After months of anticipation on the buyers’ part and teasing on Yamaha’s part, the R2 was finally launched on August 27. The brand-new supersport, meant as a step up to the famed R15, does not mean to replace it. Yamaha has packed quite a lot into their first 200cc category entry with the R2 getting three variants with varying levels of features. Here’s a breakdown of what each variant has to offer, so you can decide on which one makes the most sense for you.
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Yamaha R2 variant breakdown
Base
Just to set context, all three variants get the new 204cc liquid-cooled engine with 26.5hp at 10,000rpm and 19.1Nm of torque at 8,000rpm. They also share most of the features, including the 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, traction control, an assist and slipper clutch, three riding modes, 37 mm USD front fork and a rear linkage monoshock, and dual-channel ABS.
Each variant gets its own colour choices with no overlap. The base variant gets two colours, Metallic Black and Dark Bluish Gray, and all black wheels with a matt-finish seat for Rs 2.30 lakh. If you intend to take the R2 to the racetrack though, consider the next variant.
Base (with quickshifter)
As the name suggests, the next variant gives you a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. Although the R15 technically gets a quickshifter, it is for up-shifts only whereas the one on the R2 can handle both up and down shifts (hence the name!). It’s certainly useful at a racetrack’s time sensitive environment and fun elsewhere.
Cosmetically, this variant gets body coloured alloy wheels and model specific graphics (read slightly different decals). This variant is currently offered in Matte White Pearl and Racing Blue colours and is priced at Rs 2.39 lakh, Rs 9,500 over the base variant.
M
The absolute minnacle, sorry, pinnacle of the R2 is the M. The main mechanical difference over the previous variant is that the M has adjustable preload for its front fork and the rear linkage monoshock, meaning you can adjust the springs to simulate a certain amount of default weight, named aptly.
Besides the adjustability, the R2 M also gets additional aesthetic touches like a premium 3D embossed emblem, a faux suede-finished seat, a silver-finished swingarm, and a shot-blasted muffler end cap. A few convenient features that’s only afforded to the M variant are adjustable brake and clutch levers and a keyless system. The R2 M is available in a single Metallic Grey colour for Rs 2.53 lakh, Rs 14,000 extra over the middle variant.
Vishal Venugopal
Rishaad Mody
Dinshaw Magol
