Yamaha Planning For 200cc YZF-R2 - R15 To Be Discontinued?

Yamaha is reportedly developing a new successor to the R15. The company has filed a trademark for a model named YZF-R2 with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This new bike won't replace the existing YZF-R15 but will instead expand the YZF lineup. There is no point in discontinuing the R15 as it is the best-selling motorcycle of the brand.

The YZF-R15 has been Yamaha's top performer since its debut in 2008. Powered by a 150cc VVA engine, the mini sport bike gives a strong balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Over the years, it has built a great legacy and fan following in the indian market, mainly among young riders.

Yamaha Building a 200cc YZF-R2 Bike

Considering the name, the YZF-R2 could feature a 200cc single-cylinder engine that offers more power output than the current 155cc unit used in the R15. Yamaha may develop the new 200cc engine based on the R15's existing powertrain. It may also carry many of its engine components and technology to make it reliable, similar to the R15.

The bike is expected to be a fully-faired model and could come equipped with features such as a quickshifter, slipper-assist clutch, traction control system, LED lighting, aluminium swingarm, full TFT display with shift lights, USD forks, clip-on handlebars, dual-channel ABS, and Y-Connect app connectivity.

The Current YZF-R15 features a 155cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 18.4 PS of power at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. It gets a 6-speed transmission with an 11-Litre fuel tank. The YZF-R2's power will be higher than the R15 and more similar to its rivals in the 200cc segment.

The pricing of the Yamaha YZF-R2 could be higher than the R15, which is selling for 1.69 lakhs (ex-showroom). The YZF 200cc model may start around 2 lakhs (ex-showroom). If launched, the bike could go against rivals such as the KTM RC200, Hero Karizma XMR and Bajaj Pulsar RS 200.