India’s motorcycling heritage is rich with legendary machines that transcended their role as mere transportation and became cultural icons. From the screaming two-stroke Yamaha RX 100 to the sporty Hero Karizma ZMR, these motorcycles defined entire generations with their distinctive character, performance, and design. Today, they command premium prices in the collector market and continue to evoke powerful nostalgia among enthusiasts.
Yamaha RX 100: The Street King
The Yamaha RX 100, produced between 1985 and 1996 through Escorts Group collaboration, became India’s most iconic 100cc motorcycle. Initially imported from Japan, local production began in 1990 with some components still sourced abroad. Its 98cc two-stroke engine delivered an impressive 11 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 10.39 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, paired with a featherweight 103 kg kerb weight for an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
Performance and Legacy
The RX 100 could achieve 0-60 kmph in just 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 100 kmph, making it one of the best mass-produced 100cc motorcycles ever made. Despite its modest fuel economy of 35-45 kmpl, the bike’s thrilling acceleration and distinctive two-stroke exhaust note created an unforgettable riding experience.
Collector Value and Market Price
Original Yamaha RX 100 models in the used market are priced between Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 42,000 depending on condition, with well-maintained examples commanding premium prices. The demand for this discontinued icon remains exceptionally high even three decades after production ended. If Yamaha reintroduces a modern version, it is expected to be priced between Rs. 1.25 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hero Honda Karizma ZMR: The Sports Tourer
Introduced around 2012, the Hero Honda Karizma ZMR brought sporty styling and performance to India’s middle-class motorcycle enthusiasts. The ZMR featured a complete redesign with full fairings, digital meter console, LED tail lamp, and a fuel-injection system that set it apart from its predecessor.
Engine Specifications
Powered by a 223cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine, the Karizma ZMR generated 20 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 19.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. Paired with a 5-speed gearbox, it offered a claimed top speed of 129 km/h, making it competitive with the Yamaha R15 of that era. The ARAI-rated mileage was 45 kmpl, though real-world figures averaged around 42 kmpl.
Collectibility and Nostalgia
The Karizma ZMR was originally priced at Rs. 1,06,993 (ex-showroom Mumbai) and represented Hero’s flagship sports-tourer ambitions. Though discontinued, the ZMR remains popular among collectors who appreciate its blend of touring comfort and sporty aesthetics. Owners praise its speed thrills and stylish looks, though maintenance costs for individual parts can be high.
1968 Royal Enfield G2 Bullet: The Timeless Classic
The 1968 Royal Enfield G2 Bullet epitomizes classic motorcycling heritage with its iconic 350cc cast-iron engine and distinctive thumping exhaust note. As part of one of the longest-produced motorcycle designs globally, it symbolized durability and ruggedness perfectly suited to Indian road conditions. The G2 Bullet was particularly popular among adventure riders and military users during its era.
Cultural Impact and Revival
The motorcycle’s popularity experienced a major resurgence after featuring prominently in the blockbuster film Kabir Singh, sparking renewed nostalgia among enthusiasts. This cultural moment significantly boosted collector interest and market values for well-preserved G2 models.
Current Market Value
In the collector market, a 1968 Royal Enfield G2 Bullet in running condition is typically priced around Rs. 60,000. However, restoration projects can vary widely in cost depending on condition, with prices for project bikes ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 depending on whether original registration documents are available. Fully restored G2 Bullets with original documentation can command significantly higher prices among serious collectors.
Yamaha RD 350: The Speed Demon
The Yamaha RD 350, marketed in India during the 1980s as the Rajdoot 350 through Escorts, achieved legendary status for its raw power and performance. Its 347cc air-cooled, two-stroke parallel-twin engine produced 30.5 bhp at 6,750 rpm (Indian version) and 32.3 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, making it the most powerful motorcycle of its era.
Performance Credentials
The RD 350 could accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 7 seconds and achieve top speeds of 150-170 kmph, positioning it as the performance king that rivaled nothing but the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 in popularity. Its distinctive smoky exhaust note and lightning-fast acceleration thrilled affluent buyers and racers when small-capacity commuters dominated Indian roads.
Rarity and Collector Premium
High cost and poor fuel efficiency (20-30 kmpl) meant sales remained limited, with only a few thousand units sold, further cementing its cult appeal today. The original ex-showroom price was approximately Rs. 18,000, a significant sum for that period. Today, market prices for RD 350 models vary, with the listed price at Rs. 30,000, though actual collector prices can be substantially higher depending on condition and originality. Well-maintained examples can fetch much higher prices, especially from collectors seeking this iconic twin-cylinder machine.
TVS Suzuki Samurai: The Reliable Commuter
First introduced in 1994, the TVS Suzuki Samurai quickly earned a reputation as a reliable and lively commuter motorcycle. Often mentioned alongside the Suzuki Shogun and Max 100, it carved its own distinct space in the two-wheeler market. The Samurai was powered by a 98.2cc two-stroke engine (the same unit that ran the TVS Max 100) producing 7.8 bhp at 5,500 rpm and 9.8 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.
Youth Appeal and Practicality
With vivid features and a powerful engine for its class, the Samurai attracted Indian youth for all the right reasons, whether for track days, beach rides, or race practice. Initially offered in Red and Black, TVS Suzuki introduced a Green variant in 1999. The bike’s nickname “No Problem” reflected its legendary reliability, with owners recalling using it for both college commutes and office travel on minimal fuel budgets.
Collector Market Status
The TVS Suzuki Samurai is now rare and mostly found among collectors. In India’s collector market, well-kept Samurai models can sell for anywhere between Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh depending on condition, originality, and modifications, while rougher examples fetch lower prices. The bike holds special nostalgic value for those who experienced the 1990s two-stroke era.
Why Collectors Love These Motorcycles
These five motorcycles share common traits that make them collector favorites: distinctive two-stroke engines (except the Karizma ZMR), lightweight construction, spirited performance, and most importantly, the ability to evoke powerful emotional connections. Each represents a specific era in Indian motorcycling history when bikes were defined by character rather than just specifications. The limited availability, discontinuation due to emission norms, and cultural significance have transformed these machines from everyday transportation into cherished collectibles commanding premium prices and dedicated restoration efforts.