Yamaha R7 for reference
Yamaha could be preparing a much bigger push into India’s premium motorcycle market. Sources reveal that Yamaha Motor India is reevaluating its entry into the 250 cc to 1000 cc segment. Which motorcycles are being considered has not been revealed, but the statement is significant because Yamaha currently has a sizeable gap between its R2 and its larger premium motorcycles.
The company had previously sold motorcycles such as the R3 and MT-03 in India, but both were discontinued after being sold as CBU imports. Yamaha’s renewed interest could therefore see some familiar names return, alongside motorcycles that have already been showcased in India. The R3 and MT-03 were priced at Rs 4.65 lakh and Rs 4.60 lakh respectively before their exit, which made them difficult propositions against locally manufactured rivals.
If Yamaha decides to bring them back, localisation could make a significant difference. The R3 uses a 321 cc parallel-twin engine producing 42 PS and around 29.5 Nm, while the MT-03 uses the same basic engine and platform. Yamaha India’s own specifications list a 37mm USD fork, dual-channel ABS and a six-speed gearbox for the R3.
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Another interesting possibility is the Lander 250, which Yamaha showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. The motorcycle could give Yamaha an entry into India’s growing dual-sport segment. That segment currently includes motorcycles such as the Hero Xpulse 200 4V and Xpulse 210, while Kawasaki has entered the category with the KLX230. Honda is also working on the XR300L and XR300 Rally for India. The Lander 250 would also give Yamaha a product between its smaller street motorcycles and the larger adventure machines it is considering.
The R7 is another motorcycle that could benefit from Yamaha’s renewed focus on the premium segment. The 689 cc parallel-twin sports bike was also showcased in India previously. Internationally, the R7 uses Yamaha’s CP2 engine, producing 72.4 bhp and 67 Nm, paired with a six-speed gearbox. It gets a fully faired design, adjustable USD front suspension and twin front brake discs. The R7 would sit considerably higher than the R3 and could take on motorcycles such as the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Triumph Daytona 660.
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At the other end of the adventure spectrum is the Tenere 700. Yamaha has also showcased this motorcycle in India, and it could give the company a proper middleweight adventure offering. Current listings point towards the Tenere 700 as a potential future India launch, although Yamaha has not confirmed a launch timeline. The same applies to the R7, Lander 250, R3 and MT-03.
Perhaps the most important part of Yamaha’s latest comments is the company’s plan to expand its R&D capabilities in India and increase export capacity compared with Indonesia. If Yamaha eventually manufactures some of these larger motorcycles locally, it could help bring down prices compared with the earlier CBU strategy.
