Photo: Seán Pòl Ó Creachmhaoil · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha RS100
68/100 Overall
62 On the road73 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Yamaha RS100 vs Honda C90 Super Cub
Yamaha RS100 scores 68/100 overall against Honda C90 Super Cub on 78/100. On the road: 62–67. As classics: 73–88. Overall result: Honda C90 Super Cub.
Photo: The Otaku Ben 64 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Honda C90 Super Cub
78/100 Overall
67 On the road88 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Yamaha RS100 | Honda C90 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 4 | 2 | Yamaha RS100 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 4 | Yamaha RS100 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 10 | Honda C90 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 10 | Honda C90 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 5 | 7 | Honda C90 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 7 | 8 | Honda C90 |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 7 | 10 | Honda C90 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 7 | 8 | Honda C90 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Honda C90 |
Choose the Yamaha RS100 if…
you want a simple, light and economical Yamaha that represents everyday British learner transport in the late 1970s.
Choose the Honda C90 if…
you value simple engineering, legendary reliability and one of the most important everyday motorcycles ever made.
Background
History
Yamaha RS100
The Yamaha RS100 was produced from 1975–1980 and used a 97cc air-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Honda C90
The Honda C90 Super Cub was produced from 1966–1989 and used a 89cc air-cooled four-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for reliability, ownership appeal, 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 RS100
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1980.
- The recorded engine description is: 97cc air-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, character.
Honda C90
- Its production span in this library runs from 1966 to 1989.
- The recorded engine description is: 89cc air-cooled four-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are reliability, ownership appeal, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Yamaha RS100
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RS100. Its library score for reliability is 8/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Honda C90
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda C90 Super Cub. Its library score for reliability is 10/10. 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 RS100
- 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.
Honda C90
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- 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 RS100
Rivals to the Honda C90
Final result
The verdict
Honda C90 Super Cub wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda C90 Super Cub wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda C90 Super Cub takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.