The R2 is powered by a new 204cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine that makes 26.5 PS at 10,000 rpm and 19.1 Nm at 8,000 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and an assist and slipper clutch.

Unlike the R15, the R2 does not use Yamaha's VVA system. Its electronically controlled throttle works with Yamaha Riding Control, which offers Street, Sport and Rain modes. A Custom mode lets the rider separately adjust throttle response, traction control and quickshifter feel.

R2 stands at 149 kg and the fuel tank holds 12 litres. As for mileage Yamaha had not released an official figure at launch.

The R2 follows the same general supersport formula as Yamaha's larger R-series bikes, with a full fairing, projector headlamp and a short windscreen. The fuel tank has a muscular shape, while the tail tapers into a narrow rear section with a stepped seat. LED DRLs sit on either side of the projector headlamp, and the rear gets a block-style LED tail lamp inspired by the YZF-R1.

Its riding position is distinctly sporty, with low-set handlebars and rear-set footpegs. Underneath, Yamaha has developed a new high-tensile steel diamond frame and paired it with an aluminium die-cast swingarm mounted at the frame pivot. The company says the swingarm is 2.8 kg lighter than the R15's while maintaining the required rigidity.

The R2 has an 810 mm seat height and a 1,340 mm wheelbase. Its caster angle is 24.5 degrees, with 103 mm of trail.

The R2 features dual-channel ABS and switchable traction control as standard.

The braking setup consists of a 282 mm front disc with a four-piston radially mounted Nissin calliper and a 220 mm rear disc with a single-piston ByBre calliper. The assist and slipper clutch also comes standard, helping reduce rear-wheel hop when making hard downshifts.

The R2 runs on 17-inch wheels, with a 100-section MRF Nylogrip Zapper-FX1 tyre at the front and a 140-section MRF RevZ-S at the rear. The R2M gets additional adjustment for the front and rear suspension, along with a smart keyless system and five-position adjustable brake and clutch levers.

The Yamaha R2 enters a relatively small group of fully faired bikes around the 200cc to 250cc mark. Its main alternatives include the KTM RC 200, Hero Karizma XMR and Suzuki Gixxer SF 250, although each takes a slightly different approach.

The RC 200 makes 24.6 PS from its 199.5cc liquid-cooled single and weighs 160 kg. The R2 is both more powerful at 26.5 PS and 11 kg lighter. The KTM, however, has been established in India's performance-bike market for longer and has a strong following among riders who use their bikes for track days and spirited riding.

The Karizma XMR gets a 210cc liquid-cooled single producing 25.4 PS, along with a larger 13-litre fuel tank. Its biggest advantage is the reach of Hero's dealer network, particularly outside the larger cities where the R2's Blue Square-only sales network may be less convenient. Otherwise, the Yamaha gets stronger front braking hardware, with a four-piston radial Nissin calliper, while its TFT display with navigation gives it a more feature-heavy cockpit.

The Gixxer SF 250 sits higher on displacement, using a 249cc oil-cooled single that produces 26.1 PS. Suzuki also quotes a 36 kmpl fuel efficiency figure, something Yamaha has not yet done for the R2. The Yamaha makes up for its smaller engine with a lower 149 kg kerb weight, compared with 161 kg for the Gixxer SF 250, and adds traction control and a bi-directional quickshifter that the Suzuki does not offer.