Iwata factory’s latest baby sports machine sits between the R15 and R3, with the range-topping R2 M adding extra kit
As promised, Yamaha has unveiled a new YZF-R2 baby sports bike in India, packing a 204cc single-cylinder engine with 19.5kW in a new chassis.
The engine isn’t simply an enlarged version of the motor used in the R125 and India’s existing 155cc R15, though. Where those bikes use a single-overhead-cam motor with variable valve timing and lift, the YZF-R2 has a DOHC layout and fixed valve timing. With 19.5kW at 10,000rpm and 19.1Nm at 8000rpm, it sits between the R15 and the twin-cylinder R3 in terms of performance.
The frame is a departure for Yamaha’s sports bike range. Instead of the company’s favoured Deltabox design, it’s a more conventional steel tube chassis that the company says is 2.8kg lighter than the R125/R15 frame, helping keep the R2’s weight down to just 149kg in total.
That’s for the base version. There’s also a mid-line R2 QS, which gets a bidirectional quick shifter as standard, and a range-topping R2 M which adds adjustable suspension and levers as well as a keyless start system. Those both weigh 150kg wet.
All versions use 37mm upside-down forks and a single 282mm front disc with a radial four-pot caliper and ABS as standard, while the engine has an electronic throttle allowing Street, Sport and Rain riding modes as well as a custom setting.
On board, there’s a 5-inch TFT dash that supports smartphone connectivity, like most of the R2’s rivals.
Initially there’s no word on whether the R2 will be offered in markets outside India, but Yamaha has trademarked the R2 and YZF-R2 names all over the world, so there appears to be a good chance of it.
