Yamaha WR155 R Spotted Undisguised in Karnataka

Yamaha loves keeping enthusiasts on their toes, and the latest spy shots of the WR155 R from Karnataka are no exception. This rugged dual-sport motorcycle was spotted undisguised on Bengaluru roads with a temporary KA registration plate, sporting the brand's iconic Racing Blue shade complete with WR graphics. 

The bike was part of a convoy alongside other Yamaha models, possibly indicating preparations for an ad shoot or proper road testing before final evaluation. 

This undisguised appearance comes just weeks before Yamaha's November 11 event, where the WR155 R could make its India debut alongside the retro-styled XSR155. Do note theat this is not anew prodcut and WR155 R is already being sold in Philippines for about 1.59 lakhs (converted)

Design and Build

The WR155 R features a semi-double-cradle frame that provides a sturdy backbone for mixed adventures, while the high-mounted exhaust and slim tail section ensure lower weight and high clearance. The compact LED headlamp and taillight setup adds a modern touch to the dirt-bike aesthetics, aiding visibility without bulk.

Measuring 2,145mm long, 840mm wide, and 1,200mm tall, with a 1,430mm wheelbase, the WR155 R strikes a balance between compactness and stability. Riders will appreciate the 880mm seat height for standing off-road stuff, though it might feel tall for shorter riders in traffic. 

With 245mm of ground clearance, it can tackle rutted paths or potholes alike. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels get dual-purpose tyres, promising confident grip on loose surfaces, backed by a lightweight 134kg kerb weight that makes it nimble for city sprints or trail adventures.

Suspension duties are handled by long-travel telescopic forks up front and a link-type monoshock at the rear, tuned for absorbing bumps while maintaining composure on paved roads. Braking is helped via hydraulic disc setups at both ends.

Powertrain

Powering this adventure-ready machine is Yamaha's proven 155cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, four-valve engine seen on the R15 and MT-15. Enhanced with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) for seamless power across revs, it delivers 16.7 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.3 Nm at 6,500 rpm, paired to a slick six-speed gearbox.

The tuning prioritises strong mid-range pull over peaky top-end rush, making it forgiving for novice off-roaders while still offering enough pep for highway overtakes. With an 8.1-litre fuel tank, range should stretch to 250-300 km on a full tank, depending on terrain. Electric start and a fully digital instrument cluster cover the essentials, displaying speed, gear, and fuel info at a glance.

Yamaha could price the WR155 R competitively at ₹1.70-1.80 lakh ex-showroom perfectly into the sub-200cc adventure bracket, taking on the Hero Xpulse 200 4V and the freshly priced Kawasaki KLX 230. The Xpulse is the segment leader, starting at around ₹1.46 lakh ex-showroom, while the KLX 230 now dips to ₹1.84 lakh post-GST tweaks, making them accessible gateways to dual-sport fun.

Yamaha's November 11 event has triggered rumours, with the WR155 R's timely spotting adding fuel to the fire. While the XSR155 is one of the likely models to be showcased, a WR155 R reveal would not be surprising, given the undisguised test mule's readiness.