2012 Yamaha YZF-R1: Updated And Uprated
Yamaha has announced an updated and uprated YZF-R1 f or 2012. Featuring a range of MotoGP-inspired engine and chassis changes, the new R1 comes with a couple of key track-ready enhancements that will make it both faster and safer on the street.
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Yamaha has announced an updated and uprated YZF-R1 f or 2012. Featuring a range of MotoGP-inspired engine and chassis changes, the new R1 comes with a couple of key track-ready enhancements that will make it both faster and safer on the street.
High on the list of new features is a new seven-mode TCS (Traction Control System), developed from the test-bed of Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP racer.
The system constantly monitors sensors in both front and rear wheels. If wheel-spin is detected in the rear, 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 rider preferences as well as a wide range of surface and weather conditions. It’s on winding roads where Yamaha claims the new traction control system will really be appreciated by performance riders.
And on the racetrack, it will allow riders to push harder for improved lap times.
There is also a total of twenty-one engine set-up options and a new re-mapped ECU to improve low to mid-range controllability and out-of-the-hole performance.
Styling changes include a YZR-M1 handlebar crown, a new-look aerodynamic front fairing with a low frontal-area design (reducing drag), and new hexagonal silencer end-caps and footpegs.
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.
Powered by a 998cc in-line four-cylinder engine with a crossplane crankshaft (featuring an uneven 270° - 180° - 90° - 180° firing interval which gives each piston and con rod its own individual and separate movement), the asymmetric firing sequence produces stronger low to mid-range pulse, as well as a more linear torque output for higher traction.
Already good, the new YZR-R1 looks better again. It goes on sale in December, RRP still to be announced.
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 power maps
- 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
2012 YZF-R1 specifications | |
Engine type | Twin spark engine, liquid-cooled, 4- stroke, DOHC, forward-inclined parallel 4-cylinder, 4-valve |
Displacement | 998cc |
Bore x stroke | 78.0 mm x 52.2 mm |
Compression ratio | 12.3 : 1 |
Lubrication system | Wet sump |
Carburettor | Fuel Injection |
Clutch Type | Wet, multiple-disc coil spring |
Ignition system | TCI |
Starter system | Electric |
Transmission system | Constant Mesh, 6-speed |
Final transmission | Chain |
Frame | Aluminium Deltabox |
Front suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm |
Front travel | 120 mm |
Caster Angle | 24º |
Trail | 102 mm |
Rear suspension | Swingarm |
Rear Travel | 120 mm |
Front brake | Dual Discs, Ø 310 mm |
Rear brake | Single Disc, Ø 220 mm |
Front tyre | 120/70 ZR17M/C (58W) |
Rear tyre | 190/55 ZR17M/C (75W) |
Overall length | 2070 mm |
Overall width | 715 mm |
Overall height | 1130 mm |
Seat height | 835 mm |
Wheel base | 1415 mm |
Min ground clearance | 135 mm |
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) | 206 kg |
Fuel tank capacity | 18 litres |
Oil tank capacity | 3.7 litres |
Colours | Matt Grey; 50th Anniversary White; Yamaha Blue, Competition White |
Warranty | 24 months, unlimited kms, parts and labour |
RRP (inc GST) | TBA |
On sale | December 2011 |