Motorcycle specifications YamahaYZF-R1 1000 SP 2012 A taste of the past

the poor YZF 750 SP must be turning over in its grave; or in the garage of some lucky collector. Until recently, Yamaha had been accustoming us to sumptuous special series, making sport lovers drool. The YZF 750 SP was the gateway to Superbike, with camshafts, carburetors and transmission revised to make it a pure pistarde. In 2006, the R1 SP version was a jewel, with Öhlins suspension, lighter Marchesini rims, more power and an anti-dribble clutch. The 2010 version began to mark time, with special YART-branded bodywork and a pair of Akrapovic mufflers.

now, the SP version of the R1 lacks nobility and is more akin to reconditioning. Gone is the glamour, the dream, the exceptional. The only distinguishing features of the 2012 R1 SP are the two Akrapovic exhausts and a seat cover. A special color perhaps? No, just the white or black of last year's models. Logical, given that these machines are simply better-equipped 2011 vintages. Then there's the price, set at under 14,000 euros. Enough to raise enthusiasm? The cross-plane will be more effective at capturing the heart and senses.

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