For all of you Yamaha fans, here’s a first look at the 2012 Yamaha R1. Hot on the heels of capturing its second-in-a-row AMA Pro Racing American SuperBike Championship with Josh Hayes aboard its cross-plane crankshaft YZF-R1, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, introduces its new 2012 R1, along with its compete lineup of Super Sport Motorcycles.
The R1, which was already bristling with MotoGP technology has been updated for 2012 with even more innovations derived from the World-Championship-winning YZR-M1(r).
The biggest addition is an all-new, seven-level Traction Control System, which was developed specifically so the rider doesn’t feel any unnatural or harsh intervention from the system. Coupled with a new ECU optimized for acceleration and controllability in the mid-to-low-speed range, as well as the proven three-level D-Mode electronic throttle response control, 2012 R1 riders will have no less than 21 different choices available to tailor to their riding preference.
The large choice of settings enables the R1’s TCS to compensate for subtle changes in the contact patch between the tire and the riding surface. In addition, because TCS results in less wheel spin, the system can aid in reducing tire wear.
Other MotoGP-influenced changes to the R1 include an all-new top triple clamp with styling taken directly from the M1, and the 2012 R1’s footpegs have been redesigned for improved boot-sole contact and better ergonomics.
And the changes to the 2012 R1 don’t stop there. The bike also receives a new upper fairing with a revised headlight cowl for more modern and aggressive styling, new LED position lights for a more menacing and distinctive look, and new hexagon-shaped muffler caps and heat shields for a sharper profile at the rear.
With Yamaha celebrating its 50th year in World Grand Prix Road Racing, the factory MotoGP team commemorated the occasion twice in America this past summer, with the M1s of Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies resplendent in brilliant red-and-white livery at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
That celebration literally rolls on with the 2012 R1, as the bike can be had in the same limited-edition Pearl White/Rapid Red livery, with a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank and a specially engraved and numbered plate showing the production number of only 2000 bikes that will be produced worldwide in the commemorative colors.
Special gold Yamaha emblems and MotoGP-inspired graphics and sponsor decals complete the stunning package. The R1 will be available in dealerships beginning in October in four colors: Raven, Pearl White/Candy Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White, and the limited-edition 50th Anniversary color scheme.
Alongside, but not playing second fiddle to its liter-class big brother, the AMA Pro Racing Supersport-Championship-winning YZF-R6(r) is back for 2012, and it will also be available as a limited-edition model in the same Pearl White/Rapid Red 50th Anniversary Edition colors as the limited-edition re-and-white R1.
Light, yet powerful, the R6 is the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle that Yamaha–or anyone else, for that matter–has ever built. The R6 will also arrive in dealerships this October, and it will be available in the same four colors as the R1, with the limited-edition 50th Anniversary R6 arriving in January.
Yamaha’s full lineup of Super Sport models, including the FJR1300, FZ1, FZ8, and FZ6R will all be back for 2012 with new colors and class-leading features. Full information on all of these models, as well as the complete line of GYTR Performance Accessories, Riding Apparel, Demo Schedules, additional Rider Resources, and more can be found by visiting www.yamaha-motor.com.
Tags: 50th anniversary yamaha r1, Black Girls Ride Magazine, yamaha motorcycles, yamaha r1, yamaha street bikes, yzf r1
Share On Facebook
Tweet It
