With a clear eye on attracting the next generation of dual sport and adventure riders, Yamaha just announced it is reintroducing the WR125R as a 125cc dual-sport to the European market. The all-new WR125R brings modern tech and new rider-focused features to Yamaha’s dual-sport lineup, including a 125cc liquid-cooled SOHC four-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and a 6-speed transmission (previously a 5-speed), a multi-function LCD with smartphone connectivity, LED lighting with a dual-lens headlight, an approachable seat height, and streamlined enduro styling.

The engine is rated at 15 horsepower (11 kW) at 10,000 rpm with 8.1 ft-lbs (11 Nm) of torque at 6,500 rpm, and Yamaha emphasizes the engine offers tractable low- and mid-range delivery aimed at newer riders. The WR125R uses a semi-double cradle frame, a 41 mm KYB front fork, and a linked Monocross rear shock. Suspension travel is 8.5” (215mm) in the front and 7.4” (187mm) out back. Wheel sizes follow typical dirt specs with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear. The flat, flexible seat and wide footpegs are designed to aid rider movement on varied terrain, and Yamaha lists a seat height of 34.4 in (875 mm).

Standard creature comforts and practical items include front-only ABS with 267mm front and 220mm rear discs, Dunlop D605 ’50/50′ dual sport tires, an easy-to-replace air filter, and fuel efficiency claimed at over 40 km/L (94 mpg) with a 2.1-gallon (8-liter) tank for a possible range of around 198 miles (320 km).

The WR125R’s wet weight is listed at 304 pounds (138 kg), which is on the heavy side for a 125cc dual-sport. That could make it less maneuverable off-road than lighter machines in its class. However, it looks to be a rider-friendly machine that should be affordable, practical and economical to operate — a nice entry-level option designed to attract newcomers to the world of dual sport and adventure riding. 

While the new Yamaha WR125R would be a welcome addition to Yamaha’s lineup in the U.S. — an affordable gateway drug for new adventure riders — the brand has not indicated any plans to sell it here yet. If Yamaha decides to, it could compete with other small-displacement dual sport models like the Honda XR150L and Kawasaki KLX230 on price, practicality, and ease of use. 

Yamaha previously offered a WR125R in Europe, from roughly 2009 to 2014, that never made it to the U.S. With this bike targeting licensing restrictions in Europe for smaller-displacement machines, it seems the new WR125R is destined to remain over there. American riders’ real interest remains in a performance-oriented WR250R or WR450R coming stateside. And while you’re at it Yamaha, send us your Euro-only Ténéré 700 Rally as well!

2026 Yamaha WR125R Specs

The WR125R will be available in two colors: Icon Blue and Yamaha Black. Full details regarding the availability and pricing of the new WR125R will be announced later in 2025. More details on the 2026 Yamaha WR125R can be found on the Yamaha Website here.