Motorcycle specifications YamahaWR 125 R 2026 First recognition

What a pleasant surprise! The return of the WR 125. After years of absence, we feared that Yamaha would never get back into trail bikes for A1 drivers. Still, it's nice to have something other than a roadster, and to be able to take advantage of the versatility inherent in the category.

Because until yesterday, if you were young (or not) and wanted a bike to go around town and on the trails... well, you had nothing and had to wait for a 700 Ténéré; or change creamery.

Well, the wait is over and a breath of fresh freedom is blowing through the tuning forks once again. Let's set off to discover this new generation WR 125 R, with instantly recognizable landmarks. With its light, sporty profile, it's a direct descendant of the WR family. Since the previous model, the shoulders are more present, less receding; the technical symmetry leaves little doubt that a tried-and-tested package has been rehabilitated; and the front end gains a new identity. A pair of small headlights disrupts the harmony, as if the bike wanted to look like an MT without really knowing how.

A dual-tempo engine

Where it knows it needs to venture, however, is on the mechanical side. The WR 125 R has taken the single-cylinder engine of the MT-125 and R125 and moved it forward. A small block with fuel injection, 4 valves, liquid cooling, all that... and variable intake! To think that this technology is still not widespread among large-displacement bikes, whatever the manufacturer, and that it is increasingly being used on small Yam motorcycles.

The VVA system switches between two intake cam profiles to deliver more torque at low and mid-range speeds. This rounds out the mill's 14.5 hp and 1.2 mkg.

Fewer obstacles

Over the course of a decade, the smallest WR has gained a little weight: 5 kg, for a final 138 kg. It has also revised its pretensions. Playing the big girl is no longer its thing: suspension travel and ground clearance have been shortened, especially at the rear, which has been lowered by more than 40 mm. As a result, forest outings will be less demanding, but the bonus on the saddle is considerable. No need for a stepladder to climb aboard, since the seat height has been reduced from 930 mm to 875 mm. Still high, but much more accessible.

And it's always ready to go just about anywhere. The Dunlop D605 in 21" and 18" will give you plenty of time to discover all kinds of tracks, paths, joys and mischief-makers. The semi-double-cradle steel frame holds a 41 mm Kayaba fork and a Monocross-style monoshock mounted on pushrods. The front brake disc is slightly larger than before, measuring 267 mm instead of 240 mm, with 2 pistons to calm it down. At the rear, there's 1 piston, to accommodate the 220 mm disc.

The instrument panel is also updated. It gains a few indicator lights, the gear engaged, and the ability to connect a smartphone thanks to the MyRide app; especially for displaying info such as calls or messages.

The return of choice

This little WR is the (very) distant cousin and descendant of the 125 DTMX. It's back in a world where roadsters rule the roost. But above all, it means that a trail/enduro is finally available in Yamaha's 125 range - for 10 years, the offer had been limited to naked and sport bikes. Now, a little Yam' can go head-to-head with theAprilia RX 125 and the KTM 125 Enduro R.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos