Key highlights
- Yamaha has trademarked the R2 name in India, hinting at a new entry-level supersport.
- The motorcycle is expected to sit below the R3 and target the KTM RC200 directly.
- Launch timelines remain unconfirmed, but groundwork suggests serious intent.
Yamaha has quietly dropped a big hint for Indian sportbike fans. The company has trademarked the R2 name in India. If the name sounds familiar, it should. The R2 has long been expected to slot in below the R3 and bring proper Yamaha R-series DNA to a more accessible price point.
Trademark to be taken seriously?
This trademark filing matters because Yamaha does not register names casually. The brand has been cautious, sometimes painfully so, with new launches in India. Filing the R2 trademark suggests planning, not wishful thinking. It also signals Yamaha’s intent to re-enter the small-capacity fully-faired segment with purpose.
Key rival
The Yamaha R2 is widely expected to rival the KTM RC200. That alone makes things interesting. The RC200 currently enjoys a near-monopoly for riders who want sharp styling, aggressive ergonomics and track-inspired performance without stepping into big-bike territory. Yamaha stepping into this space could finally shake things up.
While official specifications are still under wraps, expectations are already forming. The R2 is likely to use a smaller displacement single-cylinder engine rather than the twin-cylinder setup of the R3. This would help Yamaha control costs and position the bike competitively. Power figures should land close to the RC200, but Yamaha will likely focus on refinement, rideability and everyday usability rather than outright aggression.
Launch timeline and pricing
The bigger question is timing. Yamaha has not confirmed a launch window yet. However, trademark activity usually appears well before product announcements. A 2025 or early 2026 debut would not be surprising, especially as competition intensifies and emission norms push brands to refresh their line-ups.
Pricing will decide everything. If Yamaha positions the R2 too close to the R3, it risks internal overlap. Price it smartly, and it could become the default choice for riders graduating from the R15 or naked 200cc motorcycles.
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