The West Rambler Returns: Yamaha WR155R Scrambler

Baja-Style WR155R Scrambler from Solace Motorcycle…  

The Yamaha WR155R is a modern dual-sport that features a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 155cc single-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). For years, it’s been mainly available in Southeast Asian markets like Indonesia and the Philippines — a fact we’ve lamented on occasion, as the punchy little WR remains one of the most advanced small-displacement dual-purpose bikes in production. Well, maybe someone was listening, as Yamaha has decided to bring its 125cc sibling, the WR125R, to the North American and European markets as a 2026 model — hurray! 

That announcement found its way to our buddy Pungky Mardhany of Jakarta’s Solace Motorcycle, whose Yamaha WR155R “West Rambler” was one of our most popular scramblers of 2024. 

“This bike’s the one that brought me back to my passion for motorcycles. It can handle anything: daily rides to the office, chill weekend runs, long distance touring, cross country or overland trips, even track days on flat track or grasstrack.
For me, it’s more than just a way to get around. It’s a way to express myself, a ride that’s taken me places both literally and figuratively.”

West Rambler: Yamaha WR155 Scrambler

 

With the 125cc sibling of this model slated to arrive on American and European shores, it was the perfect time to introduce the latest evolution of Pungky’s West Rambler, whose modifications might inspire new owners of the platform. 

“Over three years of riding, I kept improving the bike’s usability step by step. For the latest iteration, I took a lot of inspiration from rally bikes — especially vintage Baja motorcycles.”

Pungky worked with Dodo of Wasaka Motorcycle to develop the Baja-style dual headlight setup, which resembles the high-output LED race lighting popular among SCORE International desert racers…and completely transforms the look and character of the bike. 

The headlight setup is just the beginning. The West Rambler is now running a Scarlet Racing aluminum swingarm, an Over Racing full exhaust system, a Retouch Sprite navigation / audio system, Barkbusters, Giant Loop Pronghorn straps for Pungky’s luggage and rainsuit, and Dunlop D605 rubber. 

Possibly our favorite addition is the XGrip Mc Gyva handlebar pad that doubles as toolkit — trick! 

While the West Rambler isn’t the lightest or most powerful dual-sport on the planet, it’s incredibly well adapted to Pungky’s needs, looks amazing, and performs like a champ.

“It’s well-suited for light enduro and cross-country riding, and thanks to its fuel injection, it’s also very comfortable for long-distance touring and overland trips.”

We hope the West Rambler serves as inspiration for a new generation of Yamaha WR owners, both here and abroad. Below you’ll find our full interview with Pungky about the build, including more details and links to various parts suppliers. 

Baja-Style Yamaha WR155R: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

My name is Pungky, and I’m part of Solace Motorcycle, a motorcycle collective based in Jakarta, Indonesia. We specialize in content creation and also work closely with several automotive brands such as Motul, Ipone, Deus Ex Machina, and so on.

My love for scrambler and enduro-style motorcycles started back in 2013, when I first discovered Deus Ex Machina and their custom enduro builds. Since then, that aesthetic and spirit have stayed close to my heart. At Solace, we also build motorcycles in-house, and this bike represents the latest and most refined iteration developed through our own workshop.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

2022 Yamaha WR155R. I heard this model was recently introduced to the European market, so I felt it was a good opportunity to reintroduce customization ideas for this platform as inspiration.

• Why was this bike built?

This is my personal motorcycle. I use it for daily commuting through Jakarta traffic, as well as for weekend dirt rides, scrambler trips, and island-hopping tours.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

Over three years of riding, I kept improving the bike’s usability step by step. For the latest iteration, I took a lot of inspiration from rally bikes — especially vintage Baja motorcycles.

I wanted to balance the modern engine and frame with a classic visual language, so the bike still feels contemporary while paying homage to vintage rally aesthetics. The neutral silver color was chosen to make it universally appealing between those two worlds.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

• Dual Baja headlight with 2×4-point yellow lights – custom-made by Wasaka Motorcycle
• Retouch Sprite CarPlay navigation system
• Barkbusters single-point handguards
• XGrip Mc Gyva Toolkit handlebar pad
• Over Racing Japan full-system exhaust
• Giant Loop Pronghorn straps for raincoat and luggage
• Aluminum swingarm by Scarlet Racing
• Dunlop D605 front and rear tires for on- and off-road adaptability

Does the bike have a nickname?

Yes — West Rambler.

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

The engine remains stock: 16.4 horsepower at 10,000 rpm from its 155cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine, producing 14.3 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. It runs a 6-speed transmission and is very capable for its class.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

It’s relatively heavy for a 155cc 4-stroke, with a wet weight of around 134 kg. However, it remains agile and confident. It’s well-suited for light enduro and cross-country riding, and thanks to its fuel injection, it’s also very comfortable for long-distance touring and overland trips.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

The dual headlight design. It was challenging to strike the right balance — avoiding an oversized XR Baja look while still keeping the design clean, modern, and functional.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

Dodo from Wasaka Motorcycle, who helped bring the custom headlight design to life based on my concept.

Follow the Builder

Instagram: @pungkymardhany | @solacemotor | @wasaka_motorcycle

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