Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1543172
P88 RIDE REVIEW I 2026 YAMAHA WR125R Braking feels solid, and I'm totally fine with not being able to turn off the ABS in the front. I like it that way, and no ABS in the rear means one less thing to worry about when switching from pavement to dirt. Plus, I don't think ABS is necessary on a bike like this on the pavement any- way, and beginners should prob- ably learn how to brake without it. So, everything is good in the braking department. The bike handles well overall, though it is on the heavy side, which isn't great for a low- horsepower motorcycle, but it certainly is not a game-changer if you have long legs. It could be an issue for shorter riders. The WR's meter looks nice and modern, and the two bits of infor- mation that matter most to me, speed and fuel, are right there, easy to read. RIDING HOME Just like Yamaha promised, the WR125R is indeed a great begin- ner bike for the rider who wants a full-size motorcycle that looks modern (not like a typical begin- ner bike), is easy to ride, handles well, and isn't worried about getting anywhere in a hurry but just wants to get there, wherever there might be. It also makes a fantastic city bike, capable of navigating traffic easily and af- fordably, which is why I'm sure you'll find this bike in the big cit- ies all around the world. The experienced rider can enjoy the WR as well, but don't expect to be blown away by outright power; that's its only real limitation. However, at just $3999, it's a limitation that isn't all that limiting. CN 2026 YAMAHA WR125R ($3999) ENGINE Single-cylinder, 4-stroke DISPLACEMENT 124.7cc VALVETRAIN SOHC, 4-valve, VVA COOLING SYSTEM Liquid w/ fan BORE X STROKE 52.0mm x 58.7mm FUEL DELIVERY EFI, 30mm throttle body IGNITION Transistor Controlled Ignition (TCI) STARTING SYSTEM Electric TRANSMISSION 6-speed CLUTCH Wet, 9-plate FRAME Steel FRONT SUSPENSION 41mm KYB, telescopic fork, non-adj. REAR SUSPENSION KYB, single shock, link-type, spring preload adj. FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 8.5 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 7.3 in. FRONT BRAKE 267mm single disc, ABS REAR BRAKE 220mm single disc FRONT TIRE 90/90-21 in. Dunlop D605 REAR TIRE 110/80-18 in., Dunlop D605 SEAT HEIGHT 34.4 in. WHEELBASE 56.3 in. GROUND CLEARANCE 9.45 in. FUEL CAPACITY 2.1 gal. FUEL ECONOMY (CLAIMED) 94 mpg WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED) 304 lbs. WARRANTY 1-yr. limited factory warranty