We have previously reported on the anticipated development of a public road off-road model by Yamaha, which has been missing from Japan since the Serow 250 was discontinued in 2020, but we have caught wind of rumors regarding its displacement.
CG: SRD
200-230cc instead of 250cc! Would there be a Serow route if it were?
It is still fresh in our minds that Kawasaki displayed the new KLX230 at the Japan Mobility Show.
It is expected to go on sale in Japan in the spring of 2024 or later. In 2023, Suzuki will launch the V-Strom 250SX in Japan, a situation that is revitalizing off-road models that have been on the verge of extinction.
Yamaha will not remain silent on this situation and is expected to develop a 250cc class off-road model, but the displacement is rumored to be around 200 to 230cc, not 250cc, the upper limit for light motorcycles. The reason why Yamaha dares not to go with a 250cc model may be a development policy reminiscent of the first-generation SEROW.
Launched in 1985, the Serow was a light and compact chassis, and its original concept was not to be fast, but to be able to get around on mountain roads even while landing on its feet.
The displacement was slightly larger than its predecessor, the XT200, but it dared to choose a mid-range displacement of 223 cc instead of 250.
If Yamaha's new off-road model will have a displacement of 200-230 cc, it is possible that it will not be a power-oriented model. We have tentatively named the vehicle WR230R, but the naming and specific image are still unknown. However, the displacement suggests that it may go the Serow route.
In the CG forecast, we assumed the new WR230R as we expected the WR to be the basic model in terms of global development. However, since Kawasaki's KLX230 will be launched as an air-cooled model, it could be an air-cooled Celo 230.
WR250R (2007) [YAMAHA] The best off-road machine on public roads, the first off-road machine in Japan with an engine that uses a titanium valve on the intake side and delivers 31 PS, mounted on an aluminum frame.
The price exceeded (approx.) 4796 USD including tax, making it the talk of the town.
SEROW 250 (2020) [YAMAHA] The final model of the SEROW 250, was revived in 2018 to comply with the 2016 emission regulations.
It was favored for a wide range of applications due to its excellent footprint. It survives in North America as the XT250.
TW200 (2023) [YAMAHA] The TW200, which created a huge boom in Japan, is still available in North America. Although it has a strong fan base, a line of new TW models is unlikely.
The YZF-R15 may be followed by the introduction of the WR155R!
Yamaha released the YZF-R15 in Japan on October 16, which is now available in Asia, and the 150cc class is becoming popular in Japan not only for scooters but also for geared fun bikes.
Does this mean that we can expect to see the WR155R with the same engine?
The editorial forecast is that it could be possible after 2024. The WR155R has also been suggested from the time rumors of the YZF-R15's release in Japan, and we expect it to be sold in Japan. The engine is from the same family as the YZF-R15, so there will be no problem in meeting emission regulations, but the problem is that ABS will need to be introduced.
The overseas version of the WR155R delivers approximately 17 PS of power and can cruise at 100 km/h with ease. Depending on the conditions, it could reach 120 km/h. The good extension in the high-rpm range is a feeling that exceeds the 155cc displacement, and if the 880mm seat height can be lowered, it will be able to cover the range of the Serow 250.
WR155R [YAMAHA] Yamaha's off-road vehicle for public roads, marketed in Indonesia and Thailand.
The engine is a liquid-cooled single-cylinder OHC 155cc with variable valves, the same as the YZF-R15.
When we test-rode a parallel-imported vehicle in Japan, we also tested it on the highway.
The engine is easy enough to handle as a beginner's entry-level vehicle, with low-speed torque reminiscent of the Serow 250, and is difficult to stall.
The WR155R has a special semi-double-cradle frame and other features that ensure adequate off-road performance. The suspension did not bottom out easily either.
Major Specifications of 2023 WR155R Indonesia Specifications (Reference)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2145 x 840 x 1200mm
Wheelbase: 1430mm
Seat height: 880mm
Vehicle weight: 134 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 155cc
Maximum output: 16.7 PS at 6500 rpm
Maximum torque: 1.45 kg-m/10000 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 8.1 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=2.75-21, R=4.10-18
Price: 38.6 million rupiah (approximately 2454 USD)
