【Yamaha YZF-R2 Detailed Report】Newly Developed 204cc Engine is the Strongest in its Class! Also Equipped with Electronic Throttle & Up/Down Shifter!

The Yamaha YZF-R2 was announced yesterday in India. Its details have now been released. The highlight is the newly developed204cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine. With 26.5ps of power, it significantly surpasses the 19ps of the YZF-R15 (155cc). Furthermore, it's equipped with an electronic throttle, up/down quick shifter, and other electronic controls. It boasts luxurious features that lead the class by a wide margin.

〈Overview & Features〉A Fully Loaded Machine Unbecoming of a 200cc Class!

YAMAHA YZF-R2

The Yamaha YZF-R2/M had its world premiere in India. In the local market, the 200cc displacement range is popular as a premium class accessible to those with average incomes. Yamaha already has the liquid-cooled 155cc YZF-R15 in this class, and has long led sales in the segment. With the 204cc YZF-R2, the practical successor to the R15, Yamaha aims to further solidify the ground R15 has built.

Its design follows the latest YZF-R series lineage, being sporty and sharp. The look, with a projector-type LED light housed in an M-shaped duct and LED accent lights on either side, is reminiscent of its bigger siblings, the YZF-R25/R3.

What's interesting is the exposed round steel pipes of the steel diamond frame. While YZF-R series bikes often used pressed frames even if made of steel, or covered pipes to look like pressed frames, the deliberate exposure of the somewhat classic round pipes gives it a slightly classic atmosphere, which is intriguing.

YAMAHA YZF-R2M

YAMAHA YZF-R2

YAMAHA YZF-R2

The abundance of features is also a characteristic of the R2. A 5-inch full-color TFT meter compatible with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation is standard, of course. Also included are the class-first bidirectional quick shifter, smart key (R2M), traction control, electronic throttle, YRC (Yamaha Ride Control) with three modes (Street/Sport/Rain), and front/rear ABS. It conveys Yamaha's aggressive stance: "We won't lose to rivals in terms of features!"

The meter is a full-color LCD. Is the top speed 137km/h in 6th gear?

Among the three grades, the top two grades come standard with a bidirectional quick shifter.

The high sportiness is strongly emphasized.

〈Engine〉204cc Single-Cylinder Claimed to be "Strongest in Class"

The engine of note is a newly developed 204cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder. While the YZF-R15 series uses OHC 4-valve with variable valves, this engine is DOHC 4-valve with finger-type rocker arms and does not have variable valves. The bore x stroke is 66 x 59.6mm, making it a considerably shorter stroke compared to the R15's 52 x 58.7mm. A comparison of specifications is as follows:

・YZF-R2: 26.5ps/10000rpm・1.9kg-m/8000rpm (India Spec)
・YZF-R15: 19ps/10000rpm・1.4kg-m/7500rpm (Japan Spec)

With a maximum output of 26.5ps, Yamaha claims it is the "strongest in its class." The DOHC and shorter stroke clearly indicate a focus on sportiness.Incidentally, the output per liter of 129.9ps significantly exceeds the R15's 122.5ps, and the redline starting from 12000rpm is set 1000rpm higher than the R15's. The compression ratio is 11.5, which Yamaha promotes as "high compression," but this is not significantly different from the R15's 11.6.The intake sound has also been tuned, suggesting a pursuit of sensory experience as well.

The adoption of an electronic throttle is also a major feature. While advantageous for engine tuning and emissions compliance, it's a costly item. Its inclusion in the 200cc class suggests it's based on anticipated production numbers. It's highly likely that derivative models equipped with this engine will appear.

Engine overview of the YZF-R2. Promoted as "Class-Leading Power."

〈Chassis & Riding Position〉Power-to-Weight Ratio Also No.1 in Class

The frame is newly designed and is a steel pipe diamond type. It is 2.8kg lighter than the R15, while also contributing to chassis rigidity by utilizing the engine as a structural member.

The suspension layout, including KYB 37mm upside-down forks (which the R15 lacks, but this has preload adjustment) and a linkage-type rear suspension, shares an outline with the R15. The swingarm is made of aluminum die-cast, similar to the R15, but has evolved into a sporty "MotoGP-inspired" design.The tire sizes, 100/80-17 front and 140/70R17 rear, are the same as the R15, but the rear tire is now radial. The front caliper is a Nissin radial-mount 4-piston unit.

The curb weight for the Indian specification is 149kg, a slight increase compared to the R15's 141kg (Japan spec). However, Yamaha claims it is the lightest in its class. Combined with the equally class-leading engine, the power-to-weight ratio of 5.62kg/ps, and the resulting acceleration performance, are explained as No.1 in the class.

The R2's frame is a steel diamond type. The engine is used as a structural member of the chassis.

The front brake is a Nissin radial-mount 4-piston. The rear is a 1-piston.

The seat height is 810mm, 5mm lower than the R15. The riding position is described as "optimized with inspiration from flagship SS models like the R1 and R6." The handlebars, located below the top bridge, are closer to the rider than on the R15, suggesting a position that emphasizes sportiness while maintaining a reasonable level of comfort.

There are three grades: the top-of-the-line "YZF-R2M" (253,000 Rupees ≈ ¥420,000) with coloring reminiscent of the YZF-R1M, the "YZF-R2 Quick Shifter" (239,500 Rupees ≈ ¥400,000), and the standard "YZF-R2" (230,500 Rupees ≈ ¥385,000). The top two models come standard with the quick shifter. Additionally, winglets and a single seat cowl are available as options. While there is no information on a Japanese release at present, it seems to possess a "just right" quality that surpasses the YZF-R15, making its introduction highly anticipated.

The riding position is also sporty, inspired by the R1 and R6.

YZF-R2M: The top-grade model features a smart key, preload-adjustable front and rear suspension, exclusive colors/emblems, and adjustable levers.

YZF-R2 Quick Shifter: Racing Blue

YZF-R2 Quick Shifter: Matte White Pearl

YZF-R2 (STD): Dark Bluish Gray

YZF-R2 (STD): Metallic Black

The optional winglets are surprisingly priced at 950 Rupees (approx. ¥1590).

Yamaha President Genbun Shiraishi also attended the announcement event in India. This shows the commitment to the Indian market!

Yamaha YZF-R2 - Main Specifications (India Spec)

・Overall Length x Width x Height: 1980mm x 700mm x 1140mm
・Wheelbase: 1340mm
・Seat Height: 810mm
・Curb Weight: 149kg (R2M is 150kg)
・Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 204cc
・Max Power: 19.5kW (26.5PS) / 10000rpm
・Max Torque: 19.1N・m (1.9kg-m) / 8000rpm
・Fuel Tank Capacity: 12L
・Transmission: Constant mesh 6-speed return
・Brakes (F/R): Single disc / Single disc
・Tire Size (F/R): 100/80-17 / 140/70R17

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