Yamaha 50th Anniversary R1

In the spirit of the red/white livery used by MotoGP Champion Jorge Lorenzo and his teammate Ben Spies, Yamaha released the 2012 Yamaha R1 in a limited edition Pearl White/Rapid Red color scheme that celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Japanese marquee in GP racing.

The LE MotoGP color-scheme will only be available on 2000 bikes, and feature a 50th Anniversary emblem on the top of the fuel tank, a specially engraved and numbered plate showing the production number, and gold Yamaha emblems.

The new feature on the 2012 R1 is the seven-level Traction Control System, which was "developed specifically so the rider doesn't feel any unnatural or harsh intervention from the system."

This, coupled with the MotoGP-derived cross-plane crankshaft, a feature that was designed with input from nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi, makes for one aggressive sport machine that's ready to take on any track.

Speaking of the cross-plane cranskshaft, Yamaha says: "Unlike typical inline-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180°intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90° with a unique firing order of 270° -180° - 90° - 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuations in inertial torque during each engine revolution, and the accompanying peaky torque characteristics. Instead, combustion torque continues to build, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction out of the corners."

Attached above is wallpaper of the 50th Anniversary 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1. For a preview of the 2012 R1, click here.

Click motorcycle thumbnail to expand. Right click motorcycle wallpaper to download.