wr 155 off-road review
Introduction
In this video, we’re discussing the WR155 and how it compares to other motorbikes. I’m not comparing it to two-stroke dirt bikes like KTMs because it’s a different category altogether. You’d be right to say a KTM is better for tricky off-roading—I agree. But the WR155 isn’t designed for that, in particular.
It’s a dual sport motorbike and should be compared with other dual sport bikes. When you compare it to bikes like the XR150 or the CRF250L, the WR155 outperforms them by a large margin.
Road Comfort and Off-Road Capability
Unlike dirt bikes, the WR155 is capable of long road rides with complete comfort. Spending half an hour on my two-stroke on the road leaves me exhausted, but on the WR155, the noise is minimal, the suspension is smooth, and you can comfortably ride for hours.
and - Once you reach your destination, the bike is ready for serious off-roading.
Power
One of the first things you’ll notice is the power difference. On a steep or tricky hill climb, an XR150 tends to lose power halfway up and feels like it might stall, even with clutch slipping. The WR155, however, maintains momentum and power consistently.
The XR150 has 13 horsepower, while the WR155 has 17. That might not seem like a lot, especially compared to larger adventure bikes, but the weight-to-power ratio is excellent for a dual sport bike. Even compared to the CRF250L, the WR155 feels more powerful.
Suspension
The wr 155 has 9.6 inches of suspension travel at the front compared to the XR150’s 7.1 inches. The WR155’s suspension rarely bottoms out, even over jumps, bumps, or rocks, unlike the XR or CRF. It also feels a bit firmer, allowing faster riding on tricky terrain without damage or discomfort.
Overall, the suspension is much better suited for off-road challenges.
Braking and Foot Pegs
The WR155 has higher foot pegs than the XR150 or CRF, reducing the chance of catching your feet on rocks or obstacles. On the XR150, the rear brake is so low it’s easy to catch your foot on something while braking into a corner—a safety concern.
The WR155 features a rear disc brake (not a drum), which works much more effectively. For difficult terrain, reliable brakes are essential, and the WR155 delivers.
Weight and Handling
The WR155 weighs 134 kg—not light compared to my KTM two-stroke at 105 kg. However, it’s important to compare it to similar bikes: the XR150 has a comparable weight, and the CRF250L is heavier at 148 kg.
Despite the weight, the WR155 feels much lighter due to its narrow, tall frame, which allows for agile, controlled handling. It’s easy to maneuver side to side and through technical sections. By contrast, the XR150 feels short and bulky, making it harder to handle in tricky conditions.
Conclusion
The WR155 is an excellent touring bike. If you want to travel long distances, such as exploring Vietnam from south to north, this bike offers comfort for hours on the road without numbness or fatigue.
Where it really shines is its off-road capability. You can take it on long road rides and then tackle off-road trails confidently. It’s a truly versatile and competitive dual sport bike.
