Yamaha’s YZF-R1 sportbike has been updated with adjustable traction control and a host of styling changes for the 2012 model year. The core of the bike remains the same as it was when it was introduced in 2009. The liquid-cooled, 998cc inline four engine has a bore of 78.0 mm, a stroke of 52.2 mm and a crossplane crankshaft that has an uneven firing order to provide a better connection between the throttle and the rear wheel. The cylinder head has two 31.0mm titanium intake valves and two 25.0 mm stainless steel exhaust valves that are actuated by chain-driven double overhead camshafts. The cylinders are fed by a bank of 45mm Mikuni throttle bodies that are mated to a host of electronic systems, including Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), which is also known as variable-length intake trumpets, and Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), which is also called fly-by-wire throttle. A new Engine Control Unit (ECU) not only contains revised mapping for the fuel-injection, ignition and throttle valves, but it also includes all of the programming for the new traction control system, which comes with seven settings, including Off. The new bike also retains D-Mode’s three-position throttle mapping system. The chassis of the 2012 YZF-R1 remains almost 100% identical to the existing model down to the settings of the suspension components, except for the top triple clamp, which has been restyled to mimic the top triple clamp of the YZR-M1 MotoGP racebike. In addition to the top triple clamp, new styling items on the updated machine include a “sharper” front face with narrower air intake openings and restyled LED running lights and a new design for the muffler’s heat shields and end caps. The 2012 Yamaha comes in three different color schemes and two different Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP). The Team Yamaha Blue/White machine costs $13,990, and the Raven (Black) and Pearl White/Candy Red machines cost $14,190. There will also be a special, limited-production World Grand Prix Racing 50th Anniversary Edition in the same red and white color scheme that adorned the MotoGP racebikes of World Champion Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies at Assen, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The special machines will have numbered plaques and 50th Anniversary emblems on the fuel tanks, gold-colored tuning forks in the Yamaha emblems and a MSRP of $14,490. Only 2000 World GP 50th Anniversary Edition YZF-R1s will be produced, and approximately 750 are slated to come to the United States. More, from a press release issued by Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.: Yamaha Unveils 2012 Supersport Motorcycles Cypress, California, September 14, 2011 Yamaha Motor Corporation USA is pleased to unveil our 2012 model street motorcycles today in Cypress, California. Leading the way and fresh off its second AMA American Superbike Championship in the hands of Josh Hayes is the class leading crossplane crankshaft YZF-R1 Sportbike. For 2012 the R1 receives another benefit from MotoGP technology a seven level Traction Control System. Coupled with a new ECU and three level D mode electronic throttle response control, riders now have 21 different choices to tailor the YZF-R1 to their riding preferences. Other changes to the R1 include a new headlight cowl for more modern and aggressive styling, new LED position lights for a high quality and distinctive look and new muffler caps and heat shields re-styled for a sharper, more mechanical look. In addition the new top triple clamp is styled after the World Championship winning YZR-M1. The World GP 50th Anniversary Edition celebrates Yamaha’s racing heritage with Pearl White/Rapid Red livery, a 50th Anniversary emblem on top of the fuel tank and a special numbered plate showing the production number of only 2000 units that will be produced worldwide in these commemorative colors. Gold Yamaha badges and additional MotoGP inspired graphics complete the package. The R1 will be available in dealerships beginning in October in four colors: Raven, a Pearl White/Candy Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White and the 50th Anniversary Edition. Not to be out-classed, the AMA Supersport Championship winning YZF-R6 is back for 2012 wrapped in the same 50th Anniversary Edition livery of its bigger brother. Light, powerful, and bristling with knowledge gained from years of racing and multiple AMA Championships, the YZF-R6 is the most advanced production 600cc motorcycle Yamaha-or anybody else- has ever built. Also arriving in dealerships in October, the R6 will be available in the same four colors as the R1 with the 50th Anniversary Edition arriving in January. Our full line of Supersport models including the FZ 1, FZ 8, FZ6R and FJR 1300 all return for 2012 with new colors and class leading features. Full information on all of these models as well as our full line of GYTR Performance Accessories, Riding Apparel, Demo Schedules and additional Rider Resources and more can be found here: www.yamaha-motor.com.