2012 Yamaha YZF-R1
  
For the 2012 season Yamaha will introduce
an uprated YZF-R1 featuring a range of important MotoGP
inspired engine and chassis changes which are designed
to elevate the performance and enjoyment of this unique
race-proven motorcycle to another level.
Since its launch the latest-generation R1 has set
new standards for engine and chassis performance on
the road and track, winning the World Superbike Championship
at its first attempt in 2009 with Ben Spies. In the
2011 WSB season Yamaha’s race-winning factory
YZF-R1 Superbikes have proved to be amongst the fastest
and best-handling 1000cc machines, and in many National
Superbike and Production race series around the world,
the R1 is the machine of choice for front-running
racers.
Powered by a 998cc in-line 4-cylinder engine equipped
with an innovative crossplane crankshaft, the latest-generation
R1 delivers a truly special blend of linear power
combined with superior traction and outstanding cornering
performance.
Unlike conventional 180º - 180º - 180º
- 180º crankshaft designs – which feature
con rods and pistons moving up and down in pairs –
the R1’s crossplane crankshaft features an uneven
270° - 180° - 90° - 180° firing interval
which gives each piston and con rod its own individual
and separate movement. The combination of an asymmetric
firing sequence with the staggered con rod layout
makes for a stronger low to mid-range pulse, as well
as a more linear torque output for higher traction
– and as a bonus the rider can enjoy a truly
unique exhaust note!
On the road or track the R1 rewards the rider like
no other large-capacity supersport machine, and for
even more highly purified excitement the 2012 R1 is
equipped with an advanced Traction Control System
(TCS) for wider ranging controllability in a variety
of conditions.
As every rider knows, a feeling of total confidence
in your machine’s abilities is one of the most
important qualities that any bike can offer, and the
new TCS inspires a high level of trust in the new
R1’s roadholding performance. By monitoring
and controlling rear wheel spin, the new TCS creates
a special bond between the rider and machine, enabling
the owner to exploit the enormous potential of this
outstanding motorcycle.
In addition to the new TCS, the latest R1 benefits
from an optimised engine control unit for improved
corner exits and stronger low to mid-range performance.
A reshaped front cowl enhances the bike’s pure
race-bred looks, while a newly-designed YZR-M1 style
handlebar crown and reshaped footrests make for an
even greater feeling of rider-machine unity.
New 6-mode Traction Control System
For the 2012 season the R1 is equipped with an advanced
new 6-mode TCS (Traction Control System) which has
been developed using feedback gained from the winning
Yamaha YZR-M1 MotoGP racer.
The new Yamaha TCS constantly monitors sensors in
the front and rear wheels, and when any rear wheel
spinning is detected the system alerts the ECU which
instantaneously adjusts the degree of throttle opening,
fuel injection volume and ignition timing. With six
settings plus an ‘off’ mode, the R1’s
new TCS can be adjusted to suit differing rider requirements,
as well as a wide range of surface and weather conditions
- and when used in association with the existing three-mode
Variable Map Function, the 2012 R1 offers a total
of twenty-one engine set-up options.
The R1’s crossplane crankshaft engine has already
established an enviable reputation for its high levels
of linear torque output, and the addition of the new
MotoGP-developed TCS allows the rider to exploit the
bike’s already high levels of traction to an
even greater degree. The benefits of the new TCS are
particularly evident on winding roads, where the new
system enables and encourages performance-minded riders
to bring out the full performance of this remarkable
motorcycle.
As well as enjoying their bikes on the public highway,
a significant proportion of R1 owners are also exploring
the bike’s potential in the controlled environment
of race circuits, and it is on the track that the
TCS gives a real quantifiable advantage. By fine-tuning
the system to suit the prevailing conditions, R1 riders
can optimise the bike’s linear torque characteristics
and are able to push harder on the circuit for improved
lap times. As well as the undoubted technical advantages
it offers, the R1’s TCS is also designed to
reinforce confidence, allowing the rider to perform
at an even higher level on the circuit.
Optimised ECU
In order to achieve a new level of driveability, the
2012 R1 also benefits from the fitment of a new re-mapped
ECU. The revised mapping covers the degree of throttle
opening for the YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle),
as well as the fuel injection volume and the ignition
timing functions. These changes to the ECU improve
low to mid-range controllability and out-of-the-hole
performance – which, in the real world, equates
to stronger acceleration when powering out of slow
corners, and better roll-on acceleration when overtaking.
New YZR-M1 style handlebar crown
Another YZR-M1 inspired feature on the 2012 R1 is
its new handlebar crown, which is based on the design
featured on the Yamaha MotoGP factory race bike. Manufactured
from gravity-cast aluminium, this high-specification
component underlines the machine’s quality feel
and appearance.
Also new is the special relief pattern cast into
the handlebar crown’s back face, which helps
deliver an outstanding balance of rigidity to complement
the handling characteristics of the compact short-wheelbase
chassis.
Newly-designed footrests
For 2012 the footrests have been redesigned, and they
now feature a modified tread pattern of cast aluminium
protrusions which deliver improved feel and fit. This
revised design enables the rider to shift their feet
easily and quickly for more efficient body weight
transfer when cornering.
New-look low-drag front cowl
A new-look front cowl is introduced for 2012, and
as well as giving the R1 a more menacing ‘glare’,
the latest low-frontal-area design offers improved
aerodynamics. Compared to the existing model, the
section beneath the two ‘eyes’ of the
headlights has been opened, and a sharper line is
created above the ‘eyes’.
The central nose portion of the cowl sits higher
than the existing model, and the surfaces either side
of the nose portion have been reshaped. Although relatively
subtle, the combined effect of these changes is to
refresh the face of the 2012 R1, while at the same
time reducing drag.
LED position lamps and linear illumination
The new cowl is equipped with LED position lamps,
and a new reflective finish is incorporated in the
lower edge of the twin headlight assemblies to give
an ‘eye line’ illumination effect when
the position lamps are on. Together with the newly
designed cowl, this linear illumination makes for
a dramatic look, especially during night time riding.
Hexagonal silencer tail caps
The latest R1 benefits from new hexagonal silencer
tail caps for an even sharper and lightweight look,
while new protectors fit tightly around the silencers
to give a more compact looking tail.
2012 YZF-R1 Technical Highlights
- MotoGP-developed 998cc liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder
4-valve DOHC
- Crossplane crankshaft with uneven 270º-180º-90º-180º
firing interval
- Linear torque output for high levels of traction
- New 6-mode MotoGP-developed Traction Control
System (TCS)
- New ECU with revised mapping
- YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake)
- YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)
- 3-position D-mode Map
- Short-wheelbase aluminium Deltabox frame
- Idealised balance of rigidity
- Restyled low-drag front cowl
- LED position lamps with linear illumination
- New M1-style handlebar crown
- Redesigned footrests
- Hexagonal silencer tail caps
Colours:
Anniversary White NEW
Matt Grey NEW
Yamaha Blue
Competition White
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