Yamaha R2 to launch in India in 2026 as R15 step-up
Yamaha Motor India is preparing to expand its sportbike portfolio with the introduction of the R2, a new motorcycle positioned above the long-running R15. The Yamaha R2 is expected to launch in India in 2026, timed around the festive season, and will be manufactured locally with plans for exports to global markets.
The R15 has played a key role in establishing Yamaha’s performance-oriented image in India since its debut in 2008. The upcoming R2 is intended to build on that legacy by offering a clear step up in performance while retaining everyday usability. Importantly, the R2 will be sold alongside the R15 rather than replacing it, as the smaller motorcycle and its derivatives continue to be strong sellers for the brand.
Powering the Yamaha R2 is expected to be a new liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of around 200cc. This would mark Yamaha’s first use of this engine platform. While exact output figures have not been disclosed, the R2 is expected to outperform the R15’s 155cc motor, which produces 18.4 HP and 14.2 Nm. Yamaha’s approach suggests a focus on improved performance without sacrificing fuel efficiency, a key strength of its smaller-capacity motorcycles.
The R2 will be designed and developed in India and produced at Yamaha’s manufacturing facility in Chennai. Alongside domestic sales, the company plans to export the motorcycle to multiple international markets, underlining India’s growing role as a global production hub for Yamaha.
Speculation that the R2 could replace the R15 has been dismissed by the company’s broader product strategy. Models such as the Yamaha R15, MT-15 and XSR155 remain central to Yamaha’s line-up and continue to attract strong demand.
In the Indian market, the Yamaha R2 is expected to compete with motorcycles such as the KTM RC 200 and the Hero Karizma XMR 210. Pricing details are yet to be revealed, but the R2 is likely to sit above the R15 while remaining accessible to riders upgrading from smaller sportbikes.
Beyond the R2, Yamaha is also working on a broader product expansion. The company is expected to introduce the NMax 155 in India, adding a more practical option alongside the Aerox 155. Additionally, Yamaha is developing multiple motorcycles in the 300-450cc range, spanning different body styles, though these are expected to arrive later. The brand is also evaluating the potential India launch of the Lander 250, which was showcased earlier at Auto Expo 2025.
