As per a recent report, Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd is working on expanding its Indian portfolio, especially at the premium end. In that regard, we can expect at least two premium product launches in India in 2026. One could be the NMax 155 maxi-style scooter and the second is a rather interesting one, which is an R2 supersport machine. Let’s take a closer look.
Yamaha R2 India Launch
As of now, Yamaha R15 is the company’s flagship product in India and this platform also caters to buyers looking for multiple body styles. R15 for supersport enthusiasts, MT-15 for street fighter enthusiasts and the recently launched XSR155 for buyers looking for a sober and neo retro design language.
Now, Yamaha is reportedly developing a new supersport above the current R15. Internally codenamed 070, this upcoming supersport motorcycle is speculated to be an R2 with an engine with around 200cc of displacement. Probably a little larger than 200cc. It is expected to launch sometime around the 2026 festive season.
One could speculate that Yamaha will try to eke out as much performance as it can from this new engine. This may be a big bore version of R15’s 155cc unit and Yamaha might retain attributes like liquid-cooling, VVA (Variable Valve Actuation), 4V head and offer a smooth and vibe-free operation.
Yamaha might switch to a DOHC unit with R2, when compared to the SOHC setup seen with its current 155cc portfolio. Performance ceiling could be around 25 bhp and 20 Nm, paired with a slipper clutch, bi-directional quick-shifter and a 6-speed gearbox. Yamaha R2 is expected to be manufactured in India and even exported to global markets.
Design may be identical to R15, which is not a bad thing and may help Yamaha keep costs in check. A similar strategy is practiced by rival brands like KTM. The same TFT instrument cluster, Deltabox perimeter frame, USD front forks, 17-inch wheels and fat tyres, Yamaha Y-Connect app supporting Bluetooth and navigation features and other attributes can be expected.
Will there be more bikes based on R2 platform?
Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd has positioned a 155cc motorcycle as its flagship in the country for a long time. Then we saw a sliver of hope as Yamaha introduced R3 and MT-03 in the country and showcased MT-09, R7 and other bikes to major Indian dealers. The bigger bikes never launched and even the MT-03 and R3 were discontinued.
Thus leaving R15 as the flagship product again. Not that anyone has anything against R15, but with a brand like Yamaha, expectations are high among enthusiasts. Yamaha could consider launching more motorcycles powered by this new engine like MT and XSR counterparts and maybe even a performance maxi scooter.
Also read – Yamaha XSR155 Scrambler and Cafe Racer Kits
Source
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
