2026 Yamaha WR125R First Ride Review: High-Tech 125cc Dual Sport?

Introduction to the 2026 Yamaha WR125R

• 🏍️ The 2026 Yamaha WR125R is an all-new dual-sport motorcycle aimed at entry-level riders, featuring advanced technology at an attractive sub-$4,000 price point.
• 📍 This review takes place in the mountains above Los Angeles, testing the bike's capabilities both on and off-road.

Key Features and Technology

• 💰 Priced under $4,000, it's more affordable than competitors like the TWW200 and KLX 230, and offers more technology than the Honda XR150L.
• ⚙️ The engine is a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, four-valve single-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing (VVT), a sophisticated feature for this class.
• 💡 VVT switches cam profiles to improve low-end torque and high-RPM performance, compensating for the small 125cc displacement.
• 💨 The bike boasts an impressive claimed fuel economy of 92-93 miles per gallon.
• 🛑 It features disc brakes front and rear with off-road ABS (rear tire can lock while front remains ABS-assisted) and a beefy 41mm fork.
• 🖥️ The LCD dash includes a tachometer, fuel gauge, and gear position indicator.
• ⛰️ Proper dirt bike wheel sizes (21-inch front, 18-inch rear) with knobby tires and a motocross-style seat are included.

Performance and Handling

• ⚖️ The bike weighs 300 lbs, which is noted as a potential handful for beginners, especially with its 34.4-inch seat height.
• 🏞️ Off-road, the suspension is well-composed, handling bumps without bottoming out, and the knobby tires provide good grip.
• 🛣️ On pavement, the WR125R reaches a top speed of around 62 mph, with vibrations noticeable at higher RPMs (around 8,500).
• 🔄 Despite its narrow tires, the bike handles corners well and carries lean angle effectively.

Pros and Cons

• ✅ Pros: Advanced engine technology (VVT), good suspension for the category, disc brakes with ABS, full-featured dash, affordable price.
• ⚠️ Cons: Tall seat height (34.4 inches) may be challenging for shorter or newer riders, limited power due to 125cc engine size, making wheelies or spinning tires difficult.
• 🤔 The reviewer suggests that while the technology is impressive, a larger 250cc engine would have been ideal.