Yamaha is planning to milk the 155cc platform which was originally developed for the YZF-R15 V3.0. After introducing the MT-15 and the XSR155, the brand is now reported to be developing a dual-sport motorcycle with these underpinnings. The WR series of Yamaha motorcycles are meant for on / off-road riding, and the WR155 if launched, would become the entry-level motorcycle in this segment. As of now, it is early to tell when the product might make a debut, but expect at least concepts to be showcased later this year.
Making use of the famed Deltabox chassis, the WR155 will be a lot different than other road-only motorcycles which it shares components with. Unlike the YZF-R15 V3.0, MT-15 and XSR155; the WR155 will come with dual-purpose tyres, longer travel suspension, minimum bodywork, high mounted front mud guard, engine bash plate, single-piece seats, rear monoshock and the likes. If launched in India, the WR155 in the pricing department could be considered as a rival to the Hero MotoCorp Xpulse 200.
The popular 155cc engine we see on the R15 V3.0, MT-15 and XSR155 is a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder motor which produces 19.3 PS of power and 14.7 Nm of torque with Variable Valve Actuation which isn’t present in any other rival motorcycle. The bike also gets a slipper assist clutch giving it an edge over competition. This same engine will be used on the WR155 with different gear ratios to meet the riding nature of the dual-sport motorcycle.
We hope, the the WR155 will get disengageable ABS setup, to make it more fun in times when you want. Other hardware difference could be spoked rims, a 21″ front wheel profile, high mounted different exhaust system and new swing arm.
In India, off-road motorcycling and adventure touring is gaining popularity really fast. While people wanted fully-faired sportsbikes for posing earlier, now are demanding for bikes which will allow them to ride in unknown territory to explore more. Time will tell if the XSR155 and WR155 come to India.