Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZF-R1 1000 WGP 50th Anniversary 2012 The colors of glory

the 2012 R1 arrives with traction control accompanied by a beautiful Replica dress: this 50th anniversary WGP deco. Produced in a limited edition of 2,000, it features the same crest as the MotoGP M1 at Laguna Seca and Assen 2011 - in other words, a lively nod to Yamaha's first Grand Prix bikes of the 60s and 70s. Its rear end is fitted as standard with a pair of Akrapovic silencers.

shaken up by the new generation of hypersport bikes, led by BMW S 1000 RR, Kawasaki ZX-10 R and Aprilia RSV-4, the Yamaha R1 can no longer rely on its cross-plane layout as a means of slamming its fist on the performance table.
OK, this generation of R1s offered the WSBK world championship title to Ben Spies; sure, its motricity and burning twin noise have charmed more than one rider; OK, its name still rings out like a summation of sportiness. But as 2011 draws to a close, it can no longer afford to be a scarecrow in the hypersports clan.

The 2012 model was therefore eagerly awaited. But it's clear that the revolution won't happen just yet. This YZF 1000 upgrades its technology with TCS traction control. Its traction control uses speed sensors located on the front and rear wheels. When the rear wheel begins to spin, the control unit modifies fuel injection, throttle opening and ignition to calm the beast. The system can be set to six positions, plus, for the brave, an off mode. With its three on-board mappings, the 2012 R1 offers riders twenty-one electronic tuning configurations.

As for the aesthetics, they've been so little altered that you'd need computer graphics skills to see the differences. The R1 retains its distinctive silhouette, arousing both admiration and curiosity. It knows how to charm and intimidate with its eyes, all the more so as the latter are more finely creased. The position lights are now LED, extended by a comma of reflective coating; enough to give it tears of light. The lower fairing has been revised (really?), the new upper tee is inspired by MotoGP, and the exhaust heat shields have been redesigned.

In the bowels, we find the irregular 998 cm3 4-cylinder - let's recall how it works: the ballet in the cylinders is characterized by an asynchronous ignition sequence of 270º - 180º - 90º - 180º (180° all the time in a standard 4-cylinder). This so-called cross-plane timing smoothes torque and offers greater driveability. Not to mention a soundtrack reminiscent of a growling V4, ready to give you goose bumps. Has the block gained horsepower in this R1 cross-plane phase 2? Nothing. There's still a full 182 horsepower. That's more than enough to give you a fright on the open road, and there's plenty of room for some blistering lap times on the racetrack. But compared to the 200-powered Kawasaki ZX-10 R and BMW S 1000 RR, the R1 doesn't have enough power under the wrist.
The on-board ECU has been optimized and the fuel injection system retains a choice of three mappings, reprogrammed for greater smoothness, better re-acceleration and more mid-range watts.

New R1, new parts. These include new, redesigned footrests, now with non-slip cast-aluminum protrusions for improved feel, hexagonal-shaped muffler tips, plus the fork crown and LED lights already mentioned.

Right, let's get to the point: cross-plane engine timing, traction control, variable-height intake cones, choice of maps, 6-piston radial brake calipers. The 2012 YZF-R1 is packed with technology. It's like a heat-seeking missile, forged with track-day envy in mind. But the problem is, the competition is just as sharp as it is, with added power.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos