Yamaha's literbike returns for 2012 sporting some nice updates. A new 7 level traction control system accompanies tweaks to the ECU mapping. Styling changes focus on an updated upper fairing, but the top triple and some exhaust bits get the aesthetic treatment too. Chassis updates are limited to adjusted pegs.
2012 Yamaha YZF-R1
Yamaha says:
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®.
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 a 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.
Features
- For 2012, the YZF-R1 receives another benefit from MotoGP® technology – a seven-level Traction Control System. The system has been developed so the rider does not feel any unnatural or harsh intervention from the system. In addition, traction control can aid in reducing tire wear due to less wheel spin. Coupled with the three level D-Mode electronics throttle response control, riders have 21 different choices available to tailor the YZF-R1 to their riding preference.
- World GP 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates Yamaha’s racing heritage with Pearl White/Rapid Red livery. Includes a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank and a special numbered plate showing the production number of only 2000 units that will be produced worldwide in these commemorative colors. Gold Yamaha badges are used on the fuel tank, front, and rear of the motorcycle, and an additional small sticker kit will be provided.
- The 2012 YZF-R1 has a new headlight cowl designed to be sharper, more modern, and more aggressive. LED position lights are used for a high quality and distinctive look. Out back, the muffler end caps and heat shields are restyled for a more mechanical look. And a new top triple clamp is styled after the YZR-M1.
- This R1 keeps all the technological superiorities developed for its predecessor: YCC-T™ (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP® inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I® is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. The fuel injection system provides optimum air/fuel mixtures for maximum power and smooth throttle response.
- In keeping with this machine’s exceptional cornering ability and crisp handling, the aluminum frame has been designed to offer exceptional rigidity balance. The rear frame is lightweight Controlled-Fill die-cast magnesium, contributing the optimum mass centralization. Suspension includes SOQI front forks which use one of the tricks developed for our winning MotoGP® bikes: independent damping. The left fork handles compression damping and the right side handles the rebound damping. And the rear shock adopts bottom linkage for optimum suspension characteristics.
- The sound on the YZF-R1 is unlike any other inline four cylinder production supersport. The precise and throaty pulse of the exhaust note will have riders enthused every time the throttle is opened.
New for 2012:
- Seven-level Traction Control System allows the rider to get more traction and drive while exiting corners.
- New ECU settings provide excellent drivability during low and mid rpm acceleration.
- New top triple clamps add to the appearance of the YZF-R1, reminiscent of the MotoGP® powerhouse YZR-M1.
- The footrests have been redesigned for great boot sole contact and advanced rider/motorcycle interface.
- New headlight cowl styling and LED position lights enhance the YZF-R1’s unique styling.
- New silencer heat guards and end caps are re-styled to give the rear end of the bike a more compact look, while at the same time making the individual parts look more mechanical.
Engine:
- Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in victory after victory on MotoGP® machines provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical inline-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180°intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90° with a unique firing order of 270° –180° – 90° – 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuations in inertial torque during each engine revolution, and the accompanying peaky torque characteristics. Instead, combustion torque continues to build, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction out of the corners.
- To maximize rider comfort as well as power output, the engine adopts a coupling-type balancer that rotates in the opposite direction as the crankshaft.
- This engine features forged aluminum pistons to take maximum advantage of the power characteristics. - -- Titanium intake valves are lightweight.
- A forced-air intake system is adopted to increase intake efficiency by using the natural airflow during riding to pressurize the air in the air box. This contributes to outstanding power delivery characteristics in the high-speed range, while the design also helps to minimize intake noise.
- Slipper-type back torque-limiting clutch greatly facilitates braking/downshifting from high speed.
- The exhaust system is meticulously designed to enhance engine output while, thanks to its three-way catalyst technology, also reducing exhaust emissions. The silencer is a single expansion type, and the sound coming through from the unique crossplanecrankshaft- equipped engine is unlike any other inline-four cylinder production supersport.
- This fuel-injected engine takes full advantage of YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle), the MotoGP®-inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. There’s also YCC-I, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake, the variable intake system that broadens the spread of power.
- Have it your way, thanks to Yamaha D-MODE (or “Drive Mode”) variable throttle control. There are three modes that control how YCC-T responds to throttle input from the rider. The selectable “A” mode puts more emphasis on engine response in low to midrange rpm. “B” mode, on the other hand, provides less sharp response to input for riding situations that require especially sensitive throttle operation. The standard map is designed for optimum overall performance. Selecting the map you want is as easy as pressing a button on the handlebars.
Chassis/Suspension:
- The frame has a combination of uncompromising rigidity where needed along with carefully achieved flex for the precise rigidity balance this bike needs to give the rider the full benefit of its handling and engine characteristics. It is a sophisticated combination of Controlled-Fill die-cast, stamping, and gravity casting… the exact technology needed for each portion of this advanced frame.
- Front forks take a page from the championship-winning design of our MotoGP® weapon, the M1. Since both forks always move together, compression damping duties can be confined to the left fork, while rebound damping is precisely handled by the right fork, reducing oil cavitation.
- The rear shock features both high and low speed compression damping plus an easy-to-use screw hydraulic adjustment for preload. This unit also adopts a pillow-ball-type joint for exceptional shock absorption, road hold feeling, and damper response. To achieve maximum performance, a bottom linkage is used to work with the rest of the chassis refinements for brilliant, crisp handling characteristics.
- Factory racers get machines tailored to their preferences. Welcome to the club. R1 has adjustable footrests, with a 15mm height and 3mm front-to-rear adjustment.
Additional Features:
- The instrumentation includes everything a rider wants to know, including gear position.
Specs
MSRP: US $14,490 (World GP 50th Anniversary - Pearl White/Rapid Red) Available from October 2011, $14,190 (Pearl White/Candy Red) Available from October 2011, $13,990 (Raven) Available from October 2011, $13,990 (Team Yamaha Blue/White) Available from October 2011
ENGINE
Type: 998cc, liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 16 valves (titanium intake valves)
Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm X 52.2mm
Compression Ratio: 12.7:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel Injection with YCC-T and YCC-I
Ignition: TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission: 6-speed w/multiplate slipper clutch
Final Drive: #530 O-ring chain
CHASSIS
Suspension / Front: 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Suspension / Rear: Single shock w/piggyback reservoir; 4-way adjustable, 4.7-in travel
Brakes / Front: Dual 310mm disc; radial-mount forged 6-piston calipers
Brakes / Rear: 220mm disc; single-piston caliper
Tires / Front: 120/70ZR17
Tires / Rear: 190/55ZR17
DIMENSIONS
Length: 81.5 in
Width: 28.1 in
Height: 44.5 in
Seat Height: 32.8 in
Wheelbase: 55.7 in
Rake (Caster Angle): 24.0°
Trail: 4.0 in
Fuel Capacity: 4.8 gal
Fuel Economy*: 33 mpg
Wet Weight**: 454 lb
OTHER
Primary Reduction Ratio: 65/43 (1.512)
Secondary Reduction Ratio: 47/17 (2.765)
Gear Ratio - 1st Gear: 38/15 (2.533)
Gear Ratio - 2nd Gear: 33/16 (2.063)
Gear Ratio - 3rd Gear: 37/21 (1.762)
Gear Ratio - 4th Gear: 35/23 (1.522)
Gear Ratio - 5th Gear: 30/22 (1.364)
Gear Ratio - 6th Gear: 33/26 (1.269)
Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
* Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission certification data obtained by Yamaha. Your actual mileage will vary depending on road conditions, how you ride and maintain your vehicle, accessories, cargo, and operator/passenger weight.
** Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.
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