2012 BMW R1200GS ABS

Available only for Luthi’s native Switzerland, the BMW R1200GS Tom Luthi Edition will be presented at the 2012 Swiss Moto show, Feb. 16 in Zurich. Switzerland is obviously an important market for BMW, being adjacent to the German manufacturer’s home. The R1200GS is also BMW’s best-selling model, worldwide but also in Switzerland where it has topped the sales charts seven years running.The Luthi edition GS features an a black color scheme accented by BMW’s brand colors include a blue brake caliper.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R1

Besides the new traction control system, however, the new R1 is largely the same machine we’ve had since 2009. It’s still powered by the same 998cc inline-Four cylinder engine, using crossplane crankshaft technology derived from MotoGP. Power output remains the same which, according to our 2009 Literbike Shootout, means 146.1 horsepower to the rear wheel at 11,800 rpm. That number was the lowest of the quartet back then, and with new models today knocking on the door of 200 (crankshaft) horsepower, it’s interesting to think Yamaha may have missed the boat in adding more power for this 2012 redesign.

2012 Yamaha YZF-R15

Look closer and finer changes are apparent; the still compact R15 looking longer than its predecessor, as its wheelbase has extended 55mm (nearly 2 inches), thanks to a new alloy swingarm, rare for this class of motorcycle. A larger 130/70 section radial rear tire completes the muscular looking rear. The front disc brake enjoys a larger carrier, while the rear disc is now slightly bigger at 220mm.