Alex

The bike was updated in 2012 and given new and improved traction controls. Although Yamaha is no stranger to traction controls which were also featured in their Super Tenere bike, a machine which was designed specifically for adventure-touring, this updated model is Yamaha's first attempt to produce a traction control system that is suitable for Superbike level. They've succeeded here with an advanced six-stage system that is superbly intuitive compared even to the well-known market leaders. The system has the edge over the BMW's S 1000 RR model and is much smoother than the latest from Kawasaki and others. The clear advantage of having four cylinders instead of only two cylinders means it is much more fluid and smoother to run than Ducati's bikes, which use only two. A test in very wet weather demonstrated to us how well the traction control system works. We experienced almost no slippage apart from a flashing telltale illumination light which appeared as a warning, but certainly no perceptible road slip. The expansive electronics system also comes into play when correcting wheelies, and on reducing the traction control level from six down to four this feature of the electronic system becomes deactivated, instantly making a noticeably greater field for the allowable slip. To test out the amazing wheelie and slip control, we located a loop of the track where this was easy for us to achieve. With level six of the controls in action, the flashing light occurred, and we noticed an inconspicuous amount of slip before the front of the bike began to lift and the wheelie control took over. Performing exactly the same test at level four of the traction control system resulted in the rear of the bike slipping very slightly before coming smoothly under control, allowing the YZF-R1 to raise its head on exit. There was little need to experiment with lower levels of traction control as the ride at level four was very satisfactory for our needs and for those of most riders that we could envisage. The rear wheel slip can only be described as wonderfully and smoothly controlled. Note that although we didn't test the bike to its very limits, we've heard both Rick Olson, the 2010 FX Supersport Champion and Cameron Donald, who has twice won the Isle of Man TT, also chose to ride this bike using the level four traction control, in wet weather conditions. What about the experience of riding the bike in better, dryer conditions? Using level four mode here may feel too meddlesome for riders who have lots of experience, but for those who are just starting out with experiencing the power of an open class sportsbike like this one, these system features may prove invaluable to them. All of the traction control levels can be accessed on the fly, as well as a selection of variable engine power maps. There is also a steering damper which has electronic controls. So are there any real downsides to the YZF-R1 model? It's certainly bulkier and undoubtedly heavier than some of the competitors in the market which originate from Japan and Europe. For those who ride in the fastest groups on track days, this could certainly be thought of as a negative aspect of the bike. But for those of us, the majority of riders who enjoy taking their bikes out in the real world, the YZF-R1 offers riders plenty to be thankful for and to enjoy with its functional design and comfortable features. Despite our obvious delight in the new traction control system, perhaps the best feature of the YZF-R1 is the contemporary cross-plane crankshaft engine, which gives the engine an expressive quality that both feels fantastic when riding on track and has an effortless power when riding in the open country or on hills. For racetrack enthusiasts, the heaviness of the modern cross-plane crankshaft engine can no doubt be seen as detrimental and does add unwanted weight to the bike when racing, but the majority of bike riders will derive great pleasure from the characterfulness and personality of the engine. It takes a little time to adjust to the throttle which is controlled by the electrics and needs a proficient touch in order to achieve a smooth ride, but we believe that this is something that any owner would effortlessly learn to achieve. The YZF-R1's braking capabilities are more than adequate with its excellent six piston calipers. There is no ABS with the YZF-R1. This has been deliberately omitted from the bike by the engineers who argued that installing it would affect the weight penalty. When braking very hard, the rear of the bike is still well controlled thanks to a slipper clutch. Since the bike launched back in 1998 the YZF-R1 has easily been the sexiest-looking of sportsbikes to come out of Japan. Paying great attention to detail, Yamaha have honed the fine details and finish of the bike to a level that surpasses even Honda. The 2012 model has a wonderfully finished top triple clamp adding to what was already a rather special cockpit view, adding a touch of class to the whole machine. The front LED lighting is beneficial and cunning, but the side view of the bike is not as fluid and seems to have lost some of the flowing lines that were visible on some of the earlier models. We aren't too keen on the number plate hanger or the covers which protect the exhaust and the mufflers, which strike us as more bare than minimalist, but these are easily remedied with a few simple tools and so not seriously detrimental to the overall package. A very limited edition of the YZF-R1, with only 2000 available worldwide, features a red and white anniversary model for an additional cost, but there is nothing to really separate the models and make this edition worthwhile apart from the colour and a small plaque which is attached to the tank. For a serious track rider, there are no doubt better options available than the YZF-R1. However, taking into account the new traction control system, and an improvement in engine power, this sports bike is ideal for riders who perfer to be out in the hills and is unmatched in the market for sportsbikes. Its special qualities come from its amazing engine capabilities, great ergonomics and a superbly detailed level of finish, all of which combine to produce a rather special and charismatic bike with a smooth engine. Let's finish with a summary of the positive and negative aspects of the YZF-R1. Clearly, the YZF-R1 has a superb engine that is both charismatic but still very smooth and an excellent traction control system which is unrivalled in its class. It also has a superb and sexy finish that is a joy to behold for any bike enthusiast. The only real downsides to the YZF-R1 are the facts that is can be considered to be a little bulky and heavy, especially for serious and experienced racetrack riders, and that there are no ABS features included in the bike's specifications. Click here to view the news

Jorge Lorenzo Position 2nd - Time +9.223 “What a day! I’m very happy, it was easier than I expected because Dani made a mistake in a corner and crashed. I wanted to keep with Casey but he was so strong. Today all I had to do was finish the race and I have become World Champion for the second time. It’s such a sweet feeling! I want to thank all the team, Yamaha, my family, my friends, sponsors and fans who support me. Today is an amazing moment. We’ve been very patient, very concentrated and finally the World title arrives!” Wilco Zeelenberg - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager “It was a very exciting start to the Phillip Island race, we knew we had to beat Dani and of course he knew as well so he pushed really hard in the beginning. In the end it was a bit too hard, but chapeau to him for trying. We knew we had good pace and think we maybe could have beaten him anyway on consistency. From that point Jorge only had to bring it home. He’s had a great season of wins or second places and now the world Championship title!” Massimo Meregalli - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director “Jorge has really delivered an amazing season for Yamaha and again today we saw his trademark consistency and dedication to deliver second on the podium. From the first race in Qatar his consistency and dedication have been that of a champion so we fully expected he could achieve the best result possible. I want to thank the whole Team who have also been responsible for the success, working as hard as him to make sure he has had a competitive bike to fight with his rivals at each round. It has been a pleasure to watch him ride this year, he is a worthy champion.” Masahiko Nakajima - General Manager Motorsport Development Division, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd “I am very happy to be able to congratulate Jorge Lorenzo for taking his second premier class MotoGP World Championship title with Yamaha whilst still in Phillip Island and with one round remaining. This would not have been possible without the hard work of the Team, YMC MotoGP Group and all Yamaha Motor Racing staff so I have to thank them all for their efforts. All of us at Yamaha are proud to have witnessed his performance from the beginning of the season to now, always pushing at the front and fighting to this point to become 2012 World Champion. This season’s results add to his already successful career with Yamaha, I believe we can look forward to more success in Valencia in two weeks time.” Lin Jarvis - Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Racing "I congratulate Jorge on his second MotoGP World Championship title with Yamaha. He has been faultless all season. To be able to achieve 1st or 2nd in every race he finished is an extraordinary performance of a dedicated perfectionist and a true champion.

 To be able to produce these performances Jorge relies upon the support of a huge network of people. I would like to give my thanks and congratulations to the Yamaha Motor group, all Yamaha Factory Racing Team staff, our technical partners and suppliers, our sponsors, and also to Jorge’s personal staff. Without the efforts of all of these people this fantastic result would not have been possible.

 Having won the championship with one race to spare we go to Valencia to try to crown this already excellent season with a race victory in front of his home fans and to enjoy a much deserved celebration all together." www.yamaha-racing.com Click here to view the news

Spies is currently at home in the USA recovering from injuries sustained in the Grand Prix of Malaysia one week ago. The Texan had successful surgery this week to repair torn ligament damage in the right shoulder and will need a recovery period of eight to ten weeks. www.yamaha-racing.com Click here to view the news

Pocock also impressed on several MX2-GP substitute appearances in 2012 where his speed was enough to place him in contention for top ten results. “It is a dream,” the twenty year old revealed on his new deal. “When I came here a few years ago I didn’t think I would be signing up for a ride like this and to be ‘factory’. I think I have it in me now to deliver. I am older, more mature and I want to be a part of the front group in the world championship next year. That is my objective and I think I can do it.” After Grand Prix outings in the last two years in the MX1 class (and two top four finishes in the fierce Australian Championship) determined Aussie Dean Ferris is a bold acquisition for the team in MX2 where he remains eligible thanks to his 22 years. “Obviously I’m super-excited to be a Monster Energy Yamaha rider and this is the best ride I have had so far with a very good and established team,” he said. “I know the YZ250F is very competitive and I feel like I have a great chance to show what I can do in 2013. I know a bit about the Dixon-led team having been part of the GP paddock and also with people like Andrew McFarlane having raced and won for them. I am fully recovered from the shoulder problem I had earlier this year and I’m raring to go.” Maxime Desprey was one of Pocock’s rivals on the European season this year and was actually the first rider to beat the eventual champion when he ended Pocock’s six moto winning streak across the hills of Loket for the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic. He then defeated Pocock in both motos at the British Grand Prix several weeks later and was heading for a decent finale to the series when a broken collarbone ruled him out with one meeting remaining. Desprey – another of the stylish and rapid motocross racers to emerge from France in the last decade – is a former junior motocross and supercross national champion and after two years turning heads at European level is now ready for the jump to MX2-GP. “This is a great opportunity for me and the team and the bike are both proven, and it’s that sort of quality that gives you confidence as a racer,” the nineteen year old commented. “I can’t wait to get started as a Monster Energy Yamaha rider and next season cannot come along quick enough.” “It’s nice to have these exciting riders onboard for next season as MX2 continues to become a category where we are seeing the cream of youngsters around the world rise to the top,” said Steve Dixon. “We had a great season with Mel and the rate of his development has shown what hard work and the right attitude can do. I see no reason why he cannot aim for a top six finish in MX2. Through the European campaign we have come to learn more about Maxime and he is another prospect we are happy to work with and Dean and brings some valuable experience from MX1 and from leading the Australian Championship. Overall I think we can be very optimistic of what we can do and show in 2013 both through the riders and our machinery that will again be very competitive. We want to add to our growing list of Grand Prix winners and on a personal note I’m already looking forward to my twenty-fourth Grand Prix year with a novel calendar and through the enthusiasm we have through the team.” Source www.yamaha-racing.com Click here to view the news

Team mate Ben Spies had his Motegi race brought to a premature halt on the second lap of the race. The Texan’s brakes over heated going into turn one, leaving him no option but to run straight off the track for safety. The DNF means Spies remains in 10th place on 88 points. Jorge Lorenzo Position 2nd - Time: +4.275 “I was completely at the maximum trying to stay with Dani but today we had such different performance on the straights and he was also riding really well. I tried to stay with him but it was impossible, maybe next time it will be different. For sure the Championship is closer now, but we are still very competitive and have the chance to win.” Ben Spies DNF “I’m incredibly frustrated with today’s result. We’ve known all weekend that the brakes could be an issue due to the tough nature of the track but I did not expect to have trouble on the second lap. The team has worked really hard all weekend and we’ve delivered podium pace with the bike so it’s not the result we deserve. We’ll go to Sepang now and try to put this behind us and hopefully have a trouble-free weekend." Wilco Zeelenberg - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager “An important second place of course but a little disappointing to lose the win to Dani. You have to keep in mind that we have a lot to lose at the moment. We know how Jorge is, he would like to win each one but also in his mind is the Championship and you can see that during the race.” Massimo Meregalli - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director “Ben had an issue with the brakes on the second lap of the race. This circuit is very demanding for the braking system and most of the riders highlighted the same problems, although Ben suffered more than anybody else. The warm-up lap and lap one of the race went relatively smoothly but then on the second lap he was not able to stop the bike. Data does not show anything different on that corner compared with previous practices. Jorge once again showed his talent and cleverness. He tried at the beginning to stay in front but then used his experience to maintain second position and look forward to bigger results. We are going to Sepang not aiming for another second but for the win.” Click here to view the news

Now this is an amazing custom...

65,000 fans travelled to the annual season curtain-closer and the yearly fantastic carnival of colour and action that brings over thirty countries together with their three fastest representatives to do action through three races on one day. Germany was able to triumph for the first time ahead of the host nation and outgoing champions USA. Puerto Rico were unable to enter the A-Final on Sunday after Monster Energy Yamaha's Zach Osborne suffered a crash on Saturday and then another in the opening phases of the 'last chance' heat. The American pulled back to fifth position on his rapid YZ250F but was another rider waving farewell to the European racing scene as the former British Champion and 2009 Turkish GP winner will be returning to his native country after four competitive years on YZ technology. Team-mate Arnaud Tonus (for Switzerland) was desperately unlucky to fall and sustain an impact from another rider on Saturday and underwent an operation on Sunday to repair broken tibia and fibula bones in his right leg. Josh Coppins: "It was a tough track but it reminded me there is no chance of another comeback! After that second race I was so tired I was thinking 'no, never again!'. Three motos was hard today because we had to qualify from the B-Final. There were times when I rode really well today and I'm proud about that. We improved our set-up in the sand in the past week. I feel that if I ha been racing more then I would have been able to do more but I'm happy and looking forward to stopping. The next chapter is more work with Yamaha and New Zealand and some different roles." Zach Osborne: "It was not the best of weekends but I had some good speed. Just a mistake in the qualifying practice took us out and into the B-Final. I was fifth there, but we did our best and hopefully will be back next year. Obviously the Motocross of Nations is a massive event with an electric atmosphere and everything you'd want a race meeting to be as a pro motocrosser. I started my European adventure at this track in 2008 and I've learnt a lot about myself in this time. It has been a big journey and I want to give thanks to everyone who has made me feel so welcome and helped me out." 66th Motocross of Nations classification 1. Germany 2. Belgium 3. USA 4. Holland 5. ItalySource yamaha-racing.com Click here to view the news

Ben Spies made a promising start to the Aragon race, climbing a position off the line to drop into the first corner in third behind Pedrosa and hotly pursued by Stefan Bradl and Yamaha Tech3 riders Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow. As the two front runners pulled away, Bradl made a move past Spies and then immediately crashed out of the race. The Texan worked hard to fend of the two satellite riders, eventually conceding his third place to Dovizioso on lap 14 and fourth place to Crutchlow on lap 17 to take his third fifth place finish of the year. Spies heads to Motegi in two weeks time still in tenth place in the Championship, now with 88 points. Jorge Lorenzo Position 2nd - Time +6.472 “I was thinking to try for the win at the beginning of the race and if that was not possible then second place was the best possible result for the Championship. Dani had a better pace in the end, I was stronger at the start then little by little I was a bit slower, the tyres were slipping a lot and I couldn’t follow him. I nearly crashed in one corner and decided then to stay in second place and wait for the end of the race.” Ben Spies Position 5th - Time +13.786 “I struggled a bit with the front tyre today at the beginning and then in the middle of the race. I tried to keep Dovi and Cal at bay as long as I could. Once they passed me I tried to hold onto the back of them in case they made a mistake. The bike was working well we just didn’t have it working as exactly as we needed to stay with them. We did our best they were just too quick in the end.” Click here to view the news

I've always got it open in a separate window ;-)

Hi, it's not a virus. There is indeed a pop up which appears to non registered (or signed out) users when they go to leave the page. It sets a 7 day cookie so non members will only see this once a week. The reason it is there is to encourage all the guest visitors we get to sign up. We get thousands of regular visitors who browse the forums who don't sign up. I thought I'd give that a go rather than only allow them to browse a certain number of posts. What are the issues you're having with the script? I'm unable to reproduce any errors.

It wasn’t just the YZF-R1 dominating at Homestead; the YZF-R6 Supersport machine was also the one to beat. Yamaha Extended Service Graves Yamaha’s Cameron Beaubier won Saturday’s Daytona Sportbike race and RoadRace Factory R6 rider Jake Gagne took the honours on Sunday. The podiums and wins continued to flow in the support classes with an impressive 20 Yamaha R6 top ten finishes over the weekend. “It’s pretty incredible to win my third AMA Pro Superbike Championship”, Hayes said. I want to give a big thank you to Yamaha, not just to my team but all the employees and dealers for the opportunity to race the R1 for you.” “Congratulations to the entire Monster Energy Graves Yamaha Team”, said Yamaha Road Racing Team Manager Tom Halverson. “It’s been an incredible season and it tales so many pieces of the puzzle to put together three consecutive Superbike Championships. Thanks to Josh, our crew and sponsors and all the people back at Yamaha that made this happen.” Source www.yamaha-racing.com Click here to view the news

Here the eighteen year old from Parma describes the experience of travelling over to compete on another continent and through capping a remarkable season in which she has dominated women’s dirtbike racing. ‘Fonta’s’ work this season is not quite complete yet as she aims to win her seventh event from a total of eight in the 2012 FIM series with the Grand Prix of Germany this weekend. Kiara, were the motos tougher or harder than you expected in the USA? No, not really, although I didn’t expect to win so easily there…in fact I didn’t expect to win! So it was a surprise in a way. I thought the level would be higher than it is in Europe but it isn’t. If anything it is the other way and I think there are faster girls in Europe. What comparison can you make between the American and European scenes? I found many good things but as I was over for just one race then I don’t think I really got the full picture. I thought there might be more emphasis behind women’s motocross, but it is not so different to Europe. Overall some things were better but then the FIM World Championship also wins in other parts. How did you find Lake Elsinore? The track was new for everyone and it was really deep and wet in the beginning with a lot of jumps, doubles and a big table-top. I didn’t do one of the doubles which Fiolek was making every lap. The track was not easy but it was cool and I enjoyed riding it. Are you thinking about an AMA season now? It is hard to say right now! I feel good in the FIM World Championship and that’s where I’ll be next year with Yamaha and Monster Energy. But I love the USA so…who knows what options we might have for the future. How was the reception from the press and the American public and people? Really nice. I felt good with everyone there, especially the Yamaha and Monster Energy people and all the help from the Rock River team; they were really hospitable and made me feel at home. It was cool to meet some other Pro riders like Blake Baggett. I asked him for a photo and he said because I’d gone 1-1 at the meeting then he’d like a photo with me! It was also nice to have congratulations from Ken [Roczen] and Marvin [Musquin] and Gareth Swanepoel and even Mitch Payton. I wasn’t sure how the American fans would feel about a European coming over and beating their girls but the response was good and the reaction to my visit was really positive. I am happy we went and I want to give a big thanks to all who made it possible. Source www.yamaha-racing.com Click here to view the news

Jorge Lorenzo Position 1st - Time: 42'49.836 “It’s been a very tough weekend because Dani and I have been very close in the qualifying and the warm up. Unfortunately today he had really bad luck, first with the lights at the beginning of the race and then Hector took him out. This was really unfortunate for him. In Holland we were unlucky and today he was unlucky, anything can happen in these races. We have to be happy with our result and the point advantage we now have, for sure we are much more calm now than before the race! The race was difficult for everyone, only having qualifying was not enough when you have to set up the chassis and electronics and everything for the race. It was hotter during the race so there was less grip too. I almost crashed in turn one but managed to save it too!” Ben Spies Position 5th - Time: +7.543 “I know we didn’t get on the podium but I’m glad we were able to finally just have a normal race. Some of the times weren’t quick enough for the podium but we put on a good charge in the end. We struggled with a few things, especially some feeling with the front tyre. It’s been a difficult weekend and we didn’t start the race with the perfect set up but luckily could still put together an ok race. After what’s happened in the last eight weeks it almost feels like a podium for me!” Wilco Zeelenberg - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager “A very spectacular race and an important victory. Of course I feel sorry for Dani because he didn’t deserve what happened. At the end of the day you can’t have 18 races without incidents, it would be nice but impossible. We’re leading now with 38 points with five races to go so we need to keep up the pressure to the end.” Massimo Meregalli - Yamaha Factory Racing Team Director “A great victory for Jorge, especially during a special event for Yamaha with the Race-Blu launch. A shame for Dani, suffering the same as we did in Assen. We’re in a great position now but from here to the end we need to stay consistent. Unfortunately Ben didn’t have a great feeing with the front tyre which compromised his results. A top five finish is good anyway after such a difficult weekend and definitely a step in the right direction.” Click here to view the news