2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 – The Most Advanced Open-Class Production Motorcycle

Introduction

2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is a liter-class superbike with which the track day enthusiasts and experience supersport riders will have a blasting ride. It is unlike anything before, benefiting from even more MotoGP technology for 2012 model year with new 7-level traction control World GP 50th Anniversary Livery option. The World GP Livery includes 50th Anniversary logo on fuel tank along with special numbered plate showing production number of 2000 units, which will be developed worldwide. For 2012 model, it gets additional benefit from MotoGP technology called seven-level traction control system, which is designed and engineered so that the rider doesn’t feel harsh or unnatural intervention from this technology.

Key Features

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1’s traction control system can aid in reducing tire wear because of less wheel spin. Combined with three-level D-Mode electronics throttle response control, riders have 21 different choices offered for tailoring to their riding preference. The World GP 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates company’s racing heritage with Rapid Red/Pearl White Livery. Gold Yamaha badges are used on rear, fuel tank and front of the bike along with extra small sticker kit offered.

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 features a new headlamp cowl designed and engineered for providing more aggressive, sharper and more modern look. The LED position lamps are used for unique and top notch look. The redesigned muffler end caps and heat shields provide a more mechanical look. It keeps all the technical superiorities designed for previous model; the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) is MotoGP inspired fly by wire technology designed for providing instant throttle response, while the Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) offers optimum fuel/air mixtures for smooth throttle response and maximum power.

In keeping with 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1’s crisp handling and outstanding cornering ability, its aluminium frame has been engineered for providing excellent rigidity balance. The lightweight die-cast Controlled-Fill magnesium rear frame contributes optimum mass centralization. Suspension system includes SOQI front forks that use one of tricks designed for their winning MotoGP motorcycles; independent damping. The right fork handles rebound damping, while left side handles compression damping. The rear shock adopts bottom linkage for optimum suspension characteristics.

New for 2012

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 gets seven-level traction control system, which allows the rider to get more traction and ride while exiting corners. The all new top triple clamps add to appearance of this bike, reminiscent of MotoGP powerhouse YZR-M1. The footrests have also been redesigned for sophisticated rider or motorcycle interface and great boot sole contact. The LED position lamps and new headlamp cowl styling enhance its distinctive styling.

Powertrain

Powering the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is a 998cc liquid cooled four-stroke DOHC 16-valve engine with maximum output of 179.6 horsepower at 12,500 rpm and 115.5 newton meters of torque at 10,000 rpm. The engine is teamed up with six-speed transmission with Transistor Controlled Ignition for superior performance and enhanced power delivery in all conditions. Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in success after success on MotoGP motorcycles offers a high-tech uneven firing interval. As compared to usual inline four-cylinder engine design, where the two inner and two outer pistons move together in pairs with 180-degree intervals, this crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90-degree with exclusive firing order of 270° –180° – 90° – 180°. Rather than combustion torque continues to build, providing the rider more linear throttle response with awesome traction and power out of corners.

For maximizing rider comfort and power output, the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1’s engine adopts coupling-type balancer, which rotates in opposite direction like the crankshaft. The exhaust system is scrupulously engineered for enhancing powertrain output with its three-way catalyst technology, reducing exhaust emissions. The silencer is single expansion type, and the sound coming through from exclusive crossplane crankshaft equipped powertrain is unlike any other inline-four cylinder engines found on supersport bikes. This fuel-injected engine takes full benefit of Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), a MotoGP-inspired fly by wire technology used for delivering instant throttle response. You will also find a Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), a variable intake system, which broadens spread of power.

Chassis/Suspension

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1’s frame gets a combination of uncompromising rigidity where required along with carefully achieved flex for accurate rigidity balance this motorcycle needs to provide the rider the full advantage of its engine and handling characteristics.

Bottom Line

Yamaha uses bottom to work with rest of chassis refinements for providing brilliant, crisp handling characteristics, which the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is known for.