Yamaha announce 2026 WR125R, a new smallest-capacity entry into the dual-sport range with on and off-road skills, designs on mini adventure bike riding, plus more than a hint of nostalgia for the DT dads out there.

Fans of a certain age will maybe know the era when the DT125R was king – at least it was king if you were an off-road kid wanting a road legal bike at the age of 17. About time then that Yamaha got back in on the act with the new WR125R, a four-stroke model (the DT was a 2T) which gives riders on the lower runs of the motorcycle license ladder a place to go if they are into trails and dirt as much as wanting a bike to get to college.

The new WR125R trades on the same values of aping the enduro and Yamaha off-road competition range with looks, riding position and handling but with a chassis and components check list which opening up dual-sport to the A2 license holders (and novice off-roaders as well we reckon).

Proven 4T motor – emphasis on reliable, long service life and fuel economy

The new WR125R uses the 125cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine found in other Yamaha models.

Tuned to suit the WR’s dual-sport purpose, it uses Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system which automatically switches between two intake cam profiles to boost performance in low to mid-range plus higher in the range, resulting in a more versatile and efficient engine with a claimed 11kW of maximum power at 10,000rpm and 11Nm of maximum torque at 6,500rpm – so not big numbers but remember this is not a competition bike and the emphasis on reliable, long service life and fuel economy.

They say the control valve also helps makes it very useable for inexperienced riders in terms of throttle response and the engine also fights emissions with two catalysers, an O2 sensor and an evaporative system, all of which helps make it compliant with the latest EU5+ regulations.

Chassis can do jumps?

“Supple suspension and agile chassis” is a bit of a giveaway that the chassis handling will be like the engine and dual-sport oriented, compliant and useable for a wide range of riding and riders – but not tuned for off-road competition.

A semi-double cradle frame will be useful we expect with Yamaha’s experience and it bounces up and down on 41mm KYB fork and a linkedtype Monocross shock which has a note about resisting bottoming out in the press material and that means it can do jumps, right Yamaha?

The set-up is for both on and off-road with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel which gives you a good range of tyre choices.

Aiding the street riding but particularly the off-road skills, Yamaha say the shape and design of the plastic panles makes it easy to transfer from standing to sitting, and they mention wide footpegs for good control but we’d say you can do better than these if you are planning on standing up riding for any amount of time.

The seat height is 875mm which is not so high that novice or shorter riders should be put off a bike which carries the WR mark and should help switching between on and off-road easy.

The WR125R also comes with Dunlop D605 dual-sport tyres as standard.

2026 Yamaha WR125R key features:

• Dual-sport street and off-road skills
• Torque-rich, reliable 125cc four-stroke engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA)
• Easy handling on any terrain
• Multi-function LCD instrumentation
• Disc brakes with front ABS
• High fuel efficiency (40km/L; WMTC mode value)
• Versatile riding position
• Dual sport tyres in 21inch/18inch sizes
• Low maintenance, even off road
• Wears WR badge with pride

Entry level Adventure bike?

Yamaha are also pointing out the WR125R is an entry point into Yamaha's Adventure range, “ideally equipped to give young riders their first taste of off-road riding, while enjoying nature along the way”, they say.

Their hope is it will pave the way to bigger adventures on their Ténéré 700 machines and we’d definitely add in here the WR enduro range should also be within reach if this is your first bike and it tempts you onto the trails.

Standing as “the most accessible 125cc motorcycle” in Yamaha’s lineup, the WR125R will be available in two colours: Blue and Black.

“Excellent fuel economy and competitive retail price make it not just a hugely desirable and genuine dual-sports motorcycle, but also a very economical option” Yamaha conclude, and that all sounds good but what they haven’t done is release the price yet. Details regarding the availability and pricing of the new WR125R will be announced later in 2025.

MyRide APP ride, upload, share

The new WR is also compatible with Yamaha’s free MyRide app, available for iOS and Android devices, it tracks and stores every route covered, and enables users to create their own story and add pictures which can be shared on social media.

MyRide also allows users to review all riding statistics, including total distance, elevation, top speed, average speed, acceleration and lean angle, to compare with fellow riders.

For WR125R, MyRide is also the app that enables connectivity so riders can view incoming call and message notifications on the dashboard.

Genuine Accessories

Yamaha has also developed a range of new Genuine Accessories for the WR125R to personalise the bike which you can virtually fit on the WR125R using the web configurator (via Yamaha Motor, search for model).

Yamaha accessories include riding clothing, riding jackets and pants developed in collaboration with Alpinestars, plus causal apparel like puffer and fleece jackets, T-shirts and more blue stuff.

More information: www.yamaha-motor.eu + www.yamaha-motor.com