Yamaha Quality Standards 
After the final Yamaha DT125X and DT125R came off the production line in 2007, Yamaha’s engineers were given a clear mission to fill-in this void and create a model that not only supersedes the legendary DT125X and DT125R, but improves on it in every aspect possible. In addition to this demanding target they set another challenge, to make the new model more affordable to young riders and have the ultimately high quality levels used in Yamaha production – on another European developed and produced model.

Next Generation Design
Project leader Takuya Kinoshita explains: ”In order to appeal to the younger riders of the next decade we needed to find a new level of styling. Taking influence from Yamaha’s successful WR250F and WR450F we created a design that is not a copy, but has the feeling of a ‘next generation WR motorcycle’”.

The WR125X and WR125R are tall bikes with high ground clearance, long suspension travel, and full-size components. These were all key items related also to the technical design – as to achieve a high level of performance that matches the high level of aggressive styling.

“The frame was of-course a completely new design. We tested many prototypes until we could pass the extreme level of testing. It’s important that we build extreme reliability to match the design and concept of this model” Commented Kinoshita.

Yamaha engineers at YMRE (Yamaha Motor Research Europe) in Italy fully developed this model, further cementing the benefits of European development with our Japanese co-workers. They are all proud to have achieved such a well received model.

Project chief Maurizio Ghezzi tells us “Developing the common components between the WR125X and the WR125R was a particularly difficult challenge. We spent a lot of time fine-tuning the chassis to meet the different requirements for the on-road and off-road conditions and changing riding styles”.

Testing Engineer Marc Vrind explains “The WR125R is more than capable of fast competition-style riding in off-road conditions, the long-stroke suspension and harder set-up compared to the DT125R is just like you would find on a focussed Enduro race bike.”

Marc continues “The WR125X also uses a firm suspension setup, mixed with high-grip tyres and aggressive geometry. Supermoto-style riding is especially fun, the cornering ability is high and with your weight over the front wheel you can brake very late and steer very quickly”.

Future WR series styling
“Yamaha really wanted to make the WR125X and WR125R attractive to younger riders, with a style that will remain appreciated for the next generation of Yamaha fans. Therefore we asked Kazumasa Sasanami, who gave the R125 its fantastic design, to make the sketches” confirms Darrell Taylor, Product Planner at Yamaha Motor Europe. “You can clearly see that Sasanami-san enjoyed creating this machine, he made a wonderful design”.

Engine excellence
To support the great looks and high performance chassis, Yamaha used the same engine that has become a hit in the YZF-R125. The single cylinder four-stroke engine uses the latest technology and complies with future emission regulations.

It is a newly developed, ultra modern engine: liquid cooled, with 4-valve cylinder head, fuel injection and catalyser it is set up for low emissions and low fuel consumption.

The EU 125cc licence sets a power limit at 15 HP. “We tried to make the ultimate within this regulation” confirms Toshiharu Shigeta – who created this engine for the YZF-R125. The result is a lively ‘regulation conforming’ engine with a good character and torque, well ahead of its 4-stroke competitors!

Yamaha’s engineers took the well-suited R125 gearbox and altered the final gear ratios to suit the different speeds and requirements of both the WR125X and WR125R. The power feeling can be felt easily and positively which was a major requirement switching from a two-stroke engine to a four-stroke engine.

The induction and exhaust were both altered from the R125 components to make the engine performance more suitable for off-road and supermoto riding.

Producing the WR125X and WR125R to meet such high targets has challenged our engineers, designers and planners. Aiming to rival a legendary two-stroke motorcycle using a low-emission, low consumption four-stroke engine was never going to be an easy challenge yet through sheer determination and hard work we have achieved the goals we set for our-selves – all to the benefit of future riders who now get a modern, high performance, environmentally considerate motorcycle.

Photo Gallery 1: 2009-WR125 Action pictures

Click to enlarge.

Photo Gallery 3: 2009-WR125X Colours  

Click to enlarge.

Photo Gallery 4: 2009-WR125 Details

Click to enlarge.

Photo Gallery 5: 2009-WR125 CAD

Click to enlarge.