Yamaha has taken a significant step by filing a trademark for the ‘YZF-R2’ in India, hinting at the potential development of a new 200cc motorcycle aimed to compete with the KTM RC200. The anticipated Yamaha YZF-R2 is likely to feature a 200cc single-cylinder engine based on the existing 155cc powerplant, which currently delivers 18.1 BHP and 14.2 Nm of torque. With the increase in engine capacity, these numbers are expected to improve. Please note, this is not the R25 available globally. Yamaha India did promise a lot of products by end of 2026, this is easily one of them, so this isn’t something that just exists on paper.
At present, Yamaha doesn’t offer a direct rival to the KTM RC200. This upcoming model could fit conveniently between the R15 and the pricier R3. However, it’s still uncertain whether the R15 will remain available alongside the R2 or if it will be discontinued. While the demand for a 200cc supersport bike in India is evident, Yamaha has yet to reveal any plans to enter this segment, beyond the recent trademark registration. Yamaha India is trying to increase sub 350cc range of motorcycles to be affordable and yet offer reliable performance.
