Ben Spies world superbike test
October 9, 2009 - Jon Pearson
Fresh from its world championship showdown, Ben Spies' Yamaha R1 bike gets the SuperBike treatment ... Scroll down for the full story
A quick tyre change and a polish, maybe a splash of fuel and it's back out on track. Ben Spies gets off his Yamaha Italia YZF-R1, is crowned world champion and who's the next person to swing a leg over his trusted mule? Er, me. Fill those shoes.
In fact the first thing I noticed is those Alpinestars 'shoes' of his must be pretty damn big. The gear lever is miles away, even for my size 11s. So I ride around Portimao's first tight right-hander in second not first gear because I've got my foot too far back and miss the down-shift. I hope no-one notices.
From that point onwards this very special machine is, blindingly obviously, extremely hard to find fault with. Race bikes often feel a little awkward but not so with Spies' set-up it's straight forward and, I'm loath to say it, 'neutral'. It's balanced and not quite as front-end biased like I expected.
The precision of the steering is the most immediate thing to grab your attention, whether on the brakes or throttle – whatever lean angle you put it at it stays there until you ask for another one.
The other incredible thing, which turns out to be not exclusive to the Yamaha but all WSB bikes these days, is the astonishing electronic control from the Marelli system. With no shortage of grip from the Pirelli slicks, solid support from the hand-built chassis and factory Ohlins suspension it took me about half a lap to realise it would be nearly impossible to fall off the thing.
Open the throttle as early as you dare and it sets off in a smooth arc. The only thing stopping you is the strength to hold on. There's more, so much more to say but this is just a taster to get you a) in the mood and b) to buy the magazine (which is the thing which pays the bills round here).
To find out more stay tuned to SuperBike magazine where among other interesting features you'll find a test of Nori Haga's Ducati Xerox, Max Biaggi's Aprilia, Jonathan Rea's Ten Kate Honda, Cal Crituchlow's Yamaha Italia R6, Eugene Laverty's supersport Parkalgar Honda, Ruben Xaus' BMW S1000RR and much, much more
Subscribe to Superbike Magazine
What is SuperBike?
SuperBike is an irreverent, humorous and massively informative magazine for all kinds of bikers. The staff has decades of testing and riding experience and are all still passionate about bikes. Biking is – or should be – great fun as well as a huge thrill.