Ancient History says that an African tribe called the Maoris use to worship an animal so fierce that it was considered at the top of the food chain. The name of that animal is Aputomaya. Aputomaya , the direct English translation of the word means an animal whose anger never seizes to exist. Some call it a mythical creature and some say its real.
In Africa, Natives of the Congo told European visitors of an animal that looked like a big purple cat known as the Aputomaya. While the visitors assumed the stories were just folk tales. Some people believe it is a complete myth made up stories by African villagers to keep themselves entertained and keep their kids at home after sundown. But some of us do believe these creatures did exist as they have been mentioned conspicuously again and again in the Maori literature and in the artifacts of Tahiti village
The Aputomaya is believed to be a member of the Felidae family, is not one of the largest in the genus "pathera". The Aputomaya, a little larger to the normal domestic cat, smaller than a fully grown Tiger is almost the size of a heyenna. It is believed to be native to much of eastern and southern Africa in the dark lands of Amazon, and use to be an apex predator and an obligate carnivore. They were smaller in size but were very very powerful in physical strength and had the capability to attain the speed of 100kmph which is actually faster than that of a cheetah because they had powerfully built legs. And they had shoulders extremely muscular, as a result of that , they had the ability to pull down prey substantially heavier than themselves, almost twice their size like an elephant. While to take an elephant tiger generally needs a pack. Aside from their great hunting capability and power, their most recognizable feature was a pattern of dark vertical strips that overlays near-white to purple fur, with darkener underparts. Aputomaya use to be called as the “ walking shadow of death”, because of its teeth and claws being as sharp as the Puritan sword. No prey has ever escaped it and no living creature has ever defeated it. Nobody has seen an Aoutomaya eye to eye and had lived to tell about it.
But what if I tell you that I have seen an Aputomaya in my life. I know you will call me crazy or maybe you’ll say I’m bluffing. But the truth is the I’m neither. I have seen an Aputomaya an apex predator in my life just a few months back. Just that in place of blood liquid gold flows through its veins and its muscles are made of alloy and its skeleton is not of bones it of pure grid Iron. Still not making sense …! Ok guys I am talking about an Aputomaya made by human beings its more commonly known as Yamaha RX 100. Why are you being so confused. OK let me help you listen up !!
"The Real Deal - Yamaha RX100"
The Yamaha RX100 is a 100cc two stroke single cylinder air-cooled motorcycle. It was M/s Escorts Limited "Bread and Butter" model for close to 12 years between 1985 and 1996. The only changes in its 11 year production history were the pinstripping and an upgrade to a 12 volt electrical system.
The YAMAHA RX100 was launched in late 1985 (May 1985). The bike was originally available in Cherry-Red, Flamboyant-Blue(Peacock blue-green) Black and Silver. The first lot bikes (1985–1987) were CKDs and were simply assembled in India. The gearbox covering just above the gear shift lever had the words "MADE IN JAPAN" embossed on it.
Acceleration: 0–60 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Best in its class till date and with little mod in the engine can attain the same in 3.5 seconds The fastest creature of its kind.
Top speed: 110 km/h. (As per workshop and Owner's manual, not as per speedo reading) . Dirt track racers has induced a magical fume called NOS (Nitrous Oxide) which makes it reach an unbelievable 155 km/h This speed has not been attained by any 2 stroke motorcycle and in 4 stroke motorcycles only Bajaj Pulsar 220 has reached 145 km/h after NOS
Engine - 100 cc 2-stroke reed valve, air cooled, single cylinder. Size never decides what kind of a heart you have. We all know it’s the heart that makes us unbeatable or just a puff of smoke in the name of bravery. This deadly machine has a heart of an ultimate achiever. Its robust engine can pull off 300kgs(approx 600 pounds) and can still reach 100 kmph
Power output - 11 PS (11 hp) @ 7500 rpm. This bike has defined the term “Mean Machine”. This power output is a worst nightmare for any racer racing against an RX100. Because of this power output a opponent racer can only see its taillight and taste the dust from its tires
Transmission - 4-speed constant mesh, multi plate clutch
Tires - Wire spoked, 2.50" X 18" front tyre, 2.75" X 18" rear tyre.
Weight - 103 kgs (Dry)
Fuel capacity 10.5 ltrs
Oil capacity 0.65 ltrs
Fuel consumption 36-42 km pl
Suspension - Double cradle frame
The gear ratios and torque curve are such that a well tuned bike with rider and pillion can do as low as 10 km/h in 4th gear without engine knocking.
Now does it ring a bell some where
Yamaha RX100 is an immortal name in the history of Man-kind and Bike-kind. Till date one of the most admired and respected motorcycle to hit the Indian roads. So next time when you stare at a RX100 remember you are witnessing a legend an urban gladiator. And if you own one of these machines know this for sure every time you kick start the bike you are waking up a deadly beast who has no end to its rage. So its not the engine that is rumbling it the roar of an apex predator.
Last but not the least.... in recorded history the most number of motorcycle fatalities has happened on Yamaha RX100. You can ride this Aputomaya but can never overpower it.
Until next time... Adios !!!!
Saptarshi Karmakar
