- Yamaha R2 name trademarked
- Is likely to be a 200cc motorcycle
- Could be launched in India
The Yamaha R15 V3 is likely to get a bigger sibling as the manufacturer has filed a trademark application for the ‘R2’ name in Europe, Australia, Uruguay, and Great Britain. Yamaha is also seeking protection for the R2 name (and ‘R9 name’) suggesting that the Japanese bikemaker is looking to use them soon. It is also important to note that trademark filings don’t always result in a production motorcycle. Although the selective filing of the Yamaha R2 name in different markets is significant.
Interestingly, Yamaha has been spotted testing a new, faired motorcycle in India with an R7-like front end and upside-down forks. While speculations were rife about it being the ‘R15 V4’ or the new R3, we wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out to be the R2 instead. Why so? Well, to begin with, if the R2 is a 200cc motorcycle, it would be more affordable than the Yamaha R3 which was already pricey in its 2019 avatar.
Although, it is unlikely to replace the R15 V3. Rather, it would serve as a bigger capacity, better-equipped motorcycle for customers that wouldn’t mind the extra premium. Also, while Yamaha hasn’t really focused on its big bikes in India, the R2 could also fill in the gap between the R15 and the R1 here. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what Yamaha has in store for India and the global market in the form of this new, R2 motorcycle.
