2012 Yamaha R1 Gets Traction Control

Bart Madson

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Bashing away at an MCUSA keyboard for more than half a decade, Madson lends his scribbling input on everything from bike reviews to industry features and motorcycle racing reports.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The 2012 YZF-R1 features a new seven-level traction control system. The Yamaha literbike will also be offered in a World GP 50th Anniversary Edition seen above.

Yamaha’s 2012 YZF-R1 will face its Superbike foes with the aid of traction control. The Tuning Fork brand has revealed its 2012 sportbike lineup, with the flagship literbike not a ground-up redesign, but instead a carryover of the 2011 bike with its feature electronic assist. An indiscernible styling refresh to the R1 is bolstered by a special-edition 50th GP Anniversary colorway.

Yamaha hails the R1 traction control system as a direct byproduct of its title-winning MotoGP racing program. The system offers seven levels of TC. A total of 21 settings will be available when combined with the returning three-level D-Mode “Drive Mode” system.

Technical details on how the R1 TC system works are still forthcoming. Yamaha press materials only state: “The system has been developed so the rider does not feel any unnatural or harsh intervention from the system. In addition, traction control can aid in reducing tire wear due to less wheel spin.”

The 998cc Inline Four powering the R1 retains the crossplane crankshaft that first debuted on the 2009 model. The YCC-I (Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake) and YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) systems also return. While a new ECU setting does promise “excellent drivability during low and mid rpm acceleration,” the Yamaha will not get any extra oomph to challenge power production offered by the class-leading BMW S1000RR or HP beast of the Big Four, the Kawasaki Ninja. (The 2011 R1 turned the MotoUSA dyno to 152 horsepower and 75.65 lb-ft, ranking sixth in both categories during our 2011 Superbike Track Comparison)

Significant R1 updates are all internal, as the “re-styled” headlight cowl appears different from the predecessor only in a bold new graphics sort of way. Same goes for the heat guards and exhaust end caps. Other minor refreshes include new top triple clamps, styled after the M1 GP racebike. The adjustable footpegs have been tweaked as well, to enhance boot contact and improve rider interface.

The R1 chassis is unaltered. Spec sheets of the 2012 and 2011 models are identical, from steering geometry to length, width and height dimensions (excepting a nominal 0.1-inch lift in seat height). Fully adjustable Soqi suspension components return, along with the dual six-piston Sumitomo caliper braking configuration up front.

Most notable for the 2012 Yamaha Superbike is what hasn’t been changed (similar to the still-carbureted 2012 YZ250F motocrosser). No ABS system was introduced, and there has been zero weight reduction. Claimed wet weight remains 454 pounds, with the ’11 R1 notable as the heaviest bike in our annual Superbike Shootout – its 473-pound measured curb weight a full 34 pounds more than the class-leading Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Traction control jacks up MSRP by a modest $400, the base models (black and traditional Yamaha blue/white colorways) retailing for $13,990. A white/red paint scheme raises the price another 200 shekels, while the World GP 50th Anniversary Edition livery rings in at $14,490. The special anniversary edition will be limited to a 2000-unit production run worldwide.

Yamaha expects its 2012 R1 to arrive at dealers in October.

The standard R1 blue/white and raven colorways will cost $13,990, with a white/red livery $14,190 and the Anniversary Ed. $14,490.

2012 Yamaha R6 Unchanged

The 2012 Yamaha R6 is unchanged for the new model year, though it will also be available in 50th Anniversary livery.

Yamaha’s Supersport entry goes another year without a major overhaul. It’s been since the 2008 model since a significant redesign, when the 600 benefited from the YCC-T and YCC-I technology of its larger-bore kin. The only notable change for 2012 is a $200 price increase, $10,890 for black and Yamaha blue/white, and $11,090 for white/red colorway. The R6 will also be offered up in a World GP 50th Anniversary Edition for $11,390 – the special edition limited to 1500 worldwide.

The base model R6 will show up on dealer floors in October, with the special anniversary edition expected in January.

Thor Motocross Phase Gear Review

Justin Dawes

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Raised on two wheels in the deserts of Nevada, the newest addition to the MotoUSA crew has been part of the industry for well over 15 years.Equal parts writer, photographer, and rider, "JDawg" is a jack of all trades and even a master of some.

I love fresh gear, and I especially like fresh, top-shelf gear. However, our duties often require us to test gear that isn’t the most expensive or the top of the line. A couple of weeks ago a big box showed up from Thor Motocross. Inside was a smorgasbord of 2012 MX gear for the Southern California crew to test. The sizing for the more spendy Flux and Core jerseys and pants were all tailored to Waheed’s skinny frame, leaving me with the budget-friendly Phase line-up. As disappointed I was not to be the rockstar this time, I would objectively and fairly review the set up even though I felt like chopped liver.

Thor Motocross Phase Slab Jersey - $29.95

Thor is absolutely killing it with the insane amounts of colorways and designs available throughout its range of moto gear. Even those light in the pocketbook get can get the flashy graphics that used to be reserved for only the most expensive duds. The Phase Jersey features sublimated graphics in a 100% polyester, moisture wicking fabric. The neck and cuffs also get the high-end treatment with shaped openings designed to fight restriction of movement.

The fit of the Phase Jersey is not too tight and not too loose. As Goldilocks would say - it’s just right. Lightly padded elbows are a nice touch, and I am a huge fan of the shaped cuffs. This jersey is comfortable! Airflow through the polyester micro-mesh is decent and I had no issues with heat even on 90-degree days. For $29.95 there is no better deal out there.

Thor Motocross Phase Slab Pant - $89.95

Constructed of 600D poly oxford and 500D Kordura the Phase pant was designed to last while still looking cool. On the waist is a ratcheting closure and a small bit of elastic on the side. Leather inner knee panels are standard issue for battling the heat from exhaust headers and wear from knee-braces. The Phase Slab Pant has matching graphics that flow seamlessly into the matching jersey. As a whole this gear’s looks are far beyond what is expected of a budget set-up.

My first impression when pulling on these pants was they were way too tight in the the knee and leg. Sure I’m not exactly the most svelte tester out there, but if the waist fits well the rest should too. it took a little extra effort to pull the Spandura stretch panels over my Asterisk braces, but once in place the fit was surprisingly comfortable. The cut of the Phase Pant is tighter than other pants, but after the day riding in them I like it better. There is no bunching of the knee area to cause blisters or destroy graphics. I also think the waist on the Phase is superior to the more expensive offerings from Thor because it doesn’t pull down in the back when moving around in the saddle.

Thor's Phase Slab gear has found a permenant place in my gear bag right next to all the expensive jerseys and pants.

Overall Thor’s Phase Slab jersey and pant combo far exceeded my expectations of a how a less expensive set of gear could fit and perform. Riders looking for an economical way to protect their hide while looking good doing it should check out the Phase line up. I have to say that even though I am a gear snob, I really like this set of gear and plan on using it regularly.

The Thor Motocross Phase Slab Pant and Phase Slab Jersey can be found at Motorcycle Superstore.
Sizes: Jersey - SM thru 3x, Pant - 28 thru 40