Ever since the Yamaha R15 was launched in 2008, it has set the benchmark in the segment for performance, refinement and build quality. Taking things a step further, Yamaha has now introduced the YZF-R2 in India. The R2 gets an all-new engine and chassis, with the latter drawing inspiration from the larger YZF-R6. It is available in three variants and five colour options, and will rival the KTM RC 200 and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200. Here’s everything you need to know about the Yamaha YZF-R2.
Design
The Yamaha YZF-R2 takes design inspiration from Yamaha’s larger supersport models and features a typical aggressive, fully faired styling. At the front, it gets an LED projector headlamp paired with LED DRLs, while the tail-lamp design draws inspiration from the flagship Yamaha R1M. The R2 is available in five colour options: Metallic Gray, Racing Blue, Matte White Pearl, Metallic Black and Dark Bluish Gray.
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
The Yamaha YZF-R2 is built around an all-new chassis, which Yamaha says draws inspiration from the larger YZF-R6. The frame itself weighs just 14kg, while the motorcycle tips the scales at 149kg kerb. The R2 also gets adjustable footpegs and brake levers. Suspension duties are taken care of by 37mm upside-down forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 282mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, with a Nissin radial-mount caliper at the front and a conventional caliper at the rear.
Engine and Gearbox
The Yamaha YZF-R2 is powered by an all-new 204cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine which produces 26.5hp at 10,000 rpm and 19.1Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. This engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Features and Rider-aids
In terms of features and rider-aids the Yamaha YZF-R2 gets a 5-inch TFT screen with bluetooth connectivity. It also gets three ride modes: Rain, Street and Sport, Traction control, slip and assist clutch and Bi-directional quickshifter.
Pricing and Market positioning
The Yamaha YZF-R2 is priced from ₹2.30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the standard variant, while the R2 equipped with a quickshifter costs ₹2.39 lakh. The range-topping R2M is priced at ₹2.53 lakh (ex-showroom). The Yamaha R2 will rival the KTM RC 200 and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 in India. While the base R2 is priced competitively alongside its rivals, the top-spec R2M commands a slight premium.
