If you are new to motorcycling and in the market for your very first bike, there is no better place to start than a lightweight dual-sport. Tall seats notwithstanding, these are among the most accessible motorcycles on the market. These bikes offer you a way to experience what it is like to ride on the road and off it, and will help you decide what kind of riding you really want to do in the future.
While there is a school of thought that you should buy the bike you want and simply learn how to ride on that, we don’t necessarily agree with that. It is a recipe for disaster, as the bikes most people actually want are not, in any way, shape, or form, beginner-friendly. This little trail bike that doubles up as a perfect city commuter is most certainly beginner-friendly, and will help you hone your skills before you upgrade to the bike you really want.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Yamaha. Whereas, the opinions are our own.
The Sleeper Dual-Sport Bike That Everyone’s Overlooking
This new bike blurs the line between dual-sport and small adventure bike
The Yamaha WR125R Is The Trail Bike That Doubles As A Legit City Commuter
MSRP: $3,999
The WR125R is the first new dual-sport Yamaha has launched in almost two decades. It has arrived rather quietly, without much buzz, but it represents a general shift in the motorcycle market. There is no denying the fact that more versatile motorcycles are getting more popular, while traditional, more specialized motorcycles are simply not selling. As a result, the entry-level dual-sport segment is experiencing a mini-revival, and this little Yamaha is not your only option.
Honda brought out the XR150L a couple of years ago, a bike that has sold in huge numbers throughout the developing world. It is more of a rugged commuter that doubles up as a trail bike, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are planning on upgrading to one of Honda’s capable adventure bikes. It will serve as an ideal training tool and is a good deal cheaper than the Yamaha.
Another option from Honda is the Trail125. Just like the 150, it is more of a rugged commuter, but arguably more fun, and a bike that you might find yourself keeping. In other markets, Kawasaki offers a street-legal version of the KLX140R, and that would be a more like-for-like alternative, but in the US, the KLX230 S serves as the entry point. It is a little more expensive, but you do get what you pay for, as it is a far more capable trail bike.
The WR125R Has A Modern Engine With Variable Valve Actuation
Power: 15 Horsepower
For the past few years, if you wanted a Yamaha dual-sport, you had to choose between two archaic air-cooled singles. While there is nothing wrong with those bikes, the WR125R has a thoroughly modern engine from the YZF-R125 that delivers good power throughout the entire rev range. This is thanks to its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) feature. Much like VVT, as the revs increase, another cam profile is activated for better performance, higher up in the rev range.
Approachable, But Still Fun
While this is an ideal beginner bike, it certainly isn’t like the small-displacement bikes of old. It will potter around the city just fine, but once you get to a trail, you will find that 15 horsepower is plenty. More than enough to get yourself into trouble if you are not careful. The one thing we can’t promise is any level of highway comfort. In fact, we would highly recommend avoiding the highway at all costs.
10 Yamaha And Kawasaki Dual-Sports Built For City Streets And Backroads
The most affordable dual-sport on this list that can ace both urban streets and back roads can be had for as low as $1,000.
The WR125R Keeps It Simple
In the world of affordable dual-sport bikes, simplicity is almost a given. Yamaha does add a few modern touches in the form of ABS (front only) and smartphone connectivity, but further than that, this is most certainly a back-to-basics kind of riding experience, which we love. It is just a motorcycle, no big screens, no fancy electronics, just a (small) engine and two wheels. In terms of suspension, you get a conventional 41 mm fork and a linkage-type rear monoshock, both from KYB. Nothing revolutionary here, but more than sufficient for a bike of this size and weight.
10 Best Dual-Sport Motorcycles For Adventure And Daily Riding
You’ll find representation from all your leading brands, thanks to the popularity of dual-sports
A Budget-Friendly Beginner Bike You May Never Outgrow
One thing that sets it apart is a genuinely very good dirt-bike chassis. It is light, rigid, and has proven to be highly effective in the WR155R model, which has been around in other markets for a few years now. It will be a good trail bike, and while more experienced riders will find it underpowered on the street, they will also find its fun side off-road. One of the major concerns for new riders is outgrowing a bike too quickly. It can incur financial losses and suck the joy out of riding.
On the other side of the spectrum, buying a bike that is too powerful for your skill level is just dangerous. In the case of the WR125R, we have a bike that certain riders may never outgrow. Owning a lightweight trail bike as your second motorcycle is certainly an appealing idea, and that is what this can eventually be for riders who enjoy riding off-road. At worst, it can just be reserved for handling the daily commute. Just don’t go bombing down the highway expecting anything other than a unique blend of discomfort and terror.