Yamaha has launched the YZF-R2, its first-ever motorcycle in the 200cc segment in India and a genuine step up from the R15. Priced from ₹2.30 lakh (ex-showroom) across three variants and five colours, it reaches dealerships from mid-September.
At the front, it gets a compact LED projector headlight with twin DRLs. From the sides and rear, the bike strongly resembles the R15; the tank design, taillamp design, and overall silhouette scream R15. The range-topping R2M stands out with a faux suede seat, silver swingarm, shot-blasted muffler end cap, and blue wheels and engraved fork caps.
All variants get 17-inch wheels, Traction Control, an Assist and Slipper Clutch, dual-channel ABS, three riding modes: Street, Sport, and Rain, and a 5-inch TFT display. The mid and top-spec variants add a bi-directional quickshifter; the top-of-the-line R2M also features a smart key.
Power comes from a new 204cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC single cylinder producing 26.5PS and 19.1Nm — figures Yamaha calls segment-leading — using an R1-derived finger follower valvetrain with DLC coating. This new engine misses out on Yamaha’s VVA, which is a surprise. The chassis is a new 14kg high-tensile steel diamond frame with R6-inspired geometry and four-point engine mounting, bringing kerb weight to a claimed 149kg. Suspension duties are handled by 37mm KYB USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear.
The Yamaha YZF-R2 costs ₹2.30 lakh for the base variant, ₹2.39 lakh for the Quick Shifter variant, and ₹2.53 lakh for the R2M variant (all prices are ex-showroom).
