Ben Spies riding the new Yamaha YZF-R1 my 2012 WGP 50th Anniversary

Revolutionary since its first appearance, Yamaha YZF-R1 it never stops perfecting itself. For the 2012 season it presents important innovations, derived from MotoGP and destined to move the bar of performance and fun even higher, in a motorbike that has written the history of super sports bikes.
The latest generation of R1 immediately dictated new rules for the engine and chassis, on road and track, with victory, at the first attempt, in the 2009 Superbike World Championship, led by Ben Spies. In the 2011 World Superbike season the YZF-R1s proved once again that they are among the fastest and best-handling 1.000 cc bikes.

Pushed by a 998 4 cylinder engine equipped with an innovative cross shaft with irregular bursts, the latest evolution of the R1 is an extraordinary combination of linear power delivery, superior traction and exceptional cornering.

Unlike traditional engines with 180º – 180º – 180º – 180º intervals, with connecting rod feet and pistons moving in pairs, the R1 cross-shaft has irregular firings at 270° – 180° – 90° – 180°, with an individual and separate movement for each connecting rod and piston foot. The irregular firings and the cross arrangement of the connecting rod feet enhance the power at low and medium speeds and guarantee a more linear delivery, increasing traction. And the pilot also has the thrill of hearing a unique and inimitable sound.
On the road and on the track, the R1 adapts to the rider to transform driving into pure fun and excitement. The 2012 model adopts an advanced traction control system (TCS, Traction Control System), to optimize driving in every situation.

Every rider knows that full confidence in their vehicle is one of the most important qualities that a motorcycle can offer, and the new TCS helps to increase the rider's confidence in the R1's roadholding. By analyzing and controlling the rotation of the rear wheel, the new TCS creates a special bond between the rider and his bike, allowing him to fully exploit the enormous potential of a unique motorcycle.
In addition to the new TCS, the YZF-R1 my 2012 has a new ECU mapping, to improve corner exits and performance at low and medium rpm.

The new design of the fairing enhances the look of a motorcycle created for competitions, and the new YZR-M1-inspired steering plate, together with the redesigned footpegs, increase the rider's feeling with his bike.

New 6-level traction control

The highly advanced traction control of the 2012 model was developed taking into account the experiences gained by riders during the races that led to victory in MotoGP.
The new TCS continuously receives data from the sensors on the front and rear wheels and, if it detects slip, the control unit instantly adjusts the degree of opening of the throttle body, the injection volume and the advance. Thanks to the six different levels, in addition to the "off" mode, the traction control can adapt to the different needs of the rider, as well as the characteristics of the road and weather conditions. If used together with the function that allows you to vary the ECU mapping with three modes, TCS offers a total of 21 different engine settings.

The R1's cross-shaft has already become renowned for its high, linear power delivery, and the addition of the new MotoGP-derived traction control allows the already impressive level of traction to be raised to a higher standard. The advantages of TCS are particularly evident on guided tracks, where the new system allows riders who like to find the limit of their bike to unleash the full potential of an unparalleled supersport.

Yamaha YZF-R1 riders try to get the most out of their machine in the controlled environment of the circuits. And it is precisely here that TCS offers something, or rather a lot, more. By carefully adjusting the traction control, in relation to the characteristics of the track, the driver can optimize torque delivery, to push hard in every corner and reduce his lap time. In addition to the undeniable technical advantages, TCS is also designed to increase confidence with the motorbike, and thus allow the rider to improve, with superior riding.

Optimized control unit

The new control unit, remapped, helps to make driving even more exciting. The new maps optimize the degree of throttle opening for YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle – electronic throttle control), the injection volume and the advance. The changes improve control of power delivery at low and mid-range speeds, and deliver fantastic performance just when you need it. In practical terms, you accelerate more decisively when exiting slow corners, and you have better reach.

New steering plate derived from YZR-M1

Another feature inspired by the YZR-M1 is the new steering yoke, derived from the design of the factory bikes competing in MotoGP. Made of aluminium, it is a technologically advanced component, which emphasizes the feeling of high quality transmitted by the bike.
Also new is the special design of the raised ribs, printed on the back of the steering plate. A solution that helps maintain an excellent rigidity balance, increasing handling and the feeling with the rider.

Redesigned rider footpegs

The footpegs have been redesigned, and feature a new aluminum knurling pattern, to increase sensitivity and control. The new design allows the rider to easily and quickly find the ideal support for the boots, to move the weight of the body without problems when cornering.

New design of the low aerodynamic coefficient fairing

The front fairing design is new, which gives the bike a more aggressive "look" and improves the aerodynamics of the front part. Compared to the previous model, the section between the two "eyes" represented by the headlights is more open, and the upper line of the fairing is more decisive.
The central and most protruding part of the fairing is higher than last season and both sides have been redesigned. The combined effect of these "filings" make the "face" of the R1 more aggressive and contemporary, also reducing aerodynamic resistance.

LED position lights and linear lighting

The new fairing incorporates LED position lights in the corner of each of the two headlights. Thanks to a particular treatment, the light radiates creating a particular light beam.

Akrapovic terminals

For the Italian market only, the selling price includes the possibility of choosing to fit Akrapovic carbon exhaust mufflers, approved for road use. The limited edition Yamaha YZF-R1 WGP 50th Anniversary model will instead have titanium Akrapovic mufflers as standard.

Main technical features:

• 998cc MotoGP-derived, 4-cylinder, 4-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine
• Cross shaft with irregular firing intervals at 270º-180º-90º-180º
• Linear delivery for extraordinary traction
• New 6-level traction control (TCS), derived from MotoGP
• New remapped control unit
• YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake)
• YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle)
• D-mode control unit with three mappings
• Short wheelbase aluminum Deltabox frame
• Ideal stiffness balance
• Redesigned screen with low aerodynamic coefficient
• LED position lights with linear irradiation
• New M-1 style aluminum triple clamp
• New rider footrest design

Candle Dyes

WGP 50th Anniversary NEW
Matt Gray NEW
Yamaha Blue
Competition White