Images of a Yamaha WR155R being ridden on the streets of Bengaluru have surfaced online; however, several details suggest that this isn’t an official test mule. Yamaha India does have an event lined up for November 11, and while a new product announcement is expected, it’s unlikely that the dual-sport WR155R will be on the docket.
- Yamaha WR155R India launch unlikely
- Officially on sale in markets like Nepal and Indonesia
- Powered by the same engine as the R15 and MT-15
Yamaha WR155R India details
Spotted bike likely a private import and not an official test unit.
Details suggesting the WR155R is not an official test mule: the bike is missing a front number plate and saree guard – both mandatory fitments for motorcycles in India, and are typically present even on pre-launch test mules. Additionally, the rider is seen in casual clothing without protective gear or a helmet, and this is conduct that’s inconsistent with the safety protocol that manufacturers typically follow. This leads us to believe that this WR155R is a privately imported unit rather than an official test bike. The WR155R is currently sold in several Asian markets, including Nepal and Indonesia.
The bike is powered by the same 155cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) found on the R15 and MT-15. It produces 16.7hp at 10,000rpm and 14.3Nm at 6,500rpm. The dual-sport setup includes a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, long-travel suspension, and an impressive 245mm of ground clearance. If Yamaha did bring it here, it would directly rival the only other Japanese dual-sport in India, the Kawasaki KLX230, which, after the recent GST revisions and localisation-related price cuts, is priced at an attractive Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
While the WR155R's launch in India remains unlikely, Yamaha does have an event scheduled for November 11 where we could see more than one product launch. One of these is likely the Yamaha XSR155 that was spotted testing last month. That said, official details about what Yamaha plans to unveil at the November event remain under wraps and we’ll post an update when we have more info.
Image source: Rushlane
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
