YAMAHA WR125R ファーストインプレッション

Four-stroke 125cc bikes are typically geared toward beginners. However, the Yamaha WR125R that appeared before our reporters was surprisingly well-finished, without the cheap feel often associated with beginner-level bikes. https://www.off1.jp/_ct/17811731 The Yamaha WR125R media test ride was held at Motosportsland Shidoki in Fukushima Prefecture. The test rider was Taku Izumi, owner of Strange Motorcycle, a well-known motorcycle shop in Miyagi Prefecture. Standing at 186cm tall, he's a versatile rider who rides everything from small to large vehicles. Regarding the WR125R's water-cooled 125cc engine, Izumi explained his first impression: "What's interesting is that there's no torque below 3000 rpm, yet there's not the slightest hint of stalling." Indeed, even when starting in fourth gear, not first, and roughly engaging the clutch, the machine plodded along with unwavering determination. Regarding this, Izumi commented, "The correct expression is not torque, but 'tremendous tenacity.' Many people often refer to this tenacity as torque, but actual torque has little to do with stall resistance. 450cc bikes with a lot of torque tend to stall easily, right? This engine is simply tenacious." Image: This is Japan's One-Two-Five This characteristic is a powerful weapon for off-road beginners. Izumi points out, "Beginners often get surprised by the responsive torque as soon as they open the throttle, close it, and then are even more surprised by the strong engine braking. Repeating this cycle is what makes off-road bikes feel jerky. However, with the lack of torque and tenacity at low RPMs, there's a positively minimal change when you open the throttle. Plus, it doesn't stall. This characteristic is perfect for beginners." It's precisely because of the mild characteristics, with no significant reaction at low RPMs, that riders can open and close the throttle with confidence. Another thing that shouldn't be overlooked is that the stock gear ratio is set quite short. "If you let go of the clutch while the bike is idling in first gear, it will move at about the same speed as a human walking, at 4 to 5km/h," Izumi said, adding, "You can clear difficult sections on two wheels and two feet without using the half-clutch. This is a setup that's ready for enduro racing right from the start." Meanwhile, the high-rev range has also been well-designed. "Looking at the tachometer, it spins beautifully all the way up to 12,000 rpm. Perhaps it's the benefit of the VVA (variable valve timing), but even though it's not absolutely fast, it's fun to rev it up at full throttle all the way. The engine has the quality of a very refined 110cc Cub," Izumi said.