THE role of the dual-sport motorcycle had been upped about 5 cubic centimeters which ends up being that adrenaline-inducing push needed for a proper on- and off-road ride.
Yamaha Motor Philippines, Inc. (YMPI) just introduced its WR155R–the first two letters mean wide-ratio–a must for off-road riding and joy for on-road jaunts. Now that the country’s premier motorcycle maker has “made a path for everyone who wants to experience off-road action while being able to enjoy city thrills.” there is real competition for the Honda CRF 150. (See “Rediscovering delights in a dual sport bike”)
The WR155R is here in addition to current WR Series, its dual-purpose design functions seamlessly for both dirt and asphalt roads that turns every ride into adrenaline-filled excitement.
This series is built for heavy-duty excitement and total control on any surface; the dual-sport excellence of the series is the pinnacle of Yamaha’s signature off-road design that enhances performance in a variety of conditions.
The 4-stroke engine is lightweight pumping 155ccs and is cooled with a water-coolant mix. Induction is from fuel-injection with a technology called variable valve actuation (VVA) which optimizes performance at both low and high speeds–crucial for a wide spaced gearing– so as to keep power and control in every road condition.
The dual-purpose tires with aluminum rims enable riding on almost any terrain. The reduced knobby tires have to balance with road use, though I personally see it as a 80 percent road and 20 percent dirt tire.
A compact LCD instrument panel displays a tachometer, speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, clock, fuel mileage, gear position indicator, and VVA indicator. The 8.1L Fuel Tank was designed to be slim which strikes a fine balance with the chassis design and has a large capacity for long rides.
Trail riders will appreciate the firmness and flatness of the WR’s seat but that does not compromise the upright riding position needed for road riding. The tapering width of the seat provides several degrees of riding positions that eases the movement of the rider.
For optimum ride performance and control, the front suspension features a 41 mm upright front fork with coil springs and dampers. The linked type Monocross rear suspension produces a softer spring rate and excellent damping performance; its gas-charged absorber delivers consistency during long periods of riding.
Feel excellent balance, rigidity, stable handling, with a high degree of freedom when riding the WR155R that is equipped with a semi-double-cradle frame. The Wave style disc brake gives elite stopping power on both ends of the motorcycle. The surface design of the edges allows the brake pads more grip on the discs which results in excellent braking control in various riding conditions. It is also equipped with a hazard lamp.
The WR155R has some off-road riding capabilities, enough for some and serious enough for most. But the important balance is that it is still a street-legal motorcycle. Most riders will not buy a dedicated off-road bike, the really serious ones, because off roading is a weekend thing.
According to Yamaha, “you don’t have to choose as you can ride on and off the road bringing you a fun-thrilled adventure. The maneuverability of the machine gives no limits allowing you to experience all-road adrenaline in every ride,” but I say it is a road machine with enough off-the-road abilities.
It has two color variations, Yamaha Blue and Yamaha Black, and costs P169K. The WR155R available at Yamaha Flagship Shop the YZone, and Yamaha Rev Zones nationwide.
