Yamaha has released an updated
YZF-R1 for 2012, with subtle styling
changes and a seven-level traction control system among the new
features. The model will also be available in a
World GP 50th
Anniversary Edition to celebrate the company's 50 years in Grand Prix
racing. While journalists were shown one of the bikes at Yamaha's
headquarters, little information was available as far as the internal
changes. The bike retains the previous model's engine with its
crossplane crankshaft and uneven firing order, but new ECU settings are
used for the throttle angle, fuel and ignition mapping. A new traction
control system utilizes wheel speed sensors and offers six positions of
increasing intervention in addition to an off setting. This is the first
system seen on a Yamaha sportbike (the Super Tenere, introduced last
year as an early-release 2012 model, also has TC) and most likely uses
some of the technology detailed in our last issue's traction control
story. According to a series of patents
awarded to Yamaha, the system Includes some innovative signal processing
inside the ECU to avoid the use of gyro or lean angle sensors.
The
upgraded styling features a more aggressive front fairing with larger
LED position lamps, along with new muffler heat shields and end caps.
The footrest hangers are now black as opposed to plain aluminum, while t
he r am air covers are now color-matched Instead of black. A new t o p
triple clamp takes its styling f r om the M1 MotoGP bike. The 2012 R1
will be available in Team Yamaha Blue/White and Raven with an MSRP of
$13,790, or Pearl White/ Candy Red f o r $200 more. The 50th anniversary
edition wears t he signature red/white/black livery t he MotoGP team
used at both US Grand Prix events and f o r Ben Spies' victory at Assen
earlier this year, and will cost $14,290. Yamaha USA has scheduled a
riding press introduction for about the time you read this, so be sure
to check the website for our first impressions of the bike and an
upcoming Issue for the full report.
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