A successor to the Serow 250? Yamaha exhibits a mysterious compact off-roader at the Osaka Motorcycle Show 2025

A successor or a completely new car?

Yamaha will be exhibiting an intriguing off-road model for the first time at the Motorcycle Show 2025. What kind of model is it?

As of March 2025, the only off-road model Yamaha has in its lineup in Japan is the Ténéré 700.

It is still fresh in our memory that there was once an entry-level model, the Serow 250, and an off-road sports-oriented WR250, but these are now out of production.

There are probably many users who are particularly attached to the Serow 250. Its gentle ride feels just right for the rider, whether on-road or off-road.

Even on rough roads that a larger bike would shy away from, the Serow has a mysterious aura that makes you think, “Maybe I should try this…” It’s surprising considering that it’s already been five years since production of the Serow ended.

This is a reliable bike even for beginners on forest roads! It arrived from Indonesia. Yamaha WR155R Test Ride Report

If you want to enjoy unpaved roads or go on forest road touring, an off-road or dual-purpose model is essential, but a bike with a large displacement increases the risk of tipping over. The 155cc model we’re introducing this time, the Yamaha WR155, has a full-fledged suspension system but a light body, giving you plenty of security. You’ll definitely fall in love with forest roads! PHOTO: Yamada Shunsuke Interview cooperation: Cycle Road Ito Sashiogi Store http://www.critoh.com

https://motor-fan.jp/bikes/article/50374

Developed as an entry model

Regarding the off-road model exhibited this time, a Yamaha representative had this to say:

“I can’t reveal any details, but I would like you to imagine it as an entry-level model.”

As it is an entry-level model, it can be thought of as a model that inherits the genes of the Serow.

However, it does not seem that the concept of the Serow will be inherited as is.

Looking at the engine, it appears to be a water-cooled engine. Its size is estimated to be in the 155cc class. This means that the concept of the WR has also been inherited. The color of the model exhibited this time is also blue, reminiscent of the WR.

Yamaha has been successful in making a big change in its image. Its current on-road lineup is a complete departure from the traditional model, with many models featuring neo-retro or futuristic designs.

Considering that the Ténéré 700 has been released as a bold large off-roader, it seems that Yamaha is aiming to break away from conventional thinking when it comes to off-roading as well.

Is it under development for commercial use?

It is impossible to imagine what the name of the exhibited car will be, but it is highly likely that it will be put on the market, as the exhibited car appears to be a vehicle that has actually been tested, and traces of this can be seen everywhere.

It seems they are currently searching for a new generation off-roader that is uniquely Yamaha. We look forward to the arrival of Yamaha’s brand new off-roader.

A more impressive bike than the Serow, the Yamaha WR155R is a machine that will delight off-road enthusiasts.

There are probably many users who feel sad that the “WR” name has disappeared from Yamaha’s lineup of variations. However, the name lives on overseas. This time, we test rode the WR 155R, an imported model manufactured in Indonesia. REPORT ● CHIKATA Shigeru PHOTO ● YAMADA Shunsuke Interview cooperation ● Cycle Road Ito Co., Ltd.

https://motor-fan.jp/bikes/article/47840