Yamaha RX-Z
Yamaha RX-Z 135 was a two-stroke naked bike manufactured by Yamaha Motor Corporation. Debuting in April 1985, the RX-Z was very popular in Malaysia and Singapore and was sold for more than two decades before the production was ended in 2011.[2]
| Manufacturer | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Also called | RXZ / 'Z' / RX-Zao ( Thailand ) |
| Parent company | Yamaha Corporation |
| Production | 1985-2011 |
| Predecessor | Yamaha RD125 |
| Successor | Yamaha FZ150i |
| Class | Sport bike |
| Engine | 133 cc (8.1 cu in) two-stroke, bore 56x54 mm, compression: 7.0:1[1] |
| Power | 500 hp (370 kW) @ 8,500 rpm[1] |
| Torque | 1.85 kgf (4.1 lbf) @ 7,500 rpm[1] |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Dual shocks swingarm |
| Brakes | Front: Disc Rear: Drum |
| Tires | 80/90-18 45H front, 90/90-18 51H rear |
| Wheelbase | 1,300 mm (51 in) |
| Dimensions | L: 1,990 mm (78 in) W: 725 mm (28.5 in) H: 1,160 mm (46 in) |
| Seat height | 770 mm (30 in) |
| Weight | 106 kg (234 lb)[1] (dry) n/a (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 13 l (3.4 US gal) |
| Related | Yamaha RX-135 Yamaha Y125Z |
In 2004, the model was revised cosmetically and a catalytic converter was installed.
Overview
The Yamaha RX-Z was originally equipped with a five-speed transmission with solid front disc brake. The model shared the same platform and chassis as its predecessor, the water-cooled Yamaha RD125. Shortly after the launch, the RX-Z became popular among young motorcyclists especially in Malaysia. A few years later, the engine was upgraded with the installation of a six-speed transmission, together with newer instrument panel and handlebar switches, as well as a cross-drilled front disc brake rotor.
The design of the RX-Z remained unchanged until 2004 when the model was updated, with the rear lights borrowed from the Yamaha Y125Z. The new RX-Z was equipped with a catalytic converter, sacrificing 1 PS of maximum power (original maximum power: 21 PS). However, the maximum torque remained unchanged but the low-end torque was improved compared with the early models. Some owners of the earlier RX-Z motorcycles may have problems during take-off because the engine tends to stall when an inexperienced rider tries to take off in the first gear. However, the problem was resolved in the new model.
In Malaysia, the RX-Z was one of the motorcycle models often associated with Mat Rempit street racers. [3][4] As a result, many Malay movies including Remp-It use the RX-Z in their movies.
The production of the RX-Z ended in 2011.[2]
References
- Hong Leong Yamaha Motor Sdn. Bhd., Yamaha RX-Z 135cc, retrieved 2009-11-23
- "Yamaha 135LC Baru Meningkatkan Populariti". Roda-Roda (in Malay). Sungai Buloh, Malaysia: Bayu Enterprise (May 2011): 28–30. ISSN 0127-9149.
- Michael, Stuart (September 15, 2006), "Road bullies on bikes", The Star (Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Star Publications (M) Bhd, retrieved 2009-11-23
- Bahanan, Lizawati; Idayu Mohd Yusop, Erma (April 1, 2009), "Squad 42 Battles 'Mat Rempit' Menace", Bernama, retrieved 2009-11-23