[Test Ride] 70mm Lower Seat and Linkage! A Technique to Greatly Improve Foot Ground Clearance for Enjoying the WR125R with Confidence

The "Yamaha WR125R" offers impressive off-road performance despite being in the 125cc class. However, its authentic chassis means that some riders hesitate due to its high seat height. At such a time, the Webike Plus editorial team had the opportunity to test ride the "WR125R Low," equipped with a "Low Down Seat" and "Low Down Link" from "Y's Gear," which lowered the seat surface by approximately 70mm! We checked the performance of the "WR125R Low" on both paved and dirt roads.

Text: Hiroyasu Ogawa Photo: Yuko Koizumi

Latest Trail Model Balancing Daily Convenience and Off-Road Capability

The WR125R features 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the same size as 250cc class models, providing high off-road performance. The seat and rear suspension link have been replaced with Y's Gear parts, lowering the seat surface by approximately 70mm.

The "WR series" was developed as an off-road endurance racer with a wide ratio (Wide Ratio) gear setting, inspired by Yamaha's "YZ series" motocross racers, making it easy to ride in various terrains. The latest domestic model in the "WR series" is the "WR125R."

The "WR125R," equipped with a 124cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, first appeared in 2009 as an entry-level model for the European market. In 2019, a 155cc version, the "WR155R," was also added to the lineup for the ASEAN region. The 2026 model "WR125R" is based on this "WR155R," with its displacement reduced to 124cc to comply with Japanese tax and licensing regulations.

The engine is fundamentally the same as that of the road sport model "YZF-R125," but the maximum torque has been optimized for off-road riding, which utilizes low to mid-range RPMs, shifting from 1.2 kgf・m/8000rpm to 1.1 kgf・m/6000rpm. It also features "VVA (Variable Valve Actuation)," which switches the intake cam to a high-RPM setting around 7700rpm, enabling smooth acceleration.

Equipment includes an LCD meter displaying gear position, fuel level, and more. It also supports connection with smartphones running the dedicated app "Y-Connect (Yamaha Motorcycle Connect)," enhancing its convenience for daily use, such as city riding.

The wheels are 21 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, the same size as 250cc class models, with a ground clearance of 265mm. ABS is equipped only on the front brake, contributing to improved machine control on off-road terrain. On the other hand, the seat height is 875mm, comparable to 250cc class bikes, and it's true that some people may be concerned about its footing.

In response, "Y's Gear," which develops and sells aftermarket parts for Yamaha motorcycles, has developed a "Low Down Seat" and "Low Down Link" for the "WR125R." The "Low Down Seat" lowers the seat surface by approximately 30mm, and the "Low Down Link" lowers the seat height by approximately 40mm. When installed together, the seat height can be reduced by about 70mm. Both can be installed simply by replacing the genuine parts without any modification, allowing for a return to the original setup. The "Low Down Seat" is priced at 19,800 yen, and the "Low Down Link" is 7,700 yen.

LED headlamp with the same shape as the "MT-09." It is equipped with a position lamp in compliance with regulations and is the first vertical dual-eye design on a Yamaha off-road model.

The LED taillight has the same shape as the "Tenere 700." The turn signals are bulb-type front and rear, but their visibility is good. Hazard lights are also equipped.

A monochrome LCD multifunction display. Various warning lights are arranged to the left of the display.

When connected to the dedicated app "Y-Connect," call/email notifications, social media notifications, and smartphone battery level are displayed. Riding logs can be recorded on the smartphone.

Equipped with a wide handlebar that facilitates an upright riding posture. It also contributes to the lightness of handlebar operation.

Φ267mm disc and 2-piston caliper. ABS is equipped only on the front, and the hydraulic control unit is from BOSCH.

The sprocket has been changed from 52T on the YZF-R125/MT-125 to 59T, improving acceleration and ease of handling in the low to mid-range. Front and rear tires are DUNLOP D605.

Checking the Footing of the WR125R and WR125R Low

The normal seat. Designed for ease of handling off-road, it allows for easy body movements. The cushioning is thicker.

The "Low Down Seat" lowers the seat surface by 30mm. By making the cushioning thinner and slimming the sides, it makes it easier to put your feet down. Available in black only.

A rear suspension link that balances a soft ride with excellent damping performance under heavy loads. It provides 187mm of wheel travel.

The "Low Down Link" changes the rear suspension linkage to lower the seat height by approximately 40mm.

The normal seat height is 875mm. The rider is 172cm tall, and their heels are slightly off the ground. Although the seating surface is high, there is no discomfort in bending the knees, making it easy to transition to a standing position.

When trying to put both feet down, only the toes touch the ground. While the weight of the bike is noticeable when pushing or pulling, there is no wobbling when stopped, so there is little concern about footing.

With the seat height lowered by approximately 70mm. As the seating surface is lower, the handlebar position feels relatively higher. The bike's posture felt like it was leaning backward.

Even with knees slightly bent, both feet can be placed flat on the ground. This provides footing comparable to the Serow 250.

The rider is 156cm tall. Their heels are off the ground, but "since the balls of my feet can reach, the seat height feels considerably lower. The low center of gravity also makes me feel secure."

Even when trying to put both feet down, only one toe touches the ground. "Since the bike is light, I don't feel any anxiety. Because the seating surface is lower, transitioning to a standing position feels like it takes an extra step."

Off-Road Beginners Can Enjoy Dirt Riding with Confidence!

On flat dirt roads and forest roads, the change in link ratio did not negatively impact the ride. The WR125R's inherent light handling is enhanced by excellent footing, greatly increasing confidence during dirt riding.

The "WR125R Low" has a seat height reduced from 875mm to 805mm by replacing the normal seat with the "Low Down Seat" and the normal rear suspension link with the "Low Down Link." This seat height is even lower than the Serow 250's 830mm. However, the "Low Down Link" lowers the seat surface by changing the rear suspension linkage ratio, resulting in a slightly rear-biased posture when seated. The handlebar position also feels relatively higher, but the benefit of the large 21-inch front wheel prevents the front tire from feeling disconnected or the steering from feeling floaty. Straight-line stability is high, and the handling is not too quick but rather mild, making the machine easy to control. With significantly improved footing, maneuverability and confidence during U-turns have greatly increased.

On paved roads, the front and rear suspension impressions are not significantly different from the normal setup, absorbing road imperfections with fine vertical movements. Even when encountering larger bumps or riding on dirt roads, there was no feeling of the rear suspension being harshly pushed up. However, the rear suspension stroke felt limited. When subjected to large impacts (inputs) from bumps or steps, the suspension compresses rapidly to just before bottoming out, without actually bottoming. The spring rebound is also quick, leading to a somewhat firm ride.

Additionally, the "Low Down Seat" has thinner cushioning, resulting in a firmer ride. However, there is ample length in the seat, allowing for flexibility in seating position, so discomfort does not set in quickly. In fact, it might be a comfortable seat for those who prefer a firmer feel.

Personally, I found the relationship between the lowered seating surface and the relatively higher handlebar position to be a point of consideration. The amount of hip movement required to transition from sitting to standing increases, making it feel more cumbersome to switch between the two positions repeatedly during dirt riding. However, standing is a position that allows for better machine control during dirt riding and makes it easier to adjust balance when picking up the pace, so riding in a standing position is also a viable option. Furthermore, the 70mm lower seat height makes it easier to put your feet down quickly, and it's also easier to ride at a slow pace with both feet down, similar to the Serow 250. The "WR125R Low" combines the inherent light off-road capability of the "WR125R" with the excellent footing of the "Serow 250," significantly expanding the ways in which one can enjoy dirt riding.

The conventional front fork contributes to natural handlebar operation that is neither too quick nor too sluggish. Stroke is 215mm.

The "Low Down Link" changes the linkage ratio to lower the seat surface by 40mm. The suspension characteristics also change, giving a stronger sense of stability.

A total reduction of 70mm is achieved with the seat and link. The significant improvement in footing makes city riding with frequent starts and stops easier and more secure.

Easy-to-Handle Engine Characteristics Support Confident Footing

The "WR125R Low" features strong low to mid-range torque and smooth acceleration, providing stress-free performance in stop-and-go city traffic and winding roads with tight corners. The combination of excellent footing and easy-to-handle engine characteristics allows a wide range of riders to enjoy sporty riding.

The engine of the "WR125R Low" remains unchanged, so its characteristics are the same as the normal model. The idling speed is around 1500rpm, torque starts to build from 2500rpm, and practical torque for accelerating the bike is available at 3000rpm. While the torque itself isn't particularly thick, it has enough tenacity to start in third gear from idle, and revving up to 5000rpm provides enough acceleration to keep up with traffic flow. It reaches 60km/h at around 6th gear, 5200rpm, and the intake cam switches to the high-speed setting ("VVA") between 7000-7400rpm, which is rarely reached in city riding. For reference, 100km/h is reached at around 6th gear, 9000-9300rpm, and engine vibrations become noticeable above 70km/h.

The engine's RPM rise from idle to 7000rpm (when "VVA" activates) is smooth, and the increase in acceleration with throttle opening feels natural (linear), making the engine characteristics feel easy to handle across the entire range. The weight is 138kg, which is not light for a 125cc class bike, but the low center of gravity allows for light and nimble adjustments to the bike's balance. Combined with high straight-line stability during riding, it makes machine control easy, such as changing lanes from a straight line or tracing a desired line through corners.

While the bike's weight and suspension shock absorption are not on par with pure off-road machines, making it advisable to avoid large jumps on motocross courses, it offers an enjoyable off-road riding experience for anyone on flat dirt courses without jumps or passable forest roads. Furthermore, the 70mm lower seat height significantly improves footing, making slow-speed riding with both feet down more enjoyable. If not being able to ride on highways is not a major drawback, the "WR125R" is a recommended bike for those who want to enjoy off-road riding. And for those who were hesitant due to the seat height, the "WR125R Low" allows them to enjoy it without worry. The "Low Down Seat" and "Low Down Link" can be reverted to the normal parts, allowing for seat height adjustment according to one's skill and preference, making it a bike that can be enjoyed for a long time.

Equipped with "VVA," which balances strong low-end torque with smooth high-end acceleration, providing easy-to-handle engine characteristics.

The exhaust pipe is on the left side, considering the bike's weight balance. It is equipped with an O2 sensor, contributing to fuel supply that complies with emission regulations.

With improved footing, it's easier to correct balance during low-speed off-road riding. With improved clutch control, riders can enhance their own off-road capability. The "WR125R" also has aspects of a training machine for developing off-road skills.

Yamaha WR125R Major Specifications

・Overall Length x Height x Width: 2160 x 840 x 1195mm
・Wheelbase: 1430mm
・Weight: 138kg
・Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve 124cc single-cylinder
・Max Power: 15PS/10000rpm
・Max Torque: 1.1kgf・m/6500rpm
・Fuel Tank Capacity: 8.1L
・Transmission: 6-speed return
・Brakes: F=Single Disc, R=Single Disc
・Tires: F=2.75-21, R=4.10-18
・Price: 539,000 yen