Yamaha Racing with Ipone is the leading team in the Australian FX-Superbike Championship, with Kevin Curtain winning his third successive title during the 2012 season aboard the team’s YZF-R1.

Curtain and teammate Rick Olson went 1-2 in the FX-Superbike series, while Cru Halliday won the Formula Oz series on a highly modified version of the Yamaha Superbike.

CycleOnline.com.au had the chance to test Curtain’s R1 alongside his R6 and Halliday’s R1 in a test at Queensland Raceway during December, enabling us to sample some of the most successful race bikes of last season (stay tuned for the other tests).

With just minimal modifications allowed in the FX series, Curtain’s R1 is stunningly close to what’s available on showroom floors – each upgrade readily available for consumers.

CycleOnline.com.au’s Alex Gobert aboard the Yamaha Racing with Ipone YZF-R1. Image: Keith Muir.

An Ohlins TTX shock absorber is fitted, while a front fork cartridge kit and springs are also used. There’s also an Ohlins steering damper kit bolted on for stability.

Engine-wise, its only real modification according to Yamaha is the Power Commnder and auto tuner, fitted to the standard ECU and wiring loom. The claimed horsepower figure is around 185. In addition, a DNA airfilter is also used. There’s a quick-shifter as well, which makes each gear change seamless. As per the team’s title sponsorship, Ipone oils are used to lubricate the engine.

There’s a GYTR crash knob set, Racers Edge race fairing set with screen, YRT replica paint graphics, DID 520 racing chain and guard, GYTR 520 sprockets front and rear, end case protector set, Goodridge braided steel front brake line set, radiator stone guard Akrapovic titanium racing exhaust system, rear stand lugs, a lap timer and Dunlop’s GPA control tyre set.

All of those parts fitted are done so with a purpose, finely tuned by the Queensland-based Yamaha Racing Team over the years and ultimately developing the R1 into one of the most user-friendly Superbikes you’ll find.

Yamaha held a media test day at Queensland Raceway. Image: Keith Muir.

On track Kev’s R1 is incredibly easy to ride, confidence inspiring from the outset and I had my knee on the deck within the opening lap. Put simply, I cannot emphasize enough how nice this championship winner is to ride.

What it feels like is an awesome handling track day bike, not aggressive in any form, but still obviously powerful enough to challenge the likes of Glenn Allerton and the potent BMW S 1000 RR. Thinking back to last year’s season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park, riding this bike makes sense why Kev’s mid-corner speed was so quick.

The side grip is second to none and I believe that you’ll see former World Supersport legends like Curtain and this year Broc Parkes excel on the YRT R1. It favours high corner speed and has a real nimble feel to it due to the ‘perfect’ suspension setting. It is a soft, but controlled, feel that’s far more forgiving than your average factory racer.

The brakes aren’t overly powerful, but pull the bike up as late as I dare, no doubt assisted by the Goodridge lines. The balance under braking is impressive and the front-end feel allows you to peel it into the turn on demand.

Mid-corner stability is exceptional on Curtain’s FX-Superbike. Image: Keith Muir.

Compared to some of the slightly lighter Superbikes I’ve ridden it’s not quite as easy to correct minor mistakes if you run wide or miss your braking point, but at ‘journo pace’ I couldn’t fault it apart from the odd instance of rider error…

The acceleration of the R1 with its crossplane engine is always amazing, made even better by the thrill of the quick-shifter. My riding style favours smooth motors, so the gradual powerband of the Yamaha is super comfortable for me.

Even though YRT turns the traction control off, there’s no real indication of wheel spin. I’m sure with Kev in the saddle it’d light up here and there, but at my speed it was all grip at all times – just how I like it!

Overall you have to commend Yamaha for their success in FX, winning numerous titles in succession and doing a mighty fine job of refining the R1 into one of the best bikes in the country. It’s going to be interesting to see what Curtain’s lap times are like when he’s aboard the up-spec Formula Oz racer in 2013.

Kevin Curtain’s FX-Superbike title winner. Image: Keith Muir.