2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 First Ride Photo Gallery

Yamaha has equipped the 2012 YZF-R1 with traction control and has made minor changes to the styling.

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is available in four color schemes, ranging in price from $13,990 to $14, 490.

A numbered plaque on is placed on the tank of the 50th anniversary Yamaha YZF-R1.

The top triple clamp on the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 has been restyled but is purely cosmetic.

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is big fun on the street.

The rear suspension on the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 has a new shock spring that is stiffer initially and softer and the end of the stroke.

The crossplane crank and uneven firing order of the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 makes putting the power to the ground easy.

The 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is stable and confidence inspiring but requires extra effort to move it around.

Just a couple of clicks to the rear rebound was all that was needed to make the 2012 Yamaha R1's suspension to settle into the track.

The traction control system on the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 can detect wheelspin before the rider can.

The traction control system on the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 uses wheel sensors to detect slip and then adjusts the power accordingly.

The exhaust note from the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is one of the sweetest on the track.

Although the Yamaha YZF-R1 may not have needed traction control, the addition has made it an easier and more fun bike to ride.

The traction control system on the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 is more useful on the track than the street.

Seven levels of traction control combined with three D-Mode levels give the rider 21 power and traction settings on the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1