. For this, it offered features including electric start, alloy wheels, and bikini fairing to give it a modern appearance. However, due to its rivals—Hero HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina—it could not make a lasting impression in the minds of buyers. It came powered by a 106cc engine that made 7.6 bhp and 7.85 Nm of torque.
YBX
Coming to the last forgotten motorcycle from Yamaha, it is the YBX. This bike was launched as a premium commuter motorcycle in 1998. Powering this bike was a 123.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine. This motor was capable of producing a maximum power of 11 bhp along with a peak torque of 10.4 Nm. The motor came mated to a 4-speed transmission.
