2013-Yamaha-R1

To us, the 2013 Yamaha R1, for the last nine years, has been one thing above all other superbikes — an ultimate cornering machine. The introduction of the crossplane crankshaft in 2009 complimented that prowess by enhancing a rider’s feel of what the rear wheel was doing, meaning you could get on the power that much earlier in complete confidence.
That’s a characteristic which should combine well with this new 7-mode, switchable traction control system. Because the R1 already has ride-by-wire in the form of Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle, traction control was a relatively easy addition. This new system monitors front and rear wheel speed, RPM, throttle position and gear selection. It monitors lean angle by reading changes in the rolling circumference of the tires. When rear wheel slide reaches a certain degree — determined by lean angle and which level you’ve selected — YCC-T adjusts the injection and ignition to bring it back in line.
Other changes are minor. There’s no extra ponies, but more importantly, they’ve managed to smooth out the previously rough fueling. A mode can no longer be referred to as, “nutcracker mode,” it’s been smoothed out to replicate the feeling of Standard mode while still offering 30 percent quicker throttle response during the first 50 percent of throttle opening. The rear shock now has a spring that’s stiffer at the beginning of its stroke and softer at its end. The rate was changed from 98.1n/mm to 93.2n/mm and spring preload has been increased. All that results in better bump absorption and improved rear traction. That can be felt on bump roads too, the ride is now much plusher.