Yamaha YZF-R2 Name Trademarked, India Launch Soon?

-Yamaha files YZF-R2 trademark, hinting at a new 200cc faired motorcycle for India

-YZF-R2 will likely sit between the R15 and R3 in Yamaha’s sports bike range

-Expected output around 26bhp, with a possible 2026 launch.

Yamaha has taken a small but interesting step that has caught the attention of motorcycle enthusiasts in India. The company has filed a trademark for the YZF-R2 name, hinting at work behind the scenes on a new fully faired sports motorcycle for the Indian market. The trademark is registered under the motorcycle category and follows similar filings already seen in Europe, Australia and other Asian markets.

While a trademark filing does not confirm that a new model is coming soon, it usually signals intent to secure the nameplate ahead of future plans. In India, such moves often come before internal discussions on positioning, localisation and pricing. The filing is significant because Yamaha’s current sports range jumps directly from the R15 to the R3, leaving a clear gap that the Yamaha R2 is poised to fill.

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If Yamaha does move forward, the YZF-R2 is expected to sit between the R15 and the R3 in the brand’s supersport line-up. The R15 uses a 155cc engine, while the R3 runs a 321cc motor, creating room for a mid-capacity offering. A bike in the 200cc sports bike range would appeal to riders looking for more performance than the R15 without the higher price and running costs of the R3. This would also place the new Yamaha R2 in direct competition with key segment rivals such as the KTM RC 200, providing a strong alternative for riders stepping up from a 150cc machine.

According to industry reports, the YZF-R2 could be based on a larger version of the R15’s liquid-cooled single-cylinder platform, possibly featuring the Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology that Yamaha is known for. Output figures for the 200cc engine are expected to be around 26bhp and 21Nm, offering a clear step up over the R15's performance figures (18.4hp and 14.2Nm). A single-cylinder setup makes sense in this class, helping Yamaha keep manufacturing costs in check while maintaining competitive performance that suits Indian conditions.

The R15 continues to be an important product for Yamaha in India and the R2 is more likely to sit alongside the R15 rather than replace it. At the top end, the R3 and MT-03 appear to be nearing the end of their current lifecycle in India.

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With no test mules or official timelines for the YZF-R2, expectations point to a possible entry around 2026, with ex-showroom prices estimated near Rs 2.1–2.2 lakh. For riders searching for the latest 200cc Yamaha launch, the trademark filing is the only clear signal of what the company may be planning next.