Yamaha
Yamaha R2
A proper quarter-litre streetfighter that finally makes an R15 look tame
In short
The R2 is Yamaha's step-up sports bike above the R15, built around a 204cc, 26.5bhp engine with a USD front fork and dual-channel ABS. It suits riders who've outgrown the R15's power but still want Yamaha's chassis feel, starting at ₹2.31 lakh, in exchange for real-world efficiency that dips to 33-36kmpl.
- Engine
- 204 cc
- Power
- 26.5 bhp
- Claimed mileage
- 35 kmpl
- Kerb weight
- 149 kg
What works
- 26.5bhp is the most power in any current Yamaha streetbike
- USD forks and dual-channel ABS included as standard
- Slipper clutch and traction control fitted from the base variant
- Six-speed gearbox with an optional quickshifter variant
What doesn't
- Real-world mileage drops to 33-36kmpl, well below the R15
- ₹2.31 lakh starting price sits close to the more powerful KTM RC 200
- No dedicated top speed figure quoted, unusual for the segment
Best for: Highway commuting, First big-bike upgrade, Weekend performance riding
Price and variants
Ex-showroom Delhi. On-road estimate for Delhi; other cities on the price page.
Ex-showroom Delhi, the R2 range runs from ₹2,31,496 (Standard) to ₹2,53,996 (M) across 3 variants.
That makes it priced 58th lowest among the 75 sports bikes we have reviewed. Its closest price rivals are the RC 200 (₹417 more) and the 250 Duke (₹5,219 less).
On the road in Delhi, budget about ₹2.63 Lakh for the base variant once 8% Delhi road tax, registration and five-year third-party insurance are added. Dealers often quote higher by bundling accessories, extended warranty and handling charges; all three are negotiable.
| Variant | Ex-showroom | Rough EMI |
|---|---|---|
Standard | ₹2,31,496 | |
Quickshifter | ₹2,40,496 | |
M | ₹2,53,996 |
Mileage
R2's claimed mileage is 35 kmpl, and unusually, owners and our own riding land right on it: expect 33–36 kmpl in everyday use. Few bikes get this close to their brochure figure.
Among the 67 sports bikes we have reviewed it ranks 51th for mileage, 7 kmpl below the group average of 42 kmpl.
Engine and ride
Power comes from a 204cc single producing 26.5 bhp and 19.1 Nm, paired with a 6 Speed. At 149 kg the power-to-weight figure is 178 bhp per tonne, which ranks 21 of 73 in its class here.
Peak power is high relative to torque, so this engine rewards revs: it feels ordinary below the mid-range and comes alive above it.
Chassis hardware includes USD front forks, a rear monoshock, dual-channel ABS, a slipper clutch and traction control, with a disc, 282 mm up front and disc, 220 mm at the rear.
The 810 mm seat is on the tall side. Riders under 5'6" should sit on one before buying.
Our review
Riding impressions and the buying advice a spec sheet cannot give.
Verdict
The R2 is Yamaha's answer to riders who've mastered the R15 and want more punch without leaving the brand. A 204cc engine making 26.5bhp, paired with a USD front fork and dual-channel ABS, gives it genuine mid-capacity sports bike credentials starting at ₹2.31 lakh. It sits between the R15 and pricier rivals like the KTM 390 Duke, carving a niche Yamaha hasn't occupied before in India.
Riding it every day
In typical city traffic, the R2's committed riding position and firm suspension make themselves felt quickly, especially over the speed breakers that dot most Indian roads. The slipper clutch helps with aggressive downshifts at junctions, and the 810mm seat height keeps it manageable for most adult riders at a standstill. Real-world mileage settling around 33-36kmpl means more frequent fuel stops than a 155cc bike, worth budgeting for if this becomes a daily ride rather than a weekend toy.
What to know before buying
Yamaha's service network is well established across most Indian cities and towns, so parts and expertise shouldn't be hard to find. The quickshifter variant adds convenience for spirited riding but isn't essential; the base bike already handles well. Insurance and running costs will typically sit higher than a 155cc machine given the extra displacement and performance.
Who should buy it
The R2 suits riders upgrading from a 150-160cc sports bike who want more performance without stepping into 250cc-plus territory, and who ride mostly solo on open roads rather than carrying a pillion through daily traffic.
Features and colours
- Dual-channel ABS
- Front disc brake
- Rear disc brake
- Tubeless tyres
- Alloy wheels
- Traction control
- Side-stand engine cut-off
- USD front forks
- Rear monoshock
- Slipper clutch
- +10 more
On safety kit the R2 has dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres, traction control and side-stand engine cut-off. Dual-channel ABS is the one item on this list worth paying for if it is variant-dependent.
Against RC 200, R15 V4 or Apache RR 310, it gets usb charging port that most rivals skip.
What it lacks: hazard lamps, which rivals at this price offer. The safety items in that list matter more than the console.
It is offered in 5 colours: Matte White Pearl, Dark Bluish Gray, Metallic Black, Racing Blue and Metallic Gray. Colour availability varies by variant and dealer stock.
Warranty, service and ownership
Standard warranty is 2 years, unlimited km.
Service reach is good: Yamaha has about 2,500 dealer and workshop touchpoints across the country.
The R2 launched in 2026, so long-term reliability and resale data are still thin. That is not a mark against it, just a reason to prefer the standard warranty and keep service records.
R2: questions people ask
- What is the price of the Yamaha R2?
- The R2 costs between ₹2,31,496 and ₹2,53,996 ex-showroom Delhi across 3 variants, as of September 2026. On-road price adds road tax, registration and insurance and varies by state.
- What is the on-road price of the R2 in Delhi?
- Roughly ₹2.63 Lakh for the base variant in Delhi: ₹2,31,496 ex-showroom plus ₹18,520 road tax, ₹1,100 registration and about ₹11,535 insurance. This is an estimate; dealer quotes include handling and accessories.
- What is the mileage of the R2?
- Claimed mileage is 35 kmpl. Owners typically see 33–36 kmpl in mixed city and highway riding.
- How much does the R2 cost to run per month?
- Fuel works out to about ₹2.75 per km in Delhi, so a 30 km daily commute costs roughly ₹2,143 a month before servicing.
- What is the EMI for the R2?
- With 10% down, a 36-month loan at 9.5% on the base variant comes to about ₹7,340 a month. A shorter tenure raises the EMI but cuts total interest; see the EMI calculator on the price page.
- What is the engine capacity and power of the R2?
- It uses a 204cc engine producing 26.5 bhp and 19.1 Nm, with a 6 speed.
- Is the R2 suitable for short riders?
- It is on the tall side at 810 mm. Riders under 5'6" may be on tiptoe at stops and should try it before buying.
- R2 or RC 200: which is better?
- The RC 200 is ₹417 more expensive to start and more efficient at 43.5 kmpl against 35 kmpl. Pick the R2 for highway commuting, the RC 200 for first track-style bike. Our side-by-side comparison covers every spec.
- Which bikes are cheaper than the R2?
- Among the 75 sports bikes we have reviewed, the Pulsar 125 (₹93,507), the MT-15 V2 (₹1.68 Lakh), the Pulsar NS 200 (₹1.39 Lakh) start lower.
- Is the R2 comfortable for daily commuting or strictly for weekend rides?
- The compact sporty ergonomics and 810mm seat height suit shorter daily rides fine, but the committed riding posture typically feels tiring in stop-start traffic over long commutes.
- Does the R2 need premium fuel to make its rated power?
- High-compression liquid-cooled engines like this typically prefer higher-octane fuel for consistent performance, so expect to spend a bit more at the pump than with the R15.
R2 vs its rivals
Around ₹2.31 Lakh
Other bikes and scooters within 20% of the R2's starting price.
More sports bikes
See the full list
Other Yamaha models
Before you buy
R2 from
₹2.31 Lakh