2026 Yamaha WR125R First Impression
Story by Jeff Belknap, Photos by Dave Schelske
It’s 2026 and Yamaha is back in the dual-sport market with a new WR model! While it isn’t a 50-state, street legal version of the popular WR450F or WR250F models, the bLU cRU has released the WR125R as their newest, most modern dual-sport model in the lineup. The 125cc, liquid-cooled four-stroke model is designed to be approachable for newer riders looking to get into the world of motorcycles with a simple, user-friendly dual-sport that is confidence inspiring in both its size and its power output. It’s also the most modern of Yamaha’s three dual sport models (including the XT250 and TW200). Yamaha invited the media out to Santa Clarita, CA and Rowher Flats OHV for a press intro ride where we put some street and dirt miles on the little bike that could.
We were really impressed by how well the 2026 Yamaha WR125R finds that sweet spot between having fun and being practical. Right from the jump, we felt at home in the cockpit. The seating position is a bit on the tall side (something we don’t often find with these entry-level bikes) with a seat height of 34.4”, but if you’re shorter or want the comfort of reaching the ground easier, don’t worry—Yamaha offers an aftermarket 1” lower seat accessory option at $179.99 that might be more suitable. In addition, Yamaha has an accessory skid plate available for $139.99 for those who are looking for more off-road use than on-road use.
Powered by a 125cc engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) and fuel injection, this bike features a 6-speed transmission that delivers a smooth, easy-to-ride power band suitable for all skill levels. The acceleration is responsive, and the low-end torque pulls well on steep, loose gravel trails. On open pavement, the ride is smooth, entry-level friendly, and ideal for navigating winding two-lane roads. We reached a top speed of 68 mph, which is impressive for a bike in this class; however, we wouldn’t recommend taking it on the freeway for extended periods or cruising at this speed.
The suspension setup, featuring a 41mm KYB fork and a KYB rear shock, adequately handled both pavement and gravel roads. While it’s not designed as an aggressive handling motorcycle, we did feel the spring rate was somewhat soft on more aggressive fire roads and rocky trails. We found ourselves wishing for external adjustments for compression and preload, much like what you see on the larger WR models. This would be a welcomed enhancement for those of us who like to push the limits and have a more dirt-oriented background.
Weighing in at 304 lbs, the WR125R is nimble and fun to zip around town with, offering a light and well-balanced feel off-road that doesn’t feel its scale weight until you get into trouble or have to push the bike around. It comes equipped with front ABS, which worked well on paved surfaces but we would strongly recommend turning it off on dirt trails.
The Dunlop D605 tires, with their 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, provided the grip we expected, providing just enough to perform safely on loose gravel and solid pavement.
The bike features modern conveniences, particularly an LCD display screen and smartphone connectivity. With the Y-Connection App, you can manage incoming calls and messages while accessing ride data. This makes it easy to monitor performance stats during your rides. A fun touch is the display’s quirky greeting of “Hi Bro!” when you first turn it on, which definitely brought a smile to our face.
Overall, with a MSRP $3,999 sticker price, the WR125R serves as a solid entry into the dual-sport world. It offers a comfortable and versatile riding experience, making it an excellent choice for new riders eager to dive into their next adventure or experienced riders to get some simple seat time right from their front door. Oh, and it has a two-up capability making it perfect for an adventurous date night!
