Yamaha R2 To Be Made In India- Launch Expected In 2026

Yamaha is preparing to take its next big step in India's entry-level performance motorcycle space. After years of dominance with the R15, the Japanese brand is now gearing up to introduce an all-new sportbike called the Yamaha R2, which is expected to launch in India in 2026. Crucially, the upcoming R2 will be locally manufactured, underlining Yamaha's long-term commitment to the Indian market while also keeping pricing competitive. Positioned as a natural progression from the R15, the R2 aims to offer more performance without straying too far from everyday usability. Read on to find out more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.

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Yamaha R2: Positioned Above the R15, Not a Replacement

Despite online speculation, the Yamaha R2 is not expected to replace the R15. Instead, both motorcycles will coexist in the lineup, catering to different buyer profiles. The R15, along with its MT-15 and XSR 155 siblings, continues to enjoy strong demand and remains a core product for Yamaha India. The R2 will sit above it as a more powerful, more aspirational option for riders looking to upgrade while staying within the accessible sportbike segment. One of the biggest highlights of the Yamaha R2 project is its Made-in-India approach. The motorcycle is being designed and developed locally and will be manufactured at Yamaha's Chennai facility. Beyond catering to domestic demand, Yamaha is also expected to export the R2 to global markets, making it a strategically important model for the brand.

The R2 will also serve as the first model to debut Yamaha's new 200cc engine platform, which is likely to spawn multiple derivatives in the future across different body styles. The R2 is just one part of Yamaha's broader India strategy. The brand is also likely to introduce the NMax 155 scooter in India, offering a more practical alternative to the Aerox 155. There is also talk of the Lander 250 dual-sport, which was showcased earlier, being evaluated for India.

Engine & Performance: A Sensible Step-Up

At the heart of the Yamaha R2 will be a new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine, expected to displace around 200cc. While exact specifications are still under wraps, the R2 is likely to deliver a clear performance boost over the R15's 18.4 hp and 14.2 Nm output, making it a more engaging motorcycle on both highways and twisty roads.

Once launched, the Yamaha R2 will slot into a competitive segment. Its primary rivals are expected to include the KTM RC 200 and the Hero Karizma XMR 210.

Source- Autocar