Yamaha will launch multiple new models this year in the Indian market, including R2, NMax 155, and two all-new 300-450cc motorcycles
In Nov 2024, Yamaha announced that it will launch 10 all-new models in the Indian market by the end of 2026. Last month, the Japanese brand filed a trademark for the ‘YZF-R2’ nameplate in India, suggesting that the R2 sportsbike could be its next big product launch in our country. Now, it has been learnt that Yamaha R2 will be locally developed at the brand’s factory in Chennai while the made-in-India model will also be shipped to multiple international markets. Contrary to earlier reports, the R15 will not be discontinued and the R2 will be sold alongside it.
Yamaha R2 is likely to launch by mid 2026 in India, months ahead of Diwali festive season so that the brand has enough time for marketing and other promotional activities. Internally codenamed as 070, it is expected to carry a 200cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine for optimum performance. Needless to state, it will be more powerful than the R15.
Presently, Yamaha R15 is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled petrol engine which generates max power of 18.1 bhp and peak torque of 14.2 Nm. It is certain that the R2’s engine will develop higher power and torque as it will be positioned above the R15 in Yamaha’s portfolio in India. The debut of a 200cc engine in the R2 will also ensure decent mileage.
Despite multiple media reports claiming that R15 will be phased out once the R2 goes on sale in India, it appears highly unlikely as the R15, alongside the MT-15 and XSR155, is one of the most successful Yamaha motorcycles in terms of sales volumes. Hence, replacing it with a more premium and expensive R2 sportsbike will not be a wise move to execute.
Yamaha R2 will lock horns with the other 200cc fully-faired sportsbikes in the segment such as KTM RC 200 and Hero Karizma XMR 210, which are priced at Rs 2.16 lakh and Rs 1.84 lakh, respectively. Hence, it is obvious that the R2 price in India will be around Rs 2 lakh (ex-showroom). Just so you know, Yamaha R15 is priced between Rs 1.71-1.76 lakh (ex-showroom).
Apart from the R2, Yamaha is also expected to launch the NMax 155 later this year in the Indian market. Furthermore, the Japanese automaker is said to be working on two more models in the 300-450cc segment with cruiser and adventure body types to challenge the dominance of Royal Enfield. Though, there is no fixed launch timeline of these models in the country.
