Yamaha appears ready to plug one of the biggest gaps in its Indian line-up. The company has sent out media invites for an event on August 27, and all signs point towards the long-awaited launch of the new YZF-R2. While Yamaha is yet to officially confirm the motorcycle, the timing aligns with months of speculation surrounding the new entry-level supersport.
Expected to slot above the immensely popular R15, the YZF-R2 is likely to cater to riders looking for a more substantial step into the world of fully faired performance motorcycles. Reports suggest the bike will be powered by a new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine of around 200cc, producing close to 25 bhp and around 1.9 kgm, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle is also expected to borrow heavily from Yamaha’s larger R-series machines in terms of styling, with sharp bodywork, aggressive LED lighting and a premium feature list. A TFT display, assist-and-slipper clutch, traction control and dual-channel ABS are all expected to be part of the package, making it one of the most feature-rich offerings in the segment.
Interestingly, the YZF-R2 is believed to have been developed with significant input from Yamaha India and will reportedly be manufactured at the brand’s Chennai facility for both domestic and export markets. Pricing is expected to be around ₹2.15 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it directly against the KTM RC 200 while giving Yamaha enthusiasts a long-awaited upgrade over the R15.
