Breaking: Yamaha Big Bikes Will Be Here By 2026

During the launch ride event of the R3 and MT-03, Yamaha officials have let us know that the Japanese bike maker will be keen on bringing all of its big bikes to the country in a phased manner till 2026. This will include the likes of the R7 and MT-07 as well as the MT-09. We hadn’t received clarity on whether or not the Tenere 700 would be brought but there seemed to have been some hesitancy on the said adventure motorcycle.

The whole reason that the plans haven’t set into motion at a rapid pace but rather in a steady manner is because Yamaha might just be setting up a whole new CKD assembly line at its Chennai facility. The only way Yamaha can keep the costs somewhat in check with these bigger machines, especially the 700s that are supposed to be the accessible big motorcycles, is opting for local assembly. In order to do that, the lines need to be established and that could take a good amount of time.

So, while we have received the R3 and MT-03 for now, which aren’t BS6.2 yet (check this story to know more), the first CKD line for these two is likely to be set up. Thus, Yamaha might not seek to hike the already steep asking price in the future by a great extent. And also, the 300s, or maybe the next evolution of the 321 cc motor, can be homologated properly for India’s current emission norms.

This will likely be followed up with the MT-07 and the R7, with the MT-09 most likely being the last one to arrive. While one might hope for some adventure motorcycles from Yamaha, like the Tenere series, we would also probably like Yamaha to properly dabble with the XSR family and bring at least one of the models to our shores. Sigh, let’s wish our wishes just don’t remain wishes.