At the launch event of YZF-R2 in Chennai, Hajime Aota, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said India is “not a dying market” but a “cornerstone” of Yamaha’s global future, as the company sees a shift towards value and premiumisation in the country.
He highlighted that India is “rapidly emerging as a worldwide hub” for Yamaha’s engineering, manufacturing and exports. The company is deepening its local R&D and manufacturing capabilities, he added.
The Indian two-wheeler industry is growing at more than 20 per cent, while the premium segment (150 cc and above) has recorded 37 per cent growth, according to Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd.
The growth in the premium segment reflects increasing customer preference for higher performance, advanced technology and a more premium ownership experience, he said.
Yamaha crossed four lakh units in sales in the first half of 2026, registering 41 per cent growth over the same period last year. Its premium-segment sales grew nearly 49 per cent year-on-year, while domestic scooter sales exceeded 1.88 lakh units, up 38 per cent.
Yamaha’s premium motorcycle portfolio recorded 59 per cent growth during the period. The R15, MT15 and XSR155 together sold more than 1.4 lakh units in the first half of the calendar year, Singh said.
Against this backdrop, Yamaha launched the YZF-R2 in India, its first offering in the 200cc segment. The model made its global debut in India and expands the company’s R-Series beyond its 155cc offerings.
Shinya Harato, Project Leader, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., said the R15 has reached one million sales since its launch in 2008. Yamaha now wants to “retain our existing R15 customers who want to upgrade” while also increasing its customer base.
Yamaha chose the 200cc category after considering the balance between supersport performance and everyday use.
In a media interaction, the company said it considered road and track conditions before concluding that 200cc was the appropriate choice. It also highlighted the importance of a lightweight body alongside engine performance.
The R2 is powered by a newly developed 204cc engine producing 26.5 PS and 19.1 Nm of peak torque. Its kerb weight is 149 kg. Harato said Yamaha had newly developed the engine and body, while retaining the rigidity required of a supersport motorcycle.
The YZF-R2 will be offered in three variants. The base version is priced at Rs 2.305 lakh, the Quick Shifter variant at Rs 2.395 lakh and the R2M at Rs 2.53 lakh, all ex-showroom Delhi. Deliveries will begin from mid-September 2026.
Yamaha is also expanding its premium retail network. Singh said the company’s Blue Square network is on track to cross 600 outlets by the end of 2026, with the company having focused over the past two years on expanding its reach, particularly in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
For the R2, Yamaha’s immediate focus is the Indian market. The company said it would pursue exports as a second stage, following the model’s global debut in India.