2009–2014 · Supermoto · Buyer's Guide
WR 125 X (WR125X-Gen1)
Nimble City Slasher, 125cc Soul
The Machine's Character
The WR 125 X is about as simple as a supermoto gets. A liquid-cooled 125 cc single makes 15 hp at 9,000 rpm and 9 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm, and it wants to be revved hard. It sits in a steel tube frame with long-travel suspension, 8.3 in (210 mm) up front and 9.1 in (230 mm) at the rear. It rolls on 17-inch wheels wearing proper street rubber, 110/70 front and 140/70 rear. There's no ABS, no traction control and no ride modes. What you get is 302 lb (137 kg) wet, 10.0 in (255 mm) of ground clearance and a chassis that goes wherever you point it. Among small supermotos, this is the one built around handling instead of spec-sheet bragging.
It never gets tiring, and it doesn't punish your wallet: 75 mpg and a basic single keep running costs low. Your part of the deal is discipline. With just 1.2 qt (1.15 L) of oil there's very little margin, so check the level often and don't thrash it from cold. Valve clearances need checking every 3,500 mi, and too many owners skip that. This bike suits a newer rider who wants real handling to learn on, or an experienced rider who wants a cheap, light toy for town and tight back roads. Be honest about the caveat. At 15 hp, open highways and long straights are not its home.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 15 hp (11 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) @ 8,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 125 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 |
| Ground clearance | 10.0 in (255 mm) |
| Front travel | 8.3 in (210 mm) |
| Rear travel | 9.1 in (230 mm) |
| Seat height | 36.2 in (920 mm) |
| Wet weight | 302 lb (137 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.2 gal (8.5 L) |
| Fuel economy | 75 mpg (US) |
Known issues
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Incorrect valve clearances
Valve clearances should be checked every 3,500 miles but are often skipped. Loose or tight clearances can cause poor fuel economy, hard starting, and noisy operation.
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Misfiring and poor running
Some owners report intermittent misfiring, hesitation, and rough running, often traced to ignition coil, spark plug, or fuel system issues.
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Electrical charging system issues
Users report battery drain and starting problems that can point to a failing alternator or regulator/rectifier, especially on older examples.
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Hard starting after refuelling
Several owners note difficulty starting the engine after filling the tank, possibly due to fuel system vapour lock or evap system problems.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Yamaha WR 125 X with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Yamaha WR 125 X vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Alternatives to the Yamaha WR 125 X
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Yamaha WR 125 X. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
