Photo: Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd · Owned by Classic & Classy Motorcycles Ltd
Yamaha RD80LC
74/100 Overall
62 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha RD80LC vs Yamaha RXS100
Yamaha RD80LC scores 74/100 overall against Yamaha RXS100 on 70/100. On the road: 62–65. As classics: 85–75. Overall result: Yamaha RD80LC.
Photo: Graham Ó Síodhacháin · CC BY-SA 2.0
Yamaha RXS100
70/100 Overall
65 On the road75 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha RD80LC | Yamaha RXS100 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 4 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Yamaha RD80LC |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 5 | Yamaha RD80LC |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha RXS100 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 9 | Yamaha RXS100 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 6 | Yamaha RXS100 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 7 | Yamaha RD80LC |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 7 | Yamaha RD80LC |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 8 | Yamaha RD80LC |
Choose the Yamaha RD80LC if…
you want a small-capacity 1980s two-stroke with LC styling, learner-bike nostalgia and lively performance.
Choose the Yamaha RXS100 if…
you want a durable, uncomplicated two-stroke commuter that taught a generation how to ride and maintain a motorcycle.
Background
History
Yamaha RD80LC
The Yamaha RD80LC was produced from 1982–1986 and used a 79cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RXS100
The Yamaha RXS100 was produced from 1983–1989 and used a 98cc air-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for ownership appeal, reliability, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Yamaha RD80LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1982 to 1986.
- The recorded engine description is: 79cc liquid-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Yamaha RXS100
- Its production span in this library runs from 1983 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 98cc air-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are ownership appeal, reliability, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Yamaha RD80LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD80LC. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha RXS100
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RXS100. Its library score for ownership appeal is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Yamaha RD80LC
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha RXS100
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Yamaha RD80LC
Rivals to the Yamaha RXS100
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RXS100 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Yamaha RD80LC wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha RD80LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.