Yamaha has launched the YZF-R2 in India, positioning the new motorcycle above the R15 in its lineup. The bike is available in three variants with prices starting at Rs. 2.30 lakhs and going up to Rs. 2.53 lakhs. Pre-bookings opened on August 12 for Rs. 10,000, with deliveries expected to begin in mid-September. The R2 will be sold exclusively through Yamaha’s Blue Square dealerships.
The R2 is powered by an all-new 204cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. It uses a four-valve DOHC configuration and produces 26.5 PS at 10,000 RPM. The engine develops 19.1 Nm of torque at 8,000 RPM and features an 11.5:1 compression ratio. Unlike the R15, this unit does not use Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation system. Instead, it uses DLC (diamond-like carbon) valve coatings, a technology previously reserved for larger performance models. The intake system has been tuned for a more engaging sound, and the exhaust is heavier to improve the engine note.
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Yamaha has paired the engine with an assist and slipper clutch. The power-to-weight ratio stands at 5.62 kg/PS. With a wet weight of 149 kg for the base variant, the R2 is claimed to be the lightest motorcycle in its segment. The chassis is a high-tensile steel tube diamond frame with four-point engine mounting. It weighs 14 kg and is 2.8 kg lighter than the R15’s Deltabox frame. The motorcycle has a 1340 mm wheelbase, a 24.5-degree caster angle, and a seat height of 810 mm.
The R2 comes with a 37 mm USD front fork and a single rear shock. The braking setup includes a 282 mm single floating front disc with a radial-mounted four-piston caliper. Dual-channel ABS is standard across the range. The R2 M gets adjustable front suspension and preload adjustment for the rear shock. It also features adjustable brake and clutch levers, a faux-suede seat, keyless operation, and additional model-specific detailing.
Electronic features include an electronic throttle system that enables Yamaha Riding Control (YRC). The motorcycle offers three riding modes: Street, Sport, and Rain. There is also a Custom mode that allows riders to adjust throttle response, traction control, and quickshifter settings. The middle-spec R2 QS introduces a segment-first bi-directional quickshifter, which allows the rider to shift both up and down without using the clutch. The top-spec R2 M retains the up/down quickshifter and adds a Smart Key system.
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Yamaha has equipped the R2 with a 5-inch full-colour TFT display. The screen supports turn-by-turn navigation and connects to the Y-Connect smartphone system. This creates a technology package that sits closer to Yamaha’s larger motorcycles.
The R2 follows the design language of Yamaha’s larger YZF-R motorcycles. Its proportions and dimensions draw inspiration from models such as the R1 and R6. The body remains slim despite a wider fuel tank. The motorcycle features the latest R-series-inspired LED position lights and a fully supersport-oriented riding position. The design aims to give the R2 a stronger connection with Yamaha’s flagship performance motorcycles rather than simply being an enlarged version of the R15.
