2012 Yamaha (YZF-R in Los Angeles, CA

2012 R1 over the previous models, but the big news was the six-stage traction control system, incorporating anti-wheelie in its two highest levels. The restyled nose, slotted YZR-M1-style top yoke and a longer, softer rear shock. It?s smooth, grunty, fast, roomy and comfortable and now has the added safety of traction control, which works amazingly well. With its crossplane crank and irregular firing order layout, the 998cc inline-four-cylinder engine is virtually vibration free and despite its rumbling exhaust note from the GYTR carbon fiber slip-ons, it has an incredibly linear power delivery, the grunt of a V-twin and the free-wheeling engine braking of a two-stroke.