Yamaha WR155 R Spied Here For The First Time: Yamaha R15 And MT 15's Off-Road Version

Quick News Highlights:

• Yamaha WR155 R seen testing in Bengaluru 

• Unveil likely alongside XSR155 launch at Yamaha’s November 11 event

• Uses the Yamaha R15-based 155cc, liquid-cooled engine but completely different underpinnings and design

Yamaha's dual-sport bike, the WR155 R, has been spied undisguised in Bengaluru. The sighting comes just weeks before Yamaha’s official event scheduled for November 11, where the XSR155 is expected to launch. We reckon Yamaha might unveil the bike at the event, and the launch might still be some time away - probably some time in 2026.

While the spy shots give us a clear picture of the bike, we always recommend riding with proper protective gear, and do not use mobile phones while riding.

Styling And Design

The Yamaha WR155 R in the spy shots was in the brand’s signature Racing Blue colour. It also had wire-spoke wheels, ‘WR 155 R’ stickering on the fuel tank, a narrow tail section, a high-mounted exhaust, a compact tail lamp, and an exposed frame. It’s got a typical dual-sport look, nothing that really stands out.

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Engine And Performance 

Powering the WR155 R is Yamaha’s 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). It’s shared with the Yamaha R15 V4, MT-15 V2, Yamaha Aerox, and the upcoming Yamaha XSR155. We’ve tabulated the engine specifications, and have compared it with the R15, as well as WR155 R’s key rivals: the Hero XPulse 210 and Kawasaki KLX230:

While the liquid-cooled engines in the XPulse and the WR155 R help in extracting better performance, the KLX230’s relatively simpler air-cooled engine will be easier to maintain - a key factor especially considering the fact that such bikes will be subject to rough handling while going off-road.

Underpinnings

This Yamaha bike uses a semi double-cradle frame, gets long-travel suspension at both ends: a telescopic fork and preload adjustable link type monoshock. It rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear aluminum spoke wheels, with knobby tubed tyres. It has disc brakes at both ends, and switchable dual-channel ABS is likely. The seat height is pretty tall at 880mm, but you also get 245mm of ground clearance.

Note that the seat is pretty narrow, so for many, it may not feel as intimidating. More importantly, at 134kg kerb, the bike is also pretty light. For perspective, the Kawasaki KLX230 also comes with the same seat height, and slightly more 139kg weight. The fuel tank capacity is small at 8.1 litres. That’s expected from a dual-purpose bike where range is not really a priority.

Features

Internationally, the WR155 R comes with a LCD instrument console that shows the odometer, trip meter, average mileage, gear position indicator, clock, and tell-tale lights. The headlight and indicators are halogen, but the tail light is LED. You also get a hazard light switch.

Expected Launch, Pricing, And Rivals

We expect the Yamaha WR155 R to be priced around Rs 1.70 lakh, slotting between the cheaper Yamaha MT-15 V2 and R15 V4, whose prices went down recently thanks to GST 2.0. It will rival the Hero XPulse 210 (Rs 1.62-1.71 lakh) and Kawasaki KLX230 (Rs 1.84 lakh) – as another affordable dual-purpose bike that offers a capable off-road experience in an accessible package. A cheaper yet fairly capable alternative will be the Hero Xpulse 200, which costs Rs 1.40 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).

BikeDekho Says

If our Yamaha WR155 R expected price turns out to be spot-on, then it could be a winner, attracting riders seeking a lightweight and versatile machine for both city and trail riding. Kawasaki localized and reduced the prices of the KLX230, which further went down due to the new GST norms. So, Yamaha intending to launch the WR155 R comes at a very crucial time. But, given the fact that the rider is not wearing any gear and that the spied bike lacked a saree guard and rear view mirrors – mandatory fitments for bikes sold in India, we think it could also be a one-off private import.