The Yamaha RX-Z 135 was a two-stroke naked motorcycle introduced in April 1985 and sold in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. It stayed in production until July 2011 and went through three generations.
Yamaha RX-Z at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Class | Two-stroke naked bike |
| Introduced | April 1985 |
| Markets | Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand |
| Production ended | July 2011 |
| First generation | five-speed, front disc brake |
| Platform | shared with the RX-K 135 |
| 1990 update | six-speed gearbox and YCLS lubrication |
| 2004 update | redesign and catalytic converter |
| Generations | three |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Yamaha RX-Z
The first RX-Z appeared in 1985 with a five-speed transmission and a front disc brake. It used the same platform as its predecessor, the RX-K 135, so the basic two-stroke layout was already familiar to Southeast Asian riders.
Yamaha updated the RX-Z in 1990 with a six-speed gearbox and its Computerized Lubrication System, known as YCLS. The front cowl was redesigned and the instrument cluster updated, giving the bike a more modern look without changing its essential character.
The third generation arrived in 2004 with a new design and a catalytic converter to meet tighter emissions rules. Yamaha discontinued the RX-Z in July 2011 after 26 years, ending one of the longest-running two-stroke model lines in the region.
Design and features
- Two-stroke 135: a light naked bike built for everyday performance.
- Six-speed gearbox: added in 1990 along with YCLS lubrication.
- Catalytic converter: fitted from 2004 to meet emissions rules.
- Long production: built from 1985 to 2011 in three generations.
Yamaha RX-Z versions
- First generation (1985–1989): five-speed with a front disc brake.
- Second generation (1990–2003): six-speed, YCLS, new cowl and gauges.
- Third generation (2004–2011): redesigned with a catalytic converter.
The RX-Z shares its platform with the RX-King 135. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha RX-Z, English Wikipedia: introduction, markets, generations, updates, end of production
