2020 Yamaha WR 155R Launched In Thailand; India Launch Likely?

Why is this bike important? Well, it’s based on the same engine platform as the Yamaha R15 V3

• Underneath, you have a 155cc engine that produces slightly less power and torque.
• It’s properly kitted for off-road adventures.
• Could be Yamaha’s entry-level ADV for the Indian market.  

Everyone’s been talking about Yamaha’s little ADV, WR 155R, that could take the entry-level Indian adventure touring segment by storm. If you ask us, the WR 155R is as important as the R15 was when it was first launched in India, a bike that shaped the budget-friendly performance segment in India. In the same vein, the WR 155R could open up new avenues for us in the adventure touring segment, with more emphasis on the adventure side of things, of course. Now that the 2020 WR 155R has reached the shores of Thailand, we can’t help but hope that it makes it to India. Now we do have the price but we’ll get to that a bit later.

The WR 155R shares the same powertrain as the YZF-R15 V3 in India, albeit a slightly detuned version. In essence, the VVA-equipped 155cc makes 16.7PS and 14.3Nm of torque -- 2.7PS and 0.4Nm less than the R15. However, it makes it power 2,000rpm lower with revised gear ratios which are more attuned for off-road use. More importantly, it weighs a puny 134kg -- 8kg less than the R15 V3.0. 

Also Read: Yamaha XSR155: Bikes We’d Like To See In India

Elaborating on its adventure genes -- the WR 155R features long-travel suspension, 21-18-inch spoke wheels wrapped around knobby tyres, 245mm ground clearance, wide handlebars and a potent chassis that’s built to take a beating. The model sold in Thailand doesn’t get ABS, even as an option. But we think Yamaha may offer single-channel ABS if it were to bring the bike to India. 

Problem is, you’ll literally need a ladder to swing your leg over this bike because of its tall seat height. It measures in at 888mm, which is 65mm more than the XPulse 200! Shorter riders can stop dreaming about the WR 155R right about now. Secondly, it can accommodate a total of just 8.1-litres (smaller than its streetfighter siblings) of fuel which take range anxiety to a whole new level. Oh, and you can forget about taking your better half along since it only comes with a single seat. 

Also Read: Hero XPulse 200 Rally Kit vs Yamaha WR155: Image Comparison

Last but not the least, the bike’s priced at 105,000 Baht (approximately, Rs 2,48 lakh). Granted, that’s way too expensive by Indian standards, but before you write off the bike think about this. Yamaha already has the biggest cost cut out -- the engine. The rest of the components could easily be manufactured in India. Sure, it won’t feel as premium and polished as the one sold in Thailand, but it would still work without throwing a fit. 

The entry-level ADV segment is currently occupied by the XPulse 200 and the Himalayan. If Yamaha could slot itself in between this price bracket, say about Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), we could have a winner.