Yamaha took the wraps off their 2012 YZR-M1 MotoGP bike this week. Here are a few of the machine’s details.
The 1000cc inline four puts over 240 hp through the bike’s six speed extractable transmission, meaning the machine could hit 220 mph trap times. Yamaha is hoping to dethrone Honda, who dominated MotoGP last season, so they need all the speed they can get.
The chassis is based around an aluminum twin tube frame and swingarm, and is designed with versatility in mind, so the team can change steering angle and height if they see the need. Suspension comes from Ohlins, front and rear, and is completely adjustable. Tires are 16.5-inch units from Bridgestone.
The bike’s brakes come from Brembo; up front, the machine has two 320mm carbon fiber discs, with four opposed pistons. There’s a single stainless steel disc in back. The bike weighs 157kg, in keeping with MotoGP regulations. The bike will see its first real race when the MotoGP season gets underway April 8 in Quatar.
Andrea Dovizioso, riding with satellite team Monster Yamaha Tech 3, says he feels he’s got a lot of work ahead, learning to ride the new bike, but teammate Cal Crutchlow seems to be pretty happy with the machine, saying the 1000cc motor suits his riding style well.
