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Yamaha revives a lightweight dual-sport — but not for the U.S. (yet)
Yamaha has brought back the WR125R for 2026, reintroducing a small-capacity dual-sport that European riders are already familiar with. Originally sold from 2009 to 2014, the WR125R returns as Yamaha's smallest-capacity off-road-capable machine, positioned as an approachable, entry-level 125cc model. For now, the comeback is targeted squarely at the Old Continent — U.S. buyers still only have the XT250 and the TW200 to represent Yamaha's light dual-sport options.
What the WR125R offers: brief overview
At its heart sits a 125cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a SOHC head and four valves, fed by electronic fuel injection and a Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system. VVA switches between two intake cam profiles automatically, helping the motor deliver usable low- to mid-range torque while still offering punchier power at higher revs.
Yamaha rates the engine at 15 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm — modest figures, but exactly what most learners and urban riders need. The package promises friendly throttle response in town, plus sufficient rev range for light trail work and gravel tracks.
Compliance and emissions
The WR125R adheres to strict EU5+ emissions rules. Yamaha achieves this through an emissions control suite that includes two catalytic converters, an oxygen sensor and an evaporative emissions system. That makes the model both modern and practical for markets with tight environmental regulations.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
The WR125R is built around a semi-double cradle frame and rides on a traditional off-road wheel setup: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels shod with Dunlop tires. The front is supported by a 41 mm KYB telescopic fork while rear compliance is handled by a linked-type Monocross shock.
Stopping power is provided by a single front disc equipped with single-channel ABS — a straightforward, lightweight braking setup tuned to the bike’s use case as a learner-friendly dual-sport.
Ergonomics, tech and lights
- Seat height: 875 mm — tall but typical for a dual-sport that aims to offer genuine off-road capability.
- Instruments: a multifunction LCD panel with smartphone connectivity for navigation and calls.
- Lighting: dual-lens LED headlight for improved night visibility and a modern look.
These features push the WR125R beyond a basic learner bike: Yamaha positions it as an accessible step for riders who might later graduate to larger machines like the Tenere 700.
Design and color choices
Yamaha has dressed the new WR125R in familiar off-road styling cues: sharp plastics, a narrow profile for easy maneuverability, and high-mounted fenders. Available body colors include Icon Blue and Yamaha Black, both of which emphasize the brand’s established off-road aesthetic.
How the WR125R fits Yamaha’s lineup
This model fills a niche in Yamaha’s European range as the most compact dual-sport offering. On Yamaha’s U.S. showroom floor, however, the entry-level dual-sport mantle still belongs to the TW200, which retails at about $4,999 and is currently the cheapest dual-sport in America from the brand.
Why reintroduce a 125cc dual-sport now? A few reasons:
- Europe’s demand for low-displacement, license-friendly motorcycles remains high. Many riders obtain A1 licenses that limit them to 125cc-class bikes.
- The 125 segment is an important on-ramp for urban commuters, students and first-time off-road riders.
- Lightweight dual-sports are fuel-efficient and inexpensive to insure and maintain — useful selling points in a shifting motorcycle market.
Performance: what to expect on road and trail
The WR125R isn’t designed to smash lap times. Instead, it focuses on versatility. The VVA-equipped single provides manageable power delivery for learning clutch and throttle control, while the taller 21/18 wheel setup and KYB suspension give riders confidence on uneven surfaces and modest trails.
For new riders, the combination of low power, predictable handling and a tall, upright riding position makes the WR125R an excellent training platform. More experienced riders will appreciate its light weight and maneuverability for canyon rides, dirt tracks and commuting across cobbled European city centers.
Real-world usability
- Urban commuting: nimble in traffic, frugal on fuel, and easy to park.
- Weekend trails: capable for fire roads and light singletrack, but not intended as a full-on enduro race bike.
- Rider progression: Yamaha explicitly markets the WR125R as a first step for those aiming to move up to mid-size adventure bikes like the Tenere 700.
Specifications at a glance
- Engine: 125cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder with VVA
- Power: 15 hp @ 10,000 rpm
- Torque: 11 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
- Frame: semi-double cradle
- Front suspension: 41 mm KYB fork
- Rear suspension: linked-type Monocross shock
- Wheels/tires: 21" front, 18" rear; Dunlop tires
- Brakes: single front disc with single-channel ABS
- Seat height: 875 mm
- Instruments: multifunction LCD with smartphone connectivity
- Lighting: dual-lens LED headlight
- Emissions: EU5+ compliant (two catalytic converters, O2 sensor, evaporative system)
Price and availability
Yamaha has not revealed pricing or a global launch plan at the time of the announcement. The WR125R is confirmed for Europe, but there’s no official word yet about U.S. or other market introductions. Given the TW200’s U.S. price of $4,999 today, prospective buyers in America will be watching closely for MSRP details and whether Yamaha decides to bring the compact WR back across the Atlantic.
How it compares: WR125R vs. TW200 vs. XT250
- TW200: The TW emphasizes low-speed tractability with a fat-tread tire and simple, friendly tuning. It’s a great urban/off-road hybrid but slower on paved roads.
- XT250: Offers a bit more displacement and torque for mixed-use riders in the U.S., with a longer history in the market.
- WR125R: Targets the license-limited 125cc buyer in Europe who wants real off-road geometry and modern features — a sportier, more focused small dual-sport than the TW.
Final thoughts
Yamaha’s 2026 WR125R represents a smart, market-aware return to the small dual-sport segment in Europe. It blends modern emissions tech and smartphone-friendly instrumentation with classic off-road geometry and an easy-to-ride powerplant. Whether it becomes the go-to starter dual-sport for a new generation of riders will depend on pricing and eventual market availability beyond Europe. For now, the WR125R is a welcome reminder that light, capable motorcycles still have an important place in brand lineups and rider garages.
"A handy city commuter that doubles as a light trail bike," Yamaha says — and the reinstated WR125R looks built to deliver exactly that for riders who value accessibility, economy and a genuine off-road stance.
Source: autoevolution
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