Yamaha Rdx 135 Review

Item: Yamaha Rdx 135
Rating: 7.5
Author: Motoryk

"A rewarding classic if you buy with eyes wide open."

Experienced wrenchers wanting cheap two-stroke thrills $800-$2,200 used 1993-2003

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Key Specs

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Top Speed

Estimated 110–120 km/h — NOTE: Based on comparable RX/RXZ 135cc 2-stroke models; unverified

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Power

Estimated 14–16 hp

@ 8,000 rpm — NOTE: Unverified; based on Yamaha RXZ 135 class estimates

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Torque

Estimated 13–14 Nm

@ 7,000 rpm — NOTE: Unverified estimate

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Fuel Economy

33.3 km/L

78 mpg · Estimated 3.0–4.0 L/100km (25–33 km/L) — NOTE: Based on similar 135cc 2-stroke Yamaha models; unverified for this specific designation

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Weight

Estimated 105–115 kg

(wet)

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Used Buyer Review

The RDX 135 is one of those bikes that rewards patient buyers who know what they're getting into. It's a proper two-stroke 135cc that punches well above its displacement — hit that powerband around 6,500rpm and it genuinely surprises you. For commuting Southeast Asian traffic or tight backroads, nothing this cheap is more entertaining. The chassis is nimble and honest, steering is light without being nervous, and fuel economy is genuinely impressive outside the powerband. Here's the honest part though — used examples are almost always neglected. Two-strokes need meticulous maintenance: correct premix ratios, fresh reeds, clean power valve, unchoked exhaust. Most previous owners skipped all of that. Budget for a top-end rebuild immediately — pistons, rings, maybe a bore. Check the power valve actuator moves freely. Corroded electrical connectors are universal on older examples. Find one with service history and you've found a unicorn. Get it right and you've got one of the most characterful small bikes money can buy. Get it wrong and you're chasing gremlins indefinitely.