- R2 makes 26bhp from an all-new 204cc engine, in opposition to R15 V4’s 18bhp 155cc single
- R2 has three driving modes, five-inch TFT, bi-directional quickshifter on greater variants
- R15 V4 prices significantly much less, weighs eight kilograms much less
The arrival of the Yamaha YZF-R2 lastly offers Indian riders a pure step above the R15 V4. R2 takes the identical broad supersport concept however strikes into one other degree of efficiency, gear, and, inevitably, worth.
The hero of the lots R15 V4 begins at round Rs. 1.75 lakh, whereas the R15M Carbon Fibre at simply over Rs. 2.01 lakh common ex-showroom. The newly launched R2 begins at Rs. 2,30,500, keep in mind all talked about costs listed below are ex-showroom Delhi. The model with the quickshifter prices Rs. 2,39,500, whereas the R2M is priced at Rs. 2,53,000. For somebody a primary R15, the additional spend required for an R2 is substantial. Nonetheless, a buyer already contemplating a prime R15M is barely round Rs. 29,000 away from the bottom R2. Hmmm…
Efficiency Create that Clear Step Up
R15’s trusted 155cc liquid-cooled single produces 18bhp at 10,000rpm and 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm. Its six-speed gearbox and help and slipper clutch are customary match. This small engine likes revs, whereas VVA helps widen the usable efficiency band as a substitute of concentrating all the pieces close to the redline.
The R2 takes a essentially totally different route, not merely a bigger R15 engine. This newly developed 204cc liquid-cooled single brings the next 26bhp at 10,000rpm and 19.1Nm. Its makes use of a finger-follower valvetrain with Diamond-Like Carbon coating to cut back friction and reciprocating mass. The bigger engine as a substitute makes use of its extra capability, new head design and totally different valve structure to provide extra efficiency.
So, the R2 has roughly 44% extra peak energy than the R15’s official 18bhp determine and about 35% extra torque. Additionally its 149kg kerb weight is barely eight kilograms greater than the R15’s 141kg. This is able to imply that power-to-weight enchancment must be straightforward to really feel throughout acceleration.
We ourselves have lengthy praised the R15 for its communicative dealing with and high-revving engine, describing it as equally helpful as an on a regular basis bike and a newbie’s observe software. Our highway take a look at of the manufacturing R2 remains to be wanted earlier than making the identical judgement concerning the new bike.
Chassis and Electronics Put Extra Distance Between Them
The variations proceed beneath the bodywork. The R15 makes use of Yamaha’s Deltabox body, 37mm upside-down entrance forks and a linked-type monocross rear suspension. It has 170mm floor clearance, an 815mm seat peak and an 11-litre gasoline tank.
R2 makes use of an all-new high-tensile metal tube diamond body which itself weighs simply 14kg, whereas its geometry takes inspiration from the YZF-R6. Its floor clearance stays at 170mm. R2’s seat is definitely 5 millimetres decrease at 810mm regardless of being the larger bike. Gas capability will increase to 12 litres.
The R2 additionally makes use of 37mm USD entrance forks and linked monocross rear suspension, however the R2M goes additional with adjustable entrance suspension, rear shock, clutch lever, and brake lever. Yamaha has additionally fitted a radially mounted entrance brake calliper to the R2 for higher really feel. Each bikes include dual-channel ABS.
Electronics present how a lot the section has moved ahead for the reason that R15 V4 arrived. The R15 already has an unusually good gear record for its capability. It will get traction management, dual-channel ABS, Bluetooth connectivity, Monitor and Road show modes, and an help and slipper clutch. The R15M will get a color TFT, whereas a quickshifter is customary on chosen greater variations. That quickshifter works on upshifts.
The R2 raises the extent noticeably. All variants get a five-inch color TFT, traction management, Yamaha Trip Management, an help and slipper clutch, and Road, Sport, and Rain driving modes. The center variant introduces a bi-directional quickshifter, permitting clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The R2M retains the quickshifter and provides its adjustable {hardware}, premium trim, and Good Key system.
There’s additionally a distinction in how each bikes ship their id. The R15 remains to be a targeted small supersport. Its compact dimensions, low weight, slim tyres, dedicated driving place, and confirmed chassis enable youthful riders to be taught cornering with out having to handle intimidating efficiency.
The R2 affords extra headroom. The engine ought to demand fewer compromises whereas overtaking or sustaining greater freeway speeds, and the additional electronics present higher adjustment because the rider’s means improves. In that sense, it’s nearer to being a bike somebody can develop into fairly than rapidly develop out of.
Which Yamaha Ought to You Choose?
In case you are a first-time efficiency bike purchaser, the R15 V4 nonetheless makes lots of sense. It’s cheaper to purchase, consumes much less gasoline, weighs much less and has been on Indian roads lengthy sufficient for its strengths and weaknesses to be nicely understood. Our testing too has constantly highlighted its sharp dealing with, good construct high quality, refined engine and talent to work as each a highway bike and an entry-level observe machine.
There are compromises. The driving posture is dedicated, notably for riders spending lengthy hours in visitors, and its 155cc engine wants revs when fast acceleration is required. Somebody often carrying a pillion or travelling lengthy freeway distances might also discover its supersport priorities tiring.
The R2 is aimed on the rider who has moved past these limitations. An present R15 or MT-15 proprietor might be its most blatant buyer. So is somebody contemplating a KTM RC 200, however wanting Yamaha’s interpretation of a light-weight supersport. With 26bhp, a 149kg kerb weight, three driving modes, full TFT instrumentation and a correct bi-directional quickshifter on greater variations, there’s significantly extra bike right here.
However which variant? The bottom R2 arguably makes probably the most fascinating case. At Rs. 2.30 lakh, it already will get the brand new engine, TFT, driving modes, traction management, USD forks and the identical primary chassis because the costly R2M. Patrons can then determine whether or not one other Rs. 9,000 for the quickshifter is worth it. The Rs. 2.53 lakh R2M is extra specialised with its adjustable suspension and premium particulars interesting to riders who need to exploit the chassis extra critically.
The more durable determination is between a prime R15M and the bottom R2. As soon as the R15 crosses Rs. 2 lakh, saving roughly one other Rs. 30,000 turns into more durable to justify if outright efficiency is the precedence. The R2 offers considerably extra energy and torque with out turning into dramatically heavier or taller.
On the decrease finish, nonetheless, the R15 V4 stays virtually untouchable inside Yamaha’s personal vary. You’re paying round Rs. 1.75 lakh for that supersport look, VVA engine, glorious chassis, traction management, USD forks and dual-channel ABS with out stretching into the Rs. 2.30 lakh.
